What is a "cotton rat"?

The cotton rat, also known as the Sigmodon, is a small to medium-sized rodent that belongs to the family Cricetidae. It typically has a stocky body, short tail, and dense fur that can range in color from brown to gray. Cotton rats are known for their adaptability and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, shrublands, and forests, across North and South America. They are known for their habit of building nests made of shredded plant materials, such as grasses and leaves, which they use for shelter and protection. Cotton rats are herbivorous, feeding on a diet that consists primarily of plant materials, including seeds, fruits, and vegetation. They play important ecological roles as seed dispersers and as prey for predators in their respective ecosystems.