Ringtails (Bassariscus astutus)

Natural History One of the more elusive animals in the desert, ringtails are small unique mammals, native to the American west and southwest, Central and South America (Poglayen-Neuwall & Toweill, 1988). Although seldom seen ringtails populations are not considered threatened in Utah or elsewhere in the United States. Ringtails are often confused with their better known relative the raccoon, as both have black and gray ringed tails and are nocturnal, preferring to be active during the night (Reid 2006). Raccoons and ringtails are the only two members of the Procyonid family in North America (Reid 2006). Ringtails may also sometimes be confused with ringtailed lemurs; however, lemurs are only native to Madagascar. Ringtails are much smaller than a raccoon, weighing between 1.5 2.5 pounds (680 g-1130g) closer in size to a young house cat (Reid 2006). Ringtails are generally curious and agile, just like