This small mammal poses no threat to human health or safety. It's found in just one remaining area in New Jersey – within the gigantic crevice filled boulder fields beneath the cliffs of the Palisades in the northeast corner of the state. These nocturnal animals spend their nights foraging for food and nesting materials. They eat mostly plant matter like fruits, berries, seeds and tree nuts. They are sometimes referred to as “packrats” because of their hoarding behavior. They collect a variety of items beyond just food, like bones, feathers and shiny things such as coins, glass, nails and shotgun shells.
Principal zoologist Mick Valent, from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP), along with a small team of volunteers, are trapping woodrats to help study and understand the population decline which is estimated at fewer than 100 animals. The decline has caused concern about the species’ future, prompting a close look at the possible causes.
Much of the research has focused on a parasite called raccoon roundworm. which can be fatal to woodrats. The parasite eggs are in the scat of raccoons which woodrats will collect and eat. One of the other concerns is inbreeding depression because of the small number of animals in the Palisades population. Biologists hope to introduce new blood to the area by releasing woodrats acquired from other states to expand the genetic pool and improve the health of the woodrats in New Jersey.