User:Eymh35/Dusky-footed woodrat

Distribution and Habitat
The species is found in Mexico and the United States. Woodrats are found from Oregon into the northern part of Baja California. They are found along the Pacific coast, west of the deserts and Great Basin. Woodrats can be found near streams and in juniper and mixed coniferous forests. They prefer living in chaparral areas with dense ground cover because these areas offer a steady food supply and protection from predators, as well as an abundance of materials to build houses. In northeastern California, woodrats can survive in lava rims and beds with enough vegetation cover.

Predation
Woodrats are prey items of owls, coyotes, hawks, weasels, skunks, snakes, and cats. These predators, along with humans, keep woodrat populations under control.

If a predator attacks a woodrat's nest, the woodrat may take shelter in another nearby nest. Woodrats alert each other of nearby predators by rattling their tails.

Nesting
One study finds that a woodrat's maternal nest is an integral part of its nesting habits. When their mother moves nests, woodrats that remain in the maternal nest have a better chance of surviving than woodrats that follow their mother to her new nest. Woodrats move to the nearest viable, empty nest to their maternal nest, settling permanently after at least two moves. They often return to the maternal nest to visit.