The Eastern Woodrat builds bulky stick nests in rocky outcrops, cliff ledges, and dense brush in the eastern United States. It is a nocturnal pack rat that collects an eclectic array of objects to incorporate into its nest, often leaving behind a different item in exchange—earning the name 'trade rat.' Its populations have declined in portions of the Midwest due to habitat loss and forest succession.
Best time to see a Eastern Woodrat
The best time to see a Eastern Woodrat is January–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 466 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Eastern Woodrat sightings near you
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