Trapping and Tagging We catch woodrats with Tomahawk live-traps (size 5) between dusk and first light. We use a mixture of rolled oats, barley, raisins and chicken scratch to bait the traps. We put cotton in each trap so that the woodrats will be warm. We use respirators to protect against Hanta virus and other air borne pathogens that are associated with wild rodents. At first light we check the traps. We identify the species of the rat, weigh the rat, determine its sex and reproductive state. Each rat is given a metal ear tag with an individual number. All protocols are in accordance with the Animal Use Committee guidelines of Pomona College and have been approved by the California Department of Fish and Game. |