Cotton mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cotton mouse |
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| Genus: |
Peromyscus
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| Species: |
gossypinus
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The cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus) is a small rodent that lives in the forests of the southern US. It's part of the Cricetidae family, which includes many mice and hamsters.
This mouse gets its name because it often uses soft cotton to build its cozy nests.
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What Does a Cotton Mouse Look Like?
Cotton mice are usually about 180 mm (7.1 in) long, including their tail, which is around 78 mm (3.1 in). They weigh between 34 and 51 grams.
They look a lot like the white-footed mouse, but cotton mice are a bit bigger. They also have a longer skull and larger back feet. Their fur is dark brown on their bodies, with white fur on their feet and bellies.
Are There Different Kinds of Cotton Mice?
Yes, there are different types, called subspecies. One subspecies, the Chadwick Beach cotton mouse, hasn't been seen since 1938. It is now thought to be extinct, meaning it no longer exists.
Another subspecies, the Key Largo cotton mouse, is currently on the endangered species list. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever.
Where Do Cotton Mice Live?
Cotton mice live in the southeastern part of the United States. You can find them from southeastern Virginia down to Florida, across to Texas, and up to Kentucky.
They live in many different places, like:
- Hardwood forests
- Swamps
- Edges of open fields
- Salt marshes and sand dunes
- Rocky areas
They seem to prefer places that get flooded often. While they once lived in Illinois, they are no longer found there.
How Do Cotton Mice Stay Safe?
Cotton mice use underground spots to hide from predators and wildfires. These safe places include:
- Holes in tree stumps
- Inside hollow trees
- Under tree roots
- Burrows in the ground
These underground hideouts also help them stay cooler and less humid during hot summer days.
Surviving Wildfires
Many mouse species struggle after fires because they lose their homes or become easy prey. But cotton mice are special! Because they use underground refuges, they can survive fires without losing many of their numbers. This behavior helps them stay safe when wildfires happen.
What Do Cotton Mice Eat and How Do They Live?
Cotton mice are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet mainly includes seeds and insects.
How Do Cotton Mice Have Babies?
Cotton mice can have babies throughout the year, but they usually breed in early spring and fall. A female can have up to four litters (groups of babies) each year. Each litter can have up to seven young.
When they are born, the babies are helpless and have no fur. They stop drinking their mother's milk at about 20 to 25 days old. They become old enough to have their own babies around two months of age.
Most cotton mice live for about four to five months. A few lucky ones might live for up to a year.
Who Are Their Predators?
Many animals hunt cotton mice for food. These include:
- Owls
- Snakes
- Weasels
- Bobcats
Cotton mice can also be bothered by a type of fly called the mouse botfly (Cuterebra fontinella).
Sharing Space with Other Mice
The golden mouse is another type of mouse that looks similar and lives in the same areas as the cotton mouse. They can live together because they use their hiding spots differently. Cotton mice are good at switching between different refuges, which helps them share their habitat with other animals.
Sometimes, cotton mice and white-footed mice can have babies together. This usually happens when there aren't many other cotton mice around to mate with. Scientists can tell if a mouse is a mix of both types by checking its genes.
