🦝 Ringtail

A cat-sized raccoon relative of desert canyons, with semi-retractable claws.

1–1.5 in. Five toes, round overall. Claws usually not printed. Furry soles blur detail. Tracks on rock ledges and canyon sand.

Rocky canyons, desert scrub, old buildings. Southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Strictly nocturnal

Rodents, insects, fruit, birds

Ringtails can rotate their hind feet 180° to climb down headfirst.