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WOOD RAT WOOD RAT

Courtesy of National Park Service Courtesy of National Park Service

WOOD RAT WOOD RAT

Courtesy of National Park Service Courtesy of National Park Service
WOOD RAT WOOD RAT WOOD RAT WOOD RAT

Life Cycle Life Cycle
Newborn wood rats open their eyes in 10-12 days, and are weaned Newborn wood rats open their eyes in 10-12 days, and are weaned
between 14-42 days. They mature in two months, and the mother can between 14-42 days. They mature in two months, and the mother can
produce up to five litters in one year, with up to five young in each litter. produce up to five litters in one year, with up to five young in each litter.
Wood Rats are polygamous, but may stick with a single mate for the Wood Rats are polygamous, but may stick with a single mate for the
breeding season. breeding season.

Courtesy of National Park Service Courtesy of National Park Service
Actual size 6 to 8” Actual size 6 to 8”
WOOD RAT WOOD RAT

The Wood Rat is native to Arizona, where it is also known as the pack rat. They get the pack rat name The Wood Rat is native to Arizona, where it is also known as the pack rat. They get the pack rat name
from their characteristic of collecting objects, especially shiny ones, to bring back to their nests. The from their characteristic of collecting objects, especially shiny ones, to bring back to their nests. The
nests are built of twigs and cactus, and located in sheltered areas such as small caves or other animal’s nests are built of twigs and cactus, and located in sheltered areas such as small caves or other animal’s
burrows. They can also build them in the walls and attics of structures. They will use the cactus spines burrows. They can also build them in the walls and attics of structures. They will use the cactus spines
at times to form protection for the nest. at times to form protection for the nest.

The Wood Rat’s head and body are about 6-8 inches long, and colored gray to grayish-brown, usually The Wood Rat’s head and body are about 6-8 inches long, and colored gray to grayish-brown, usually
with lighter feet and bellies. The ears are large and hairy. Unlike the roof rat’s tail, the tail of the wood rat with lighter feet and bellies. The ears are large and hairy. Unlike the roof rat’s tail, the tail of the wood rat
is hairy, not as scaly, and about the same length as the head and body combined. is hairy, not as scaly, and about the same length as the head and body combined.

Wood Rats are nocturnal animals, and are rarely seen during the day. They will eat nuts, seeds, berries, Wood Rats are nocturnal animals, and are rarely seen during the day. They will eat nuts, seeds, berries,
cactus, and other vegetation. They obtain water from the plants that they eat. cactus, and other vegetation. They obtain water from the plants that they eat.

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