Regardless of being the state mammal of Arizona, it’s not precisely straightforward to see a ringtail cat (Bassariscus astutus) there. That’s as a result of these lovely animals usually are not solely nocturnal but in addition fairly shy. Nevertheless, one Arizona hiker stumbled throughout an elusive ringtail cat and shared a video of it on-line. The Instagram neighborhood cherished her footage, and many individuals be aware that they’ve by no means even heard of those animals earlier than.
“This made my day!” wrote Jacqueline Hurst in her Instagram put up sharing the video. “That is solely the second time I’ve seen a ringtail cat. They’re so stunning! They’re normally passed by dawn and don’t like people. I’m assuming this one was hanging round and is unusually courageous as a result of it has discovered some meals on the peak. What a option to begin the day! I bought so many movies and photographs. He hung round for some time.”
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Although they’re known as ringtail cats (or typically “miner’s cats”), these small mammals aren’t cats in any respect. They’re associated to raccoons and coatis.
“Although pretty widespread at Saguaro Nationwide Park, [ringtails] are secretive and barely present themselves,” writes the National Park Service. “They stay in rocky canyons and den in caves, rocky crevices, hole timber, and typically buildings. They’re nice leapers and climbers and use their lengthy, banded tails for steadiness. In addition they have semi-retractable claws and might climb headfirst down cliffs and timber.”
See the lovable ringtail cat that frolicked with an Arizona hiker right here:
Header inventory picture by MBielkeImages/Getty Photographs