Cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus, were trapped and studied in Belize District, Belize, Central America from June 14, 1973 to July 13, 1973. Vegetation in the area was surveyed to determine height, extent of matting, and species composition. Comparisons were then made between vegetation and S. hispidus captures. A total of 48 S. hispidus,were captured, primarily in areas of tall and matted grass. S. hispidus appeared to be absent from areas of short grass.Reproduction, body size, sex ratio, parasites, and behavior of S. hispidus are discussed. Other mammals taken during the study included two specimens of Or_yzomys, fulvescens,, a species which had not previously been collected in Belize.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306