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Ringtail        Images © Mark A. Chappell

The ringtail, or ring-tailed cat Bassariscus astutus is a common but seldom-seen member of the raccoon family Procyonidae, native to the southwestern US and Mexico.   It is found in a variety of habitats but generally prefers arid rocky regions.   They are quick, graceful, and very attractive, and were sometimes tamed by miners in remote cabins for companionship and rodent control (they are sometimes called 'miner's cats').   This one was drinking from hummingbird feeders at the Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon, Arizona.

  • Canon 7D2, 100-400 Mk. II lens, electronic flash (2020)