![]() While the larger dens are a treasure chest for archaeologists, other animals benefit from the dens. The metamorphosed droppings and urine are humorously called “amberat” and “ratite” since they can contain pollen, leaves and bones similar to amber. In areas occupied for a long time, the droppings can form deposits resembling geologic formations. Archaeologists and paleontologists study the dens for insight into the past plant, animal and human communities in the area. When a nest owner dies, another woodrat takes over.ĭens of bushy tailed woodrats in the Southwest can be over several thousand years old–even 40,000 years old. ![]() Since dens can be utilized by many generations, they can become quite large. As this urine crystallizes, it cements together collected items. However, woodrats do urinate on top of their dens. The accumulated urine creates white calcareous deposits that are easy to see against dark rocks. They also form large latrines of scats and urine along travel routes. The smell comes from the separate places where they defecate and urinate.īushy-tailed woodrats could be considered “potty-trained” because they deposit their feces in cracks in rocks adjacent to their nests–a deliberate behavior. Some dens are made in hollow trees, pileated woodpecker cavities (packrats are adept tree climbers) or abandoned buildings.ĭespite the distinctive odor emanating from bushy-tailed woodrats living areas they keep their nest clean. Often dens are found in rocky areas such as cliffs, caves, talus slopes and mine tunnels. ![]() As herbivores, they eat a variety of vegetation including twigs, shoots, leaves, needles, fruits and seeds. They store dried berries, leaves, mushrooms and seeds for consumption later in the winter. In the fall, bushy-tailed woodrats begin caching food for the winter. The other chambers are used for food storage and feeding. The nests are small, cup-like structures made from grass and other soft fibrous materials. Within the den are tunnels, chambers and passageways. The den protects the woodrat from predators and insulates it from cold temperatures (since they are active year-round). The den (also called a midden) is constructed from collected items such as sticks, leaves, grass, bark, feathers, small stones and human artifacts. The woodrat’s shelter consists of two parts: the den and nest. The bushy-tailed woodrat adds the collected items to its shelter. They are well-known for their urge to collect anything from sticks and stones to tinfoil and rifle shells. The 14- to 18-inch bushy-tailed woodrat is prey for owls, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, badgers, raccoons, hawks and long-tailed weasels but the cause of death is unknown for this wet woodrat.Ī more common name for the bushy-tailed woodrat is packrat.
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