The bushytail woodrat is also known as the packrat, wood rat, or trade rat. While these common synonyms may be used interchangeably, they all refer to a small rodent indigenous to North and Central America. The bushytail woodrat is known for its distinctively long and bushy tail, which gives it its name. This species is known for its unique nesting habits, as they collect all sorts of objects and debris to create their dens. While they are generally solitary creatures, they can become a nuisance to humans as they sometimes invade homes and damage property. They are important to local ecosystems as they help to distribute seeds and maintain natural habitats.