Fauna
Mammal

Eastern Woodrat

Neotoma floridana

Also known as Florida Woodrat, Bush Rat, Pack Rat

Eastern woodrats build elaborate stick dens beneath rock ledges, in caves, or inside hollow logs, constantly accumulating forest debris and shiny objects to fortify their homes. These nocturnal rodents maintain clean living quarters with dedicated latrines and separate food storage chambers for dry acorn caches. Their multi-generational nests provide shelter to dozens of invertebrate and small vertebrate commensal species.

NocturnalHerbivorousNest Builder
Eastern Woodrat reference1 / 4
(c) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAcorns, Tree Nuts, Fungi
Predators
  • Timber Rattlesnake
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Bobcat
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, loss of mast-producing trees, and raccoon roundworm parasite
HabitatsDeciduous forests, rocky outcrops, swamps, cedar glades, and caves
Life span2–3 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyCricetidae
  2. SpeciesNeotoma floridana
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Can bite defensively if cornered and may harbor parasites; observe dens without touching.
Why it is dangerous
Capable of delivering a sharp defensive bite when cornered and may host fleas, ticks, or parasite larvae within nest material.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by silky soft grayish-brown fur, white belly, large dark eyes, and a furred tail.
What to do
Avoid handling wild rodents and never reach directly into nest crevices or stick piles.
What to notice
Identified by medium size, rounded ears, white feet, and conspicuous conical stick houses in rocky woods.
Support conservation
Observe nest sites from a distance without disturbing structural stick caches or surrounding vegetation.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Dens: Look for large conical piles of sticks tucked under rock ledges or inside hollow trees.
  • Nighttime Viewing: Use red-filtered flashlights near known den entrances during twilight hours when woodrats emerge.
  • Nest Etiquette: Avoid disturbing or poking stick dens, as doing so damages storage chambers.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…