Ringtail
This sleek, nocturnal mammal is a rarely-seen resident of Colorado's desert landscapes.
About This Species
Although sometimes called "ring-tailed cat," this beautiful and seldom-seen mammal actually is a relative of the coati and racoon, a kinship hinted by the bushy, ringed tail. Ringtails are yellowish gray above, gray below, with a prominent white eye ring. Half of the ringtail's length is tail, which helps these agile climbers keep their balance. Their ankles can rotate 180 degrees to let them go headfirst down a cliff, tree, or even cactus. Ringtails live to up to nine years in the wild.
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Physical Characteristics
Ringtails have a yellowish gray back and gray belly, with a prominent white eye ring. The tail is ringed black and white with the tip ending in black. The animals are about 28 inches long, of which half is tail; weight is about two pounds.
Range
Ringtails are mammals of the Desert Southwest and mostly occur in southern Colorado, although they have been seen along the foothills of the Front Range and along the major canyons of the Western Slope.
Habitat
Typical habitat is canyon and mesa country, with most sightings are near water. In fact, the first reports of ringtails in an area often are of animals caught in traps set for mink.
Diet
They forage exclusively at night, feeding on mice, birds and insects. They are slim enough to hunt woodrats in their dens. Frequently they hunt in pairs and, in autumn, forage as family groups. Ringtails have efficient kidneys and may not need to drink, thriving instead on the moisture in their prey.
Reproduction
Three or four blind, nearly naked young are born in May or June. Development is rapid, however, and the young are weaned at about five weeks of age.