Bliss and I were out marking trees a few weeks ago when we came upon several wood rats nests. They build these large stick pile akin to a beaver lodge on land. They are very industrious creatures. They are also an important prey species for forest predators.
Bliss was very impressed with this massive collection of sticks. So impressed that she claimed it for herself. Sadly for her it wasn’t going to fit in my vest and she could only carry one stick at a time.
This clever rat built its nest in the trees. No sticks for Bliss from this one.
Bliss found a deer skull under the nest. “No Bliss it’s not a rat skull and no you can’t eat it!”
THE FORESTER ARTIST 
How big are the rats?
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They can be over a pound.
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That was my question too! That looked like an awfully huge nest for a rat!
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They can be up to 1.3 lbs and 18” long. Half the length is tail. They’re big rats. 🐀. That being said, that particular nest was especially big.
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Tim,
You and Bliss make a good pair. You educate and entertain.
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Hah! I know she entertains me.
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That is one big pile of sticks, she looks so proud up on it. You couldn’t think of way to get them home!!,
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And leave behind a homeless rat!?!
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Wow. I knew rats were smart, but that’s some pretty good architecture.
And of course Bliss makes me smile! (K)
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Me too!😆
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LOL! Bliss loved the pile of sticks. 😀 Loved the photos and Bliss is such a beautiful dog!
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Queen of the mountain!
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Oh yah, she owned it. Lucky for the rat he wasn’t around!
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