Range and distribution
Woodrats reach their greatest diversity in the deserts of the western United States and northern Mexico. Several species are also found in the deciduous forest of the east coast, juniper woodlands in the southwest, oak woodlands along the coastal western United States and in the Sonoran Desert, and in the forest and rocky habitats of the western United States and western Canada.[7]
Pack Rat Identification
Color:hybrid hue of brown and grey
Size:30 cm long
Legs:4
Antennae:No
Shape:large ears that extend outwards, wide eyes accompanied with long whiskers
Region:deserts of the western United States and northern Mexico
Habitat
Each species of pack rat is generally restricted to a given type of habitat within its range. Pack rats live anywhere from low, hot, dry deserts to cold, rocky slopes above timberline. Pack rats build complex houses or dens made of twigs, cactus joints, and other materials. These contain several nest chambers, food caches, and debris piles. Dens are often built in small caves or rocky crevices, but when close by human habitations, woodrats will opportunistically move into the attics and walls of houses. Some Neotoma species, such as the white-throated woodrat (N. albigula), use the bases of prickly pear or cholla cactus as the sites for their homes, using the cactus' spines for protection from predators. Others, like the desert woodrat (N. lepida), will build dens around the base of a yucca or cactus, such as jumping and teddy-bear chollas. The largest species, Neotoma cinerea, has a bushy, almost squirrel-like tail. Bushy-tailed woodrats occupy a range of habitats from boreal woodlands to deserts. They are cliff-dwellers and are often found on isolated, high elevation exposed boulder areas under a variety of temperature and moisture conditions.[8] They require adequate shelter among the rocks, though they are occasionally found inhabiting abandoned buildings as well. Information Credit: Wikipedia / myarizona.org Information Credit: wikipeda / myarizona.org