Ringtail

From Free net encyclopedia

A ringtail is also a type of sail; the White-headed Capuchin is also known as the ringtail monkey.

{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Ringtail | image = ringtailcat.gif | image_width = 200px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Mammalia | ordo = Carnivora | familia = Procyonidae | genus = Bassariscus | species = B. astutus | binomial = Bassariscus astutus | binomial_authority = (Lichtenstein, 1830) }} The Ringtail, (Bassariscus astutus) is a mammal belonging to the raccoon family, native to North America. It is also known as the Ringtail Cat or Miner's Cat, and is sometimes mistakenly called a civet cat.

Smaller than a house cat, the Ringtail is found throughout California, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and parts of northern Mexico. Nocturnal and shy, it is rarely seen. It is omnivorous, eating fruits, berries, insects, lizards, small rodents and birds. Owls, coyotes and bobcats prey on the Ringtail. It is 30–42 cm long with a tail of 31–44 cm and weighs 0.8–1.5 kg.

The Ringtail builds nests for themselves, usually in the hollows of trees. As adults they lead solitary lives. The Ringtail is said to make an excellent and affectionate pet and effective mouser, being easily tamed.

The Ringtail is the state mammal of Arizona.

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