Neotoma lepida
It’s hard to miss this rodent’s telltale sign. Look for a pile of sticks, rocks, and cactus joints around large rocks or at the base of tall shrubs! It’s unique habit of collecting things for its nest or midden gives it its nickname of “packrat”. Some nests can be very old and can contain thousand year old plant remains. Scientists have used old woodrat middens to study climate and habitat change. The woodrat has gray to brown fur, a white belly, and large ears, and it is approximately 6 inches long. The female can have 5 litters a year, with up to 5 young per litter. Habitat: It can be found most often in rocky areas where cactus and yucca are abundant. Diet: It is a nocturnal omnivore that relies heavily on cactus and yucca, though it also eats flowers, seeds, fruits, insects, and carrion. Adaptations: The woodrat can tolerate a high intake of oxalic acid from the cactus that it eats. When oxalic acid combines with calcium in the woodrat’s digestive tract it forms calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause calcium deficiency and even kidney damage and death in most mammals, but not for the woodrat!
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