Rangers conducting a nighttime survey at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas had been fortunate sufficient to catch a uncommon glimpse of a ringtail cat.
Ringtail cats are usually not really felines, reasonably they’re nocturnal mammals associated to the raccoon household (Procyonidae). The charming little creatures have giant eyes that assist them see in low gentle situations and pointed fox-like muzzle. Ringtails are tiny weighing about about 3 kilos and a complete size of 24 to 30 inches (half of which belongs to their distinctive tail).
Palo Duro Canyon State Park officers consider the ringtail inhabitants could also be thriving because of a rise to grasshoppers and cicadas within the Panhandle however its arduous to substantiate given their elusive nature. Though transient, this sighting will need to have been thrilling for these rangers who’re devoted to preserving the lands and wildlife of Texas.
Description:
The Ringtail is a cat-sized carnivore resembling a small fox with a protracted raccoonlike tail. Its bushy tail is flattened and practically so long as the top and physique, with alternating black and white rings.
Life Historical past:
These animals are nearly wholly nocturnal and spend the vast majority of the day sleeping of their dens. They go away their dens at night time to feed. Ringtails eat all kinds of meals. Birds, rodents, carrion, reptiles and amphibians, and bugs reminiscent of grasshoppers and crickets kind the majority of their weight-reduction plan, though in addition they eat native fruits and berries as effectively.
The breeding season of the Ringtail is in mid-spring. Most litters encompass two to 4 infants, that are born lined with brief, pale hair, unable to see and listen to. By the age of 4 months, younger Ringtails have acquired their grownup coloring.
Habitat:
Ringtails stay in many alternative habitats, however they like rocky areas reminiscent of rock piles, stone fences, canyon partitions, and talus slopes. Ringtails are professional climbers, able to climbing vertical partitions to search out probably the most protected crevices, crannies, and hollows wherein to construct their dens. In woodland areas, the place they’re much less frequent, they den in hole bushes and logs. They’ve additionally been noticed dwelling in buildings.
Texas Distribution:
Ringtails are distributed statewide, however unusual in decrease Rio Grande and Coastal Plains of southern Texas.
