Allegheny Woodrat

Description

The Allegheny Woodrat is a "pack rat" which are very similar in appearance to Eastern Woodrats occur in the central part of Tennessee north of the Tennessee River.  It is a medium-sized rodent with long, thick fur, prominent ears, large eyes, very long, distinct whiskers, and a furry, bicolored tail that is less than half the total length of the body.   The color of the fur on the back is grayish-brown mixed with some black, while the throat, feet, and underside are white.   Tail color is sharply contrasted between blackish brown above and white below.

Length: 14.0 - 17.5 inches
Tail: 6.0 - 8.0 inches
Ears: 0.8 - 1.1 inches
Weight: 7.0 - 13.5 ounces

Similar Species: Brown Rat has a more elongated snout, smaller eyes, and a nearly naked tail. Eastern Woodrat is smaller than Allegheny Woodrat, but identification can only be confirmed through detailed analysis of skull and dental formations, and possibly by an expert.

Habitat:   Generally restricted to rocky habitats in forested areas, often at higher elevations, including caves, rock shelters, cliff faces, talus slopes, and rock outcrops.

Diet: A vegetarian diet primarily including nuts, seeds, fruits, grasses, and fungi.   An important food source is mass-producing trees.

Breeding information: They begin breeding in late winter and will continue breeding throughout much of the year.   Females have a gestation period of 30-37 days and can produce up to 3 litters annually.   Females give birth to 1-5 (average 2-3) young in early spring.   Young begin to forage independently within a month.

Status in Tennessee: The Allegheny Woodrat is uncommon and is deemed in Need of Management by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Best places to see in Tennessee: Caves, cliffs, and rock shelters.