Neotoma mexicana fallax—(Colorado Wood Rat) 1.6%
The remains of an ancient rat nest in a corner of Room
2 undoubtedly accounts for some of the Neotoma remains in
that place, although the bones were scattered throughout the room.
Other bones, especially one from the fire pit of Room 14, probably
represent a use of this rat as food. As the wood rat is fairly
common in the area and the Chaco is well within its range, it seems
reasonable to conclude that it was not a favorite food item. Its
normal upper Sonoran range fits in well with Chaco flora and altitude.
Needless to say, the wood rat is not undelectable among the
present day Navajos.
