Range and Habitat: Two subspecies occur in Kansas, Neotoma floridana campestris in the northwestern part of the state and Neotoma floridana attwateri in the eastern half of the state. [2], Eastern woodrats are aggressive towards conspecifics. 1. Belly and feet are white. An adult woodrat weighs approximatel… The Woodrats store edible and non-edible material in their dens, and it is not known why the inedible materials are kept. Eastern Woodrat or Packrat Neotoma floridana. Woodrats do not change significantly i… Kansas and Nebraska) breed from early spring to mid fall. Acorns are a major food source for all woodrat populations, as oak trees are found throughout its range and acorns can be stored for a long time. Elk. Those in warmer climates (e.g. The solitary eastern woodrat builds a large house, up to 4 m long, 2 m wide, and 1 m high (Murphy 1952) for protection from predators and the elements (Wiley 1980) (Figure 4). ... Eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana): Eastern woodrats are state endangered and found in only seven counties in southern Illinois. Disney’s breeding program was scrapped in 2012. [2] Reintroduction to north-eastern states, such as Illinois, have occurred in the 2010s. Diet. [6], Pups are born with closed eyes, limited amount of hair and immediately attached to the teat. They offer protection from some predators, but not from snakes and weasels, which can follow the Woodrat into its den. [16] In Texas, pecan nuts are a major food source; in Tennessee, mint and beechnuts were found to be the most cached item; in Pennsylvania, mushrooms were one of the top food items. Maximum longevity of this rat in nature is about three years. While widespread and not uncommon, it has declined or disappeared in several areas. While the species appears to never have been abundant, it remains widespread and reasonably common. The species only becomes sociable during breeding season. Woodrats build extensive stick nests in which they larder bright, shiny objects, hence the nickname “packrats.” The Eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana), the only woodrat species in South Carolina, has gray-brown or rusty brown fur on the back with darker hairs down the center Females have six nipples. Eastern Woodrat. Only anecdotal evidence exists concerning woodrat carnivory. [6] The eastern woodrat's habitat ranges latitudinally from central Florida to southeastern New York, and longitudinally from Connecticut to eastern Colorado. Bushy-tailed woodrats are preyed upon by many predators, including: spotted owls, bobcats, black bears, coyotes, weasels, martens, and hawks. [2] The Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) was previously considered a subspecies but was elevated to species status based on comparative mitochondrial DNA analyses. It is a priority species in the state Wildlife Action Plan. In both areas it prefers rock outcrops as den sites. [17] Starting in September, the woodrat will start to forage and store food in its midden for use and survival in the winter. [22], Drinking water is typically not needed. Neotoma floridana (Ord 1818) is a cricetid commonly called the eastern woodrat or packrat. Nebraska mammals are adapted to a wide variety of habitats. The roundworm is a known mortality factor in woodrats in Indiana, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with infection rates of around 75%. Free-ranging domestic cats are thought to be effective Key Largo woodrat predators (Potts et al. Click to expand. The most common predators of eastern woodrats are great horned owls (Bubo … Description: Woodrats are medium-sized rodents, but are rather large when compared to other mice and rats. The Allegheny woodrat is now extirpated from Connecticut and New York, studies in remaining northern states document decline, and its status in southern states is un- known because of a shortage of recent surveys. 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