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Hispid Cotton Rat

Sigmodon hispidus

The Hispid Cotton Rat is a small, furry animal that loves to live in grassy areas. They have soft fur and big ears, making them cute and fun to watch as they scurry around!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Hispid Cotton Rat has a coarse, bristly coat of grizzled gray-brown fur, with lighter white or buff fur on its belly. It has a stocky body, short ears, and a medium-length tail, making it look robust.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyCricetidaeGenusSigmodon
Hispid Cotton Rat
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Hispid Cotton Rat

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A mother cotton rat can have up to 15 babies in a single litter, wow!

Cotton rats actually got their name because they love to line their nests with cotton!

They make neat 'runways' through tall grass, like secret highways for their family!

They sometimes 'clip' tall grass stems, leaving little hay piles to dry!

Special abilities

Ability

Tough Coat Armor

Hispid Cotton Rat has a stiff, coarse coat that helps protect it from minor injuries and predators.

Ability

Rapid Reproducer

Hispid Cotton Rat can have many litters each year, allowing its population to grow quickly in good conditions.

Ability

Grass Chopper

Hispid Cotton Rat can clip tall grass stems with its sharp teeth, creating clear paths and gathering food.

Ability

Expert Nest Builder

Hispid Cotton Rat builds intricate nests of grass and plant fibers to keep its babies safe and warm.

Measurements & details

Length
20-36 cm
Weight
0.05-0.25 kg
Lifespan
1-2 years
Top Speed
13 km/h
Litter Size
2-15
Gestation
27 days

Diet & Feeding

This rat mostly eats plants like grass and seeds, but also enjoys the occasional insect.

Primary Foods

  • grass stems
  • seeds
  • leaves
  • insects
  • fruits

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not try to catch or touch wild animals. It's best to watch them from a distance!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Hispid Cotton Rat?

20-36 cm

How much does Hispid Cotton Rat weigh?

0.05-0.25 kg

How long does Hispid Cotton Rat live?

1-2 years

How fast can Hispid Cotton Rat move?

13 km/h

What does Hispid Cotton Rat eat?

This rat mostly eats plants like grass and seeds, but also enjoys the occasional insect.

Where is Hispid Cotton Rat usually found?

Grasslands

How does Hispid Cotton Rat hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Hispid Cotton Rat usually have?

2-15

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