We had the same problem at GTMO with Banana Rats.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hutia
We wired chicken wired under the motor to keep them out.
I used to get reports that the environmentalist was conducting Banana Rat population control in such and such a location. I asked someone, “What exactly does that mean”?
They said, he goes out at night (hutia are nocturnal) and shoots as many as he can with a .22.
Some people just draw the good assignments.
Sounds just like Pack Rats in the Tucson area.
One of our cars has been in three times with problems that turned out to be eaten wiring under the hood...
I've had to do the same thing in some of the remote camping areas I four wheel drive into. Darn porcupines!