Ringtail and Raccoon

The ringtail is shaped somewhat like a marten with an elongated body and tail of approximately equal length. The ringtail is named for its tail which has has eight dark bands alternating with seven buffy bands.

The dorsum is buff overlain with blackish or dark-brownish guard hairs; the venter is whitish or light buff. The face mask is whitish, but the eyes are fringed with a narrow band of black. The toes are equipped with semi-retractile claws, and except for the pads, furred on the ventral surface. The ears are long and set wide apart on a nearly horizontal plane. The hind foot can be rotated 180 degrees so that the ringtail can descend trees or rocks head first.

Ringtails are strongly nocturnal, but may be active in daylight hours during the reproductive season. Ringtails are superb climbers, often making use of a variety of rock-climbing techniques. Neonates squeak and older young may make vocalizations described as a chuck, chirp, growl, or explosive bark.

In Oregon, the ringtail occurs in Lane, Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties. It is an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species in the Coast Range, Klamath Mountains and West Cascades ecoregions.

Photo from Flickr

Few, if any, behavior patterns of wild mammals are more widely recognized than the so-called "food-washing" behavior of the racoon. Wild raccoons, in foraging along streams, commonly sit on their hind legs (sometimes in the water), stare vacantly into space, and search for food by "dabbling" with splayed-fingered forepaws.

View more information about Living with Wildlife, Raccoons for tips on preventing conflicts at home and in the wild.