The Bushy-tailed Woodrat is distinguished from other woodrats by its thick, squirrel-like bushy tail and is the largest woodrat in North America. It inhabits rocky cliffs, talus slopes, and old buildings across western North America, building stick houses in sheltered rock crevices. Its urine crystallizes into a varnish-like amber lacquer called amberat that preserves plant material in middens for tens of thousands of years.
Best time to see a Bushy-tailed Woodrat
The best time to see a Bushy-tailed Woodrat is March–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,307 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Bushy-tailed Woodrat? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Bushy-tailed Woodrat sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Bushy-tailed Woodrat?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.