Ringtail Cat Arizona State Animal

It is listed as least concern on the iucn red list.
Ringtail cat arizona state animal. The ringtail bassariscus astutus is a mammal of the raccoon family native to arid regions of north america it is widely distributed and well adapted to disturbed areas. They are not related to cats at all. It has been legally trapped for its fur. Ringtail are sometimes wrongly called ringtail cats or miners cats.
Ringtail bassariscus astutus the ringtail sometimes called the ringtail cat or miner s cat is actually a member of the raccoon family the small squirrel sized ringtail is arizona s state mammal. Their relatives include the coati and the racoon. Also called ringtail cat miner s cat and cacomistle ringtails are cat sized carnivores that resemble a small fox with a long raccoon like tail in fact they are related to the raccoon and coatimundi. The ringtail bassariscus astutus also known as ringtail cat miner s cat and cacomistle is not actually a cat but is related to the raccoon and coatimundi ringtails are small and slender and about 2 1 2 feet long.
The unique ringtail bassariscus astutus was designated the official state mammal of arizona in 1986. Though fairly common at saguaro national park they are secretive and rarely show themselves. In august 1986 the ringtail became the state mammal of arizona. Half of a ringtail s length is its bushy tail which is ringed with black and white.