LAGUNA CANYON FOUNDATION
May 2008 E-Letter
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Dusky-footed Wood Rat

Dusky-footed Woodrat, Neotoma fuscipes, by Kevin Nibur, used with permission, www.kevinnibur.com.

Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. 
 
~Kenyan Proverb
 
Hello, friends. Although most people will never see the shy, nocturnal woodrat, their nests give new meaning to the concept of mansionization. Measuring as much as six feet in height and diameter, these elaborate, dome- or triangle-shaped structures usually feature several cozy grass- or leaf-lined bedrooms, one or two pantries full of tasty seeds and leaves, and several latrines. In addition to their architects, woodrat nests may house mice, lizards and even an occasional snake. In wilderness areas, woodrats usually use twigs, sticks, cactus, scat and other natural building materials.  Closer to civilization, they live up to their reputation as packrats by stashing shiny objects such as silverware, pens, lighters and even dentures and dynamite caps. Built to last generations, these sturdy nests can become fossilized treasure troves (called packrat middens) for paleontologists. The packrat's prehistoric garbage piles have been radio carbon dated back 12,000 years to the end of the Pleistocene Epoch. Admire the woodrat's work in our wilderness, and for posterity's sake, remember to KEEP IT WILD.
happy hiker logo without name

  Look for signs of woodrats and other wildlife on the Fitness, Flora, Fauna and Fun hike, Saturday, May 31, from 8-11:30 a.m. Visit www.lagunacanyon.org to learn more about this and other park activities. Laguna Canyon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the South Coast Wilderness.

Questions? E-mail Ellen Girardeau Kempler, Communications Director, Laguna Canyon Foundation, [email protected]