The Ringtail is a small ground-dwelling mammal found in the arid regions of the Western US and is known by a number of common names including Ring-tailed Cat, Civet Cat or Miner’s Cat.
The name confusion is easy to understand as the Ringtail looks like a cross between a house cat and a raccoon and displays some of the characteristics that make both species appealing to humans.
It turns out, that despite all the cat references in the colloquial names given to it, the Ringtail is actually a member of the raccoon family. Its cousin’s found in the US are the Common Raccoon and the White-nosed Coati.
It’s an active creature and can leap like a squirrel and use its sharp claws to climb walls like a spider. These acrobatic skills help the animal hunt. But since it emerges from its den only at night, few humans ever see the Ringtail at work. And perhaps that’s just as well.
Here’s why: First, the Ringtail ambushes its prey (anything from a toad to a rabbit is fair game). Then, using its forepaws, it pins the animal down and, like a furry Count Dracula, administers a deadly bite to the neck. The meal proper then commences, usually with the Ringtail devouring its victim’s head.
It’s not not a pretty sight for the queasy observer. But as many of our commenters point out, while nature is almost always amazing to observe, it’s not always pretty.
Have you ever encountered a a ringtail? Or another messy eater? We always enjoy hearing our readers stories.
Learn more about the Ringtail in eNature's Field Guide »
The Ringtail's cousin the White-nosed Coati is also worth knowing »
Several years ago while riding my motorcycle one night on a frontage road that parallels a highway east of Denver, I saw a ringtail scurry along the edge of the roadway and disappear into the brush along the edge of the road. At the time I had no idea what it was and so I did some research online and in a wildlife book and decided what I saw was in fact a ringtail. I had no idea they were here (in Denver or Colorado) but your article confirms my sighting. An interesting creature despite its less than appealing eating habits!