Dusky-footed Woodrats build large nests from sticks, near the
ground or in trees. You will see many of these nests along this
trail. These woodrats prefer to travel along tree branches and
limbs for additional protection against their predators (owls,
hawks, skunks, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and
feral dogs and cats), but since they are active at night you
probably won't see one. They cache their food (oak, poison oak, and
other plants, acorns, and berries) in chambers inside their nest.
They are one of the few mammals that can eat oak leaves and poison
oak, as they can metabolize oxalic acid, a substance that is highly
toxic to other mammals. They have been designated a Species of
Special Concern in California.
- Standard Open Space warnings apply: there are ticks,
rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and poison oak in this preserve. Be
prepared.
- Park hours are dawn to 1/2 hour after sunset.
- You might have to walk by some poison oak on the way to this
cache, but there is no poison oak at the cache site.
- No bushwhacking is required to get to or from this cache. Keep
looking if you don't immediately see a clear way.