This rodent is called "hispid rat" due to the fur on its back, consisting of creamy, brown and black colored hairs that closely resemble bristly fur. Cotton rats also compete with these species for food sources. Few cotton rats (13.2%) live beyond six months.
High cotton rat populations can also be detrimental to ground nesting birds like quail and turkey. Hispid cotton rats, like many rodents, are not long lived in the wild. Sigmodon hispidus (Say & Ord). Cotton rat populations fluctuate annually and at peaks in populations size can cause serious damage to a variety of crops, including grains, grasses, alfalfa, peanuts, and sweet potatoes.
The oldest recorded Sigmodon species individual lived 12 months in the wild.
In captivity, the oldest hispid cotton rat recorded is five years, two months old.
A group of the hispid cotton rats is known as a 'colony, horde, pack, plague or swarm'. Rats are known to be very attentive to their group members, taking care of injured and sick individuals. In captivity, the oldest hispid cotton rat recorded is five years, two months old.
Cotton Rats Facts, Identification, & Control Latin Name. Females are able to breed beginning at 8 weeks old and go into heat every 7-9 days if unmated. Hispid Cotton Rats are incredibly prolific mammals, but their huge reproductive potential is kept in check by bird, snake, and mammal predators. Appearance. Hispid cotton rats, like many rodents, are not long lived in the wild. Few cotton rats (13.2%) live beyond six months. The oldest recorded Sigmodon species individual lived 12 months in the wild.
What Do They Look Like? Size: The head and body of these pests range in length from 13.3 to 21.3 cm.Their tails are 7.6 to 16.5 cm in length. Breeding occurs all year long, but slows down in the winter.