Pack Rats
Pack Rat Information
Pack rats are small rodents common in many parts of the western United States. Pack rats can live in a variety of different habitats, constructing complex dens of twigs and leaves to live in. Inside these dens, they store excess food and debris, especially shiny and bright objects. This means that these creatures may take objects and trinkets from your home to add to their collection. In search of new items, pack rats can damage your property and generate a lot of noise, disturbing you and your everyday life.
What does a Pack Rat look like?
Pack rats are similar in appearance to standard rats, with long tails, large ears, and big black eyes. Their average size ranges from about 12 to 18 inches. They usually have gray fur on their backs and heads and lighter fur on their bellies and feet. Unlike traditional rats, pack rats often have hairy tails.
What does a Pack Rat eat?
Depending on the region in which they live, pack rat diets vary. Bushytailed woodrats in the western part of the United States eat mainly vegetation. Those found in the south tend to eat fruits and seeds. If it’s nearby, pack rats may also seek out human food easily accessible in garbage cans or left in gardens.
Pack Rat habitats
These rodents adapt quickly to their environment, which allows them to survive in both dry, desert locations, and cool, mountainous areas. Pack rats construct dens, called middens, out of twigs and other materials they collect. Typically, these dens are located in caves or crevices, but the pests will also nest in attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
