Comments on: Dusky-Footed Woodrats Help Save a Canyon

By: Lucy Larkin Noonan

Lucy Larkin Noonan — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:39:26 +0000

I Google-lensed a structure just inside the woods behind my house. It belongs to dusky-footed woodrats! I’ll be researching them in a big way.
I’m very excited and welcome any and all input from people who know anything about them.

By: Marilyn Krieger

Marilyn Krieger — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:59:50 +0000

In reply to Matt McGowan. I agree with you... this is a topic that concerns me as well. But, are these woodrats a species of special concern? I don't know who you would talk to about this, but I recommend that you do some homework and find out. If they are, than you can't clear them.

By: Matt McGowan

Matt McGowan — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 23:47:12 +0000

I am saddened and frustrated by the lafd brush clearance mandates which eradicates so much of the verdure and ground cover of our hillsides. My property in Laurel Canyon is home to 4 different large woodrat homes. I was advised by the local fire department chief to remove the woodrat nests. But I don’t have the heart. Perhaps, I won’t pass the inspection due next week. Is there anything I can do?

By: Mark Fearon

Mark Fearon — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 08:20:09 +0000

Recent article-
Bay Nature magazine -Winter 2021
Ask the Naturalist What’s It Like Inside a Woodrat Nest?
by Michael Ellis January 3, 2021

Library listing-
Kokopelli’s Flute
by Hobbs, Will (c)1995
Niles Arts: Older Readers (5th and Up)
“Thirteen-year-old Tepary discovers an old flute
in a cliff dwelling in New Mexico,
and through its power he learns about
ancient Native American magic.”
(The magic power is that Tep turns into a Woodrat every night)

By: Where are the Wild Animals? - Urban Edge Wildlife

Where are the Wild Animals? - Urban Edge Wildlife — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 13:51:53 +0000

[…] dusky-footed woodrat has been designated a species of special concern. This special mammal lives in the canyon and is […]

By: A Snapshot of Wildlife in the Canyon: Fall of 2020 - Urban Edge Wildlife

A Snapshot of Wildlife in the Canyon: Fall of 2020 - Urban Edge Wildlife — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 17:12:19 +0000

[…] the Dusky-footed Woodrat for the preservation of the canyon. Because of them, there can be no development here. These […]

By: inka petersen

inka petersen — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 04:10:41 +0000

I currently have wood rat in my wood shop. at night she pulls sticks out of my material piles and rearranges them on the floor. I have not figured out her system yet, but there appears to be one. I’ve started filming with a trail cam and have gotten some good footage. Going into my shop every morning makes me happy. It’s so interesting to learn about this animal.
we’re in Bonny Doon, CA

By: Bobcats and Feral Cats on Patrol - Urban Edge Wildlife

Bobcats and Feral Cats on Patrol - Urban Edge Wildlife — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 16:56:18 +0000

[…] We’ve observed this with our cameras—they recorded a large fluctuation in the population of dusky-footed woodrats after the bobcat kittens were born and a bonded pair of coyotes began patrolling the trail. For a […]

By: Rat Poisons Aren't Selective - Urban Edge Wildlife

Rat Poisons Aren't Selective - Urban Edge Wildlife — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 15:32:38 +0000

[…] a diversity of animals, including coyotes, bobcats, an occasional mountain lion, raptors, deer, woodrats and other prey animals live, hunt and […]

By: Marilyn Krieger

Marilyn Krieger — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 16:34:57 +0000

In reply to Trude Hurd. She sounds adorable. I'd love to see a picture of her.