MAMMALS: RINGTAIL AND RACCOON

Ringtail, Bassariscus astutus

Family Procyonidae (Ringtail and Raccoon)

Size: ~30" with tail

Range: Central and western Colorado

Habitat: Rocky deserts, forests

The ringtail is a small, secretive mammal with delicate features, big, dark eyes, and a long, bushy tail. Although sometimes referred to as the ringtail cat, it is not related to cats but allied more with raccoons. Its color is light brown above, paler below, with a striped black-and-white tail. Mostly nocturnal, it is usually found alone or in pairs. Ringtail are very agile climbers, using their long tails and flexible ankles to navigate through trees and rocks. They forage for both plants and animals, with a diet that includes berries, insects, birds, and small mammals.