Ring-tailed cat (Bassariscus astutus), Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, 2016.

Native to arid regions of North America, this relative of the raccoon is nocturnal and solitary. However, in regions with adequate water supply, populations of as many as 50 ring-tailed cats per square mile may be found. It is said they are easily tamed even though they are much more timid around humans than raccoons. Miners and settlers once kept ringtails as pets or mousers to help keep their cabins free of vermin. It was this behavior that led to one of their common names, miner's cat. They may also been called ringtail cat or bassarisk.

ringtail ringtail cat ring tailed cat miner s cat bassarisk mammal animal wild wildlife raccoon gila cliff dwellings national monument bassariscus astutus cats north america square mile ringtails national parks gallery national monuments

2016

National Parks Gallery

https://npgallery.nps.gov/

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