Wood Rats primarily feed on twigs, vegetation, fruits and roots. They are good climbers and live in caves, canyons and trees, in the wild and in sewage and drainages of buildings in urban habitats. They can easily get into car engines and garage sheds and damage electrical wiring, chewing plastic and greasy substance. They are omnivorous and like eating both plants and small animals.
| Common name | Wood Rat |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Neotoma Stephensi |
| Weight | Approximate 250 to 300 grams |
| Length | Head and body approximate 20 to 25 cm |
| Tail length | Approximate 10 to 15 cm |
| Droppings | Corkscrew shaped, dark color, approximate 25 cm long |
| Sexual maturity | 3 months |
| Habitat | They live built of sticks, bark, rocks, bones, animal droppings and holes of trees. |
| Life span | Around 2 to 3 years |
LIFE CYCLE:Females produce 4-6 young after a gestation period of 18-20 days. The young voles are born in a nest of dry grass, usually hidden in a thick grassy tussock. Males can breed at 40 days of age, while females at 28 days. They are therefore able to produce 2-7 litters of 4-6 young ones per year. Vole Mouse has closed small eyes and prominent ears and open their eyes by eight days. Nose is slightly blunter. They have a stout body, a short, hairy tail, and a slightly round head. The young ones grow their fur which is thick yellow/brown to greyish in colour when they are10 days old and are weaned at around 16 days. Their under parts are white in colour. Voles grow between four to seven inches. It can measure up to 10 to 22 cm in length and weigh 25 to 80 grams and vary in color from brown to grey. The lifespan of the Vole Mouse is approx 2 years
