Art by Jackie Blurton
Nature Note by Dr. Roland Shook
Ringtails are a mammal about which biologists know relatively little. They range from southeastern Oregon to southern Mexico.
The ringtail is also known as the Cacomistle, Miner's Cat, Civet Cat, Coon Cat or Band-tailed Cat. All these names refer to the prominent tail (as long as the head and body combined) of these large-eyed, shy animals. This species is pale brown in body color with a bushy tail ringed with alternating black-and-white rings.
Look for Ringtails along rocky cliffs where their weasel-like body allows them to explore ledges and crevices for prey, which primarily consists of rodents and insects.
Ringtails occupy the rocky outcroppings along Bill Evans Road. I have driven Bill Evans Road before dawn literally over a thousand times and a careful observer accompanying me in the car only once had a brief glimpse of a Ringtail.
Ringtails are primarily nocturnal, so a glimpse of one of these magnificent creatures is a rare treat indeed.
