Bushy-tailed woodrats can be identified by their large, rounded ears, and their long, bushy tails. They are usually brown, peppered with black hairs above with white undersides and feet. The top coloration may vary from buff to almost black. The tail is squirrel-like - bushy, and flattened from base to tip.
These woodrats are good climbers and have sharp claws. They use their long tails for balance while climbing and jumping, and for added warmth. These rodents are sexually dimorphic, with the average male about 50% larger than the average female.