Arizona Mammal

Ringtail

The ringtail, Bassariscus astutus, also known as ringtail cat, miner's cat, and cacomistle, is not actually a cat but is related to the raccoon and coatimundi. Ringtails are small and slender and about 2 1/2 feet long. Half of a ringtail's length is its bushy tail which is ringed with black and white. Its coat is grayish-buff and is darker along the back with pale underparts. Its fox-like face is dominated by huge, round eyes which are ringed in white. Its ears are large and rounded. The ringtail's claws, like a cat's, are partially retractable. Its Latin name means "smart little fox."

Ringtails are found in a wide variety of Arizona habitats, ranging from the Sonoran Desert to coniferous forests. They prefer rough, rocky areas with caves, crevices, and broken ledges in which to den. They often use mine tunnels as retreats and may also use hollows in trees for dens. Ringtails breed from February through May. They usually have 2-4 young which are born from May to July. The young are blind at birth and are covered with downy white fur. The young begin foraging with the adults at two months and are weaned at four months.

Ringtails are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, berries, insects, lizards, frogs, birds, and rodents. Ringtails are efficient and effective predators. They are especially fond of woodrats and are known to take over their dens after first consuming the occupant. In turn, ringtails are preyed upon by larger predators, particularly the great horned owl, coyote, and bobcat. Ringtails, except when with young, are solitary creatures. They have considerable adaptations for surviving in hot desert habitats, including improved efficiency in body heat dissipation through panting and the ability to greatly concentrate their urine. They are shy and nocturnal and thus are seen by few people. Although the ringtail is listed as a furbearer in Arizona, it is not harvested in large numbers because the fur is not highly valued. The ringtail is not considered threatened or even rare, just secretive.