wood rat

noun

1. pack rat ( def 1 ).

wood rat

noun

1. another name for pack rat

Word History and Origins

Origin of wood rat¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

The new study says nothing about possible reservoirs, but parasitologists have long known that leishmania parasites exist in Southern Plains wood rats, says Molyneux, who was not involved in the study.

From Scientific American

That, he said, was the work of antelope squirrels and desert wood rats that had braved the sharp needles grown by ocotillo for self-protection.

From Los Angeles Times

A wood rat she can’t bring herself to kill has recently taken up residence under her house, and every day it leaves piles of rocks by her desk window as an inscrutable offering.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, they benefit the species overall by preventing massive wildfires and enhancing undergrowth to enable the owl’s food sources - wood rats, squirrels, and small reptiles - to thrive.

From Washington Times

In almost all ways, the barred owl is the spotted owl’s worst enemy: They reproduce more often, have more babies per year and eat the same prey, like squirrels and wood rats.

From Seattle Times