[U.S. Forest Service - Eldorado National Forest]
Two of our rangers were patrolling at around 5,000 feet elevation when they saw a Ringtail cat! It was quite a shock to both of them, especially since they are nocturnal animals.
These cute critters look to be a cross between a fox and a raccoon, and the size of a small house cat. Here in California they are also known as the miner’s cat.
Legend has it miners and settlers enticed ringtails to live in their cabins to help control rodents. Their diet is primarily carnivorous but also do eat other foods like plants, fruit, and insects.
Ringtail cats are nocturnal, solitary and sparsely populate their range which makes them hard to spot. They are very nimble, and can quickly reverse the direction they are moving by performing a cartwheel using their tail. They are also excellent climbers and can scale vertical walls, trees, rocky cliffs and even cacti.
Ringtail cats are a fully protected species. They may not be taken at any time and no licenses or permits may be issued for their take except for collecting specimens for necessary scientific research.
