Riparian woodrat climbs along a brush pile at night

Riparian woodrats have soft, fluffy fur, large ears, a thick blunted tail, and are often compared to chinchillas. Riparian woodrats went undetected on the San Joaquin River NWR for about 8 years, leaving biologists to wonder if the species was still in existence. But in late 2024, traps humanely captured two riparian woodrats. Camera traps were set-up, and an image of woodrat was captured late one night. The camera trap study aims to help the refuge learn more about the elusive woodrat and its habitat needs.