ringtail

Ringtail, also known as the ring-tailed cat, is a small nocturnal mammal in the Procyonidae family, native to North America. It is distinguished by a slender body, gray-brown fur, and a long tail with alternating black and white rings. Adults typically weigh about 1–2 kilograms and measure roughly 34–40 cm in body length, with a tail of 30–40 cm.

Distribution and habitat: Ringtails occur across much of the southwestern United States and northern to central Mexico. They inhabit deserts, scrublands, canyons, and rocky hillsides, and are skilled climbers that use rock ledges, caves, or hollow trees for shelter. They are adaptable to a range of landscapes and can occasionally be found near human settlements.

Biology and behavior: Ringtails are largely solitary and primarily crepuscular or nocturnal, with peak activity at dawn and dusk. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, fruit, berries, and other available foods. They are proficient climbers and use their long tails for balance; they may perch on branches or ledges and can sometimes hang from their tails when foraging.

Reproduction: Breeding seasons vary by region, but females typically give birth to 2–4 young after a gestation of about 60–70 days. Kits are born in sheltered dens and remain with the mother for several months.

Conservation and interactions: The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to a broad range and stable populations, though local threats include habitat loss and vehicle collisions. Ringtails can be nocturnal predators of insects and small vertebrates and occasionally come into conflict with humans when encountered near dwellings. The common name ringtail is occasionally confused with the ring-tailed lemur of Madagascar, a distant primate.