Ringtail
Bassariscus astutus
Silhouette: Margot Michaud · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderCarnivora (Carnivorans)
- FamilyProcyonidae (Raccoons, Coatis, and Allies)
- GenusBassariscus (Cacomistles)
- SpeciesBassariscus astutus (Ringtail)
About the Ringtail
The ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is a mammal of the raccoon family native to arid regions of North America. It is widely distributed and well-adapted to its distributed areas. It has been legally trapped for its fur. Globally, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List but is a Conservation Strategy Species in Oregon and Fully Protected in California. The ringtail is the state mammal of Arizona.
The species is known by a variety of common names, such as ring-tailed cat, miner's cat, civet cat, and cacomistle (or cacomixtle), though as a relative of the raccoon, the ringtail is only distantly related to Feliform true cats and civets, and "cacomistle" can also refer to B. sumichrasti.
The ringtail is black to dark brown in color with pale underparts. The animal has a pointed muzzle with long whiskers, similar to that of a fox (its Latin name means 'clever little fox') and its body resembles that of a cat. The ringtail's face resembles a mask as dark brown and black hair surround its eyes.
These animals are characterized by a long black and white "ringed" tail with 14–16 stripes, which is about the same length as its body. Ringtails are primarily nocturnal... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Ringtail in Zion National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Zion National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yosemite National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Saguaro National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 4 | El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 5 | Bahía de Loreto National Park | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 6 | Joshua Tree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Ringtail in Zion National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Ringtail sighting in Zion National Park, based on 14 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Ringtail in Zion National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Ringtail in Zion National Park in our monthly data.