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| Distribution |
In NC, it occurs statewide, at least up to the lower elevations in the mountains. Scarce above about 3,000 feet.
Found over most of the southern parts of the United States, west to southeastern CA, but north only to about northern VA. This range is probably spreading northward. |
| Abundance |
Abundant and widespread across the Coastal Plain and most of the Piedmont. Generally common in the lower mountains, and perhaps the Piedmont foothills. Scarce at middle elevations, and presumably absent from over 4,000 feet. Perhaps has increased in the mountains in recent decades and might be spreading somewhat into middle elevations now. Note that the iNaturalist website contains photos for several dozen counties across the state, and the editors have not taken the time to update the map with "Photo" records/documentation unless the county had previously no known records (white on the map). |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Active year-round. |
| Habitat |
Dense herbaceous cover, where not overly wet. Weedy fields, pastures, brushy thickets, wooded edges, very open woods, and other places with a thick grassy cover are the typical habitats. It seldom occurs in the marshy habitats where the Marsh Rice Rat is found.
See also Habitat Account for General Successional and Semi-Natural Grasslands |
| Behavior |
Mainly active at night and at twilight, but unlike many small rodents, it is also fairly active by day. They can often be seen scurrying quickly across a road or wide trail in broad daylight. |
| Comments |
This species has increased considerably in range and abundance in NC in the past 50 years. It is certainly one of the most numerous mammals in the state, in all regions; it is the most often seen native mouse or rat species in the state, owing to its rather large size and frequency of crossing trails and roads in daylight hours. |
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S5 |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
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| subspecies |
Sigmodon hispidus komareki, Sigmodon hispidus virginianus
Sigmodon h. komareki occurs over most of the state, whereas S. h. virginianus is limited to the northern Coastal Plain. |
| other_comName |
Cotton Rat |
| synonym |
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