White-Throated Woodrat

Scientific Name: Neotoma albigula

Order: Rodentia

Family: Cricetidae

Conservation Status

About

The woodrat is often referred to as a packrat because it hoards various items in its den. Their nest can be as big as 4 feet high by 8 feet wide, and filled with nesting materials and manmade objects. They are particularly fond of shiny objects.

Only one packrat resides in each den, unless a mother is caring for her young. During the day, the nocturnal woodrat will take shelter in its den or find a rock crevice or hallow tree. There are 22 known species of woodrats.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Trail of the Jaguar exhibit, adjacent to the barn

Arrived at EPZ: Thistle - 4/15/16; Pollen - 5/22/2018; Bramble - 7/2020; Juniper - 7/2020

Habitat & Range
Southwest U.S. into northeast Mexico. They are found anywhere from low deserts to pine forests.
Identification
Medium sized woodrats have large ears, bulging black eyes, and bi-colored tail. White-throated woodrats have dense pinkish buff topcoat of fur with white fur underneath.
Diet
Desert plants such as prickly pear cactus, cholla, yucca, grass, soapweed, juniper tree, mesquite.
Reproduction & Lifespan
The breeding season lasts from January to September. Females have been known to deliver 5 litter per year, with as many as 5 babies per litter. The gestation period lasts approximately 38 days. White-throated woodrats can live up to 6 years in captivity.
Fantastic Fact
The physiological adaptations of a white-throated woodrat prevent it from over heating in the hot dessert. It can also survive with little water.

White-Throated Woodrat

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact