Actually, the only species of "wood rat" in Maryland is the Allegheny or
Appalachian woodrat, an endangered species here and in most of the eastern
states where it occurs.  They inhabit rocky outcrop areas.  Thus, you would
be lucky indeed to have woodrats in your wood pile in any season!

If you truly have rats instead of mice or other smaller mammals in your wood
pile, they would be most likely to be black rats, an exotic species that has
been established in Maryland for some time.  I don't know how common it is
for black rats to be in woodpiles outside of more densely populated areas,
so don't panic.  And don't let it stop you from leaving brushpiles in your
yards, which are far more likely to benefit a variety of native wildlife!

Gwen Brewer
Waldorf, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Norm Saunders
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 5:51 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Back Yard Habitat


Winger West writes:

> So apparently you don't necessarily have to do a lot of fancy
> and expensive planting to bring in more birds, just put out
> piles of brush around your yard.  See how that goes over with
> your spouse.

The brush piles are incredible bird magnets during the winter--they
provide relatively warm roosting locales and safe havens from hawks
and other marauders.  During the warmer months, unfortunately, they
have a tendency to draw wood rats.  While wood rats are indigenous
and relatively harmless, try telling that to your spouse AND your
neighbors.