Mammal · GBIF taxon 2433557
Ringtail
Bassariscus astutusAlso known as Ringtail Cat, Miner's Cat, Bassarisk
Ringtails are secretive, nocturnal relatives of raccoons that navigate sheer cliff faces and rocky canyon walls with effortless dexterity. Their ankles can rotate more than 180 degrees, allowing them to descend vertical surfaces headfirst while using their long, banded tails for balance. Historic gold miners often welcomed these solitary mammals into cabins to control rodent populations, earning them an enduring place in southwestern folklore.
NocturnalDesert NativeAgile Climber
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—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Packrats
- Insects
- Prickly Pear Fruit
Predators
- Great Horned Owl
- Coyote
- Bobcat
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicle strikes, predation
HabitatsDeserts, arid canyons, rocky cliffs, pine-oak woodlands
Life span7–10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyProcyonidae
- SpeciesBassariscus astutus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can bite or scratch defensively if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Nighttime viewing: Scan rocky canyon walls and ledges with a flashlight after dark.
- Listen carefully: Listen for high-pitched barks and squeaks used for communication.
- Give space: Allow animals room to retreat into rock crevices if encountered.
Close Relative "cacomistle" by Roger A. Morales-Flores is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. · cc-by
Family Member no rights reserved, uploaded by Dario Taraborelli · cc0
Family Member Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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