Ring-tailed cats and a Black-footed ferret in Arizona

The ring-tail (Bassariscus astutus) is a mammal of the raccoon family (thus not actually a cat), native to arid regions of North America.

Much like the common raccoon, the ring-tail is nocturnal and solitary. But it is timid and seen much more rarely than raccoons. It is omnivorous, eating fruits, berries, insects, lizards, small rodents, and birds. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons and bobcats will prey upon ring-tails. Hawks and owls may attack the young. They produce a variety of sounds, including clicks and chatters reminiscent of raccoons. A typical call is a very loud, plaintive bark. As adults, these mammals lead solitary lives, generally coming together only to mate. The Ring-tail above is in the collection at Tonto Natural Bridge, just north of Payson, AZ.

Black-footed ferret – A number of years ago I actually ran into one of these at a soccer field but it was deceased. It was in poor condition and at the time I had no idea what it was  and I decided to do some homework to see if I could decide what it was. At least that is what I think it was. The endangered black-footed ferret is a member of the weasel family.