Ringtail

ringtailThe ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is a member of the raccoon family and lives in the mountains, badlands and forests in southwestern United States to Baja California and southern Mexico (source and range map). It got its name from its black and white striped tail. The ringtail is an agile climber, their ankle joint can turn 180 degrees and can become 7 years of age in the wild. They are most active at dusk and at night, when they feed on insects, squirrels, rodents, rabbits, and occasionally birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, carrion and plants. When ringtails feel threatened, they bristle the hair on its tail, pulling its tail towards its head to look bigger. The scientific Latin name can be translated as cunning little fox.

The Ringtail is listed as Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Countries
Mexico and United States
Some facts about the
Ringtail

Adult weight : 1.015 kg (2.233 lbs)

Maximum longevity : 19 years

Female maturity :300 days

Male maturity : 300 days

Gestation : 52 days

Weaning : 42 days

Litter size : 3

Litters per year : 1

Interval between litters : 365 days

Weight at birth : 0.03 kg (0.066 lbs)

Weight at weaning : 0.259 kg (0.5698 lbs)

Source: AnAge, licensed under CC

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