Summary ³

The Arizona cotton rat or Colorado River cotton rat (Sigmodon arizonae) is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found in Mexico and the United States.

Description ⁴

All cotton rats have a strong connection with grass, which they feed upon, and in which they construct their runways. Within their range in southeast and central Arizona and western Mexico, Arizona cotton rats inhabit only grassy areas where there is enough water to support grasses, weeds, or brush. They are common around ponds and in irrigated fields. They give birth to fully-furred young who can run around within a few hours after they are born. Population booms sometimes occur shortly after periods of rain.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Erin and Lance Willett, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), http://www.flickr.com/photos/60477398@N00/3524261954
2. (c) Michael P. Riggs, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Michael P. Riggs
3. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigmodon_arizonae
4. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY), http://eol.org/data_objects/6625514

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• ASM Mammal Diversity Database
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• CalPhotos
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• iNaturalist Mammal Working Group
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• VertNet

Range Map

(c) Discover Life and original sources, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA)

iNat Map