Scientific Name: Bassariscus astutus

Temporal Activity:  Nocturnal

Diet: This is an omnivore that feeds on rodents, fruit, birds, snakes, lizards, and insects.  Ringtails use their good eyesight and sense of smell to locate prey. 

Predators: Great Horned Owls, bobcats, and coyotes.  As a defense when they are frightened they will emit a musky odor from their anal sent glands.

Breeding: Dens are built in rock walls, boulder piles, or hollow trees.  They are solitary animals that only spend a few days together to mate.  In June 2 to 4 kits are born. 

Notes: The ringtail is Arizona?s state animal. Found in riparian canyons with rocky outcrops, caves, and mine shafts.  It is named after its tail which is longer than its body and has black and white stripes.  Their tails also serve as way to help them with balance as they skillfully climb and leap canyons and trees.  Their hind feet can rotate 180 degrees which allows them to climb down cliffs head first. 

Photo: To be added.

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