The Cotton Mouse is a large-footed, dark brown Peromyscus of southeastern swamp forests and bottomland habitats that swims readily and frequently occupies flooded areas other mice avoid. It is larger and darker than the white-footed mouse with which it commonly co-occurs. Cotton mice are generalist omnivores that cache seeds in hollow logs and tree cavities.
Best time to see a Cotton Mouse
The best time to see a Cotton Mouse is February–May, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 201 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Cotton Mouse? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Cotton Mouse sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Cotton Mouse? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Cotton Mouse is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love mammals? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.