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Cotton Rat
(Sigmodon spp.) genus Sigmodon
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Overview
Biology
Reproduction: Cotton rats are known for their high reproductive rates, with females capable of having multiple litters in a year. They typically give birth to a relatively large number of offspring in each litter.
Behavior: Cotton rats are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of plant materials, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects.
Food
Cotton rats are herbivores and feed on a variety of plant materials. Their diet includes seeds, fruits, grasses, and other vegetation. They may also consume insects and other small invertebrates when plant resources are scarce.
Cotton rats are rodents native to the Americas, primarily found in the southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America. They are named for their tendency to build nests using plant materials, including cotton, and are recognized for their ecological roles and sometimes as agricultural pests.
Description
Appearance: Cotton rats are medium-sized rodents with a stocky build, relatively short tails, and fur that can vary in color, including brown or gray. They have large, dark eyes and ears that are partially hidden by fur.
Habitat
Cotton rats inhabit a range of environments, including grasslands, fields, agricultural areas, and scrublands. They are adaptable to different habitats and can be found in both natural and human-altered landscapes. Cotton rats are often associated with areas that provide suitable vegetation for food and cover, as well as areas with loose, sandy soils where they can construct burrows.
