{"id":18285,"date":"2025-04-16T10:37:02","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T17:37:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/?post_type=species&p=18285"},"modified":"2025-06-03T10:23:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T17:23:09","slug":"ringtail","status":"publish","type":"species","link":"https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/species\/ringtail\/","title":{"rendered":"Ringtail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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About<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mostly nocturnal and solitary, ringtails den in caves, crevices, hollow trees and often mine tunnels during the day. These agile climbers can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees, permitting them to rapidly ascend and descend steep rocks, vertical cliffs, and tree trunks; an adaptation to the rocky habitats they prefer. Ringtails are omnivores that feed on insects, small mammals, reptiles, birds, fruit, and carrion. As such, they may often be found near human habitation, often inhabiting unused buildings and even attics, causing concern with its mysterious nighttime noises. Ringtails breed in late-winter to mid-spring. Most litters consist of two to four babies, which are born covered with short, pale hair, unable to see and hear. By the age of four months, young ringtails have acquired their adult coloring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Official State Mammal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ringtail, Arizona\u2019s official state mammal, is a small, nocturnal relative of the raccoon and coati. Often called a \u201cringtail cat\u201d due to its long, bushy tail with black and white rings, it is an agile climber and skilled hunter, preying on insects, rodents and fruit. Found in rocky canyons and desert regions, this elusive creature is known for its remarkable ability to navigate steep terrain with ease.

Check your wallet: The ringtail is featured on Arizona drivers’ licenses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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