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 |