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Re: Back Yard Habitat

From:

Norm Saunders

Reply-To:

Norm Saunders

Date:

Thu, 16 Feb 2006 20:35:03 -0500

Gwen Brewer writes: 

> 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, the only place I have seen them is in the brushpiles behind
our house in Colesville.  Much larger than mice, significantly
smaller than city rats.  Montgomery County Rats, perhaps?

Norm