June 7, 2003                 First Quarter Moon                                                                                                    

Pa.'s Packrat in Decline The Allegheny wood rat is an eastern relative of the better-known packrat of the West. Buffy gray above, it has white under parts and paws. Adults are 17 inches in length and weigh just over a pound with an 8-inch tail. It is distinguished from the more common Norway rat by its hairy bicolored tail, the Norway rat having a naked tail. Wood rats are largely unknown to the general public due to their nocturnal habits, and their preference for rocky mountainous regions. They do not thrive around people and populated areas. Their populations have declined in Pennsylvania, and they are a threatened species. [Source: Pa. Game Commission Endangered and Threatened Species]. Today's photo by Rob Chriswell. E-mail Today's WPC Daily to a Friend! Friend's e-mail address: Your Message: Rediscover western Pennsylvania every morning with WPC Daily. Become a Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Member  View the winning WPC Daily for April - makes a great screen wallpaper/calendar for June Choose your favorite WPC Daily for May

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