Pack Rat

Neotoma spp., also referred to as “wood rats” or “trade rats”, are widely distributed over much of North America. Pack rats are apparently attracted to small, bright, shiny objects such as spoons, small pieces of jewelry, broken bits of mirrors, coins or other items, sometimes leaving sticks, nuts or other materials in trade. Pack rats are rat-sized mammals with large ears, large dark eyes and a fairly long tail that is sparsely covered with hair or, depending on the species, well-furred with long hair. Their fur is soft; dorsal fur is colored cinnamon, brown, gray, yellowish gray or creamy buff; feet and ventral parts are generally much lighter in color; the tail is blackish or puff, paler on the ventral surface.

Pack rats are much larger than mice and tend to resemble the introduced roof rat in general size and shape. The head and body length is about 7 to 8 inches and the tail is 6 to 7 inches long. Their clean appearance, soft fur and well-haired ears help distinguish this native species from the Norway and roof rats.

Usually dens are situated on the ground. Ground dens measure 3 to 5 feet in height and diameter; tree nests are somewhat smaller. One animal may inhabit several nests, and in good feeding areas a den may be occupied for several years or a lifetime. Pack rats live alone except when mating or rearing young.