Marsh Rice Rat
Oryzomys palustris
A native semi-aquatic rodent of Florida marshes, recognized by coarse fur, a slender tail, and strong swimming ability.
Marsh Rice Rats occupy freshwater marshes, salt marshes, wet meadows, mangrove edges, and dense vegetation near water. They are skilled swimmers and remain active on the ground, in shallow water, and among marsh stems.
Most stay away from dry buildings when natural habitat remains intact. Problems arise when flooding or shoreline disturbance pushes animals toward sheds, garages, feed, or outdoor pet food.
Habitat:
Freshwater Wetlands, Mangroves and Salt Marshes
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Omnivorous diet of seeds, grasses, fungi, insects, snails, crabs, small fish, eggs, and other available marsh foods.
Behavior:
Mostly nocturnal, builds nests above wet ground, travels through dense vegetation, and swims readily. Populations often rise and fall with water level, storms, and marsh productivity.
Nighttime, Dawn and Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
At dusk or night along quiet marsh edges, salt marsh vegetation, and wetland boardwalks.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern as a species; isolated coastal forms and marsh populations remain vulnerable to habitat loss and flooding.
Safety Level:
Moderate
Safety Information:
Do not handle wild rodents. Wear gloves when cleaning droppings, remove food sources, seal structure openings, and use professional exclusion when animals enter buildings.
Benefits to Property:
Provides prey for owls, snakes, bobcats, and other native predators while moving seeds and nutrients through wetland food webs.
Property Concerns:
Animals displaced by flooding can enter low structures, contaminate stored feed, or chew soft materials. Exclusion and sanitation work better than outdoor poisoning.
Fun Fact:
- It swims and dives well.
- Its hind feet are adapted for wet ground.
- Some populations live in salty coastal marshes.
Wildlife Laws:
No special statewide listed-species status applies to the common Marsh Rice Rat. Follow current FWC rules, local ordinances, and pesticide labels, and avoid methods that threaten protected predators.
Identification:
Medium-sized native rat with coarse gray-brown to dark brown fur, a paler belly, rounded ears, long hind feet, and a slender sparsely haired tail that is usually shorter than the head and body combined.