Ringtail

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The Ringtail, (Bassariscus astutus) is a mammal belonging to the raccoon family, native to the Americas. It is also known as the Ringtail Cat, Cacomistle, or Miner's Cat, and is sometimes mistakenly called a Civet Cat. Ringtails are classified in the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Carnivora, family Procyonidae.

Smaller than a House Cat, Ringtails are found throughout California, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and parts of Northern Mexico. Nocturnal and shy, they are rarely seen. They are omnivorous, eating fruits, berries, insects, lizards, small rodents and birds. Owls, coyotes and bobcats prey on Ringtails.

Ringtails build nests for themselves, usually in the hollows of trees. As adults they lead solitary lives. Ringtails are said to make excellent and affectionate pets and effective mousers, being easily tamed.