The Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is a widely distributed mammal that lives in the arid regions of North America. They are distributed throughout the southwestern United States, and in Mexico the species ranges from Baja California to Oaxaca. Their name is in reference to their ”ringed” tail that is long with 14-16 black and white stripes. Their pointed muzzles with long whiskers resembles that of a fox, and their body is similar to that of a cat. Ringtails are nocturnal, and their large eyes and upright ears make it easier for them to navigate and forage in the dark. They are skilled climbers, and they hunt small vertebrates; the animal will also eat berries and insects.
The Ringtail has a body length in the range of 11.8”-16.5” (30-42 cm) and total weight of 1.8-2.9 lb (.8-1.3 kg). The Ringtail has a body height between 5.5”-7.9” (14-20 cm), body width of 3.3”-4.7” (8.5-12 cm), and tail length of 12.2”-17.3” (31-44 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ringtail is between 7-19 years.
The Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is a widely distributed mammal that lives in the arid regions of North America. They are distributed throughout the southwestern United States, and in Mexico the species ranges from Baja California to Oaxaca. Their name is in reference to their ”ringed” tail that is long with 14-16 black and white stripes. Their pointed muzzles with long whiskers resembles that of a fox, and their body is similar to that of a cat. Ringtails are nocturnal, and their large eyes and upright ears make it easier for them to navigate and forage in the dark. They are skilled climbers, and they hunt small vertebrates; the animal will also eat berries and insects.
The Ringtail has a body length in the range of 11.8”-16.5” (30-42 cm) and total weight of 1.8-2.9 lb (.8-1.3 kg). The Ringtail has a body height between 5.5”-7.9” (14-20 cm), body width of 3.3”-4.7” (8.5-12 cm), and tail length of 12.2”-17.3” (31-44 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ringtail is between 7-19 years.
