Social Influences on Trap Response of the Cotton Rat, Sigmodon Hispidus

The role of social rank in heterogeneous trap response by cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) was investigated. Data from field and laboratory trapping indicate that dominant animals are more trap prone than are subordinates. Social subordination appears to inhibit trap response in several ways. Subordinate animals exhibit less exploratory activity and a neophobic response not shown by domnants. Low—ranking animals also tend to avoid traps treated with conspecific scent, whereas dominant animals do not.