The leaps are launched with the powerful hind legs, which are then swung forward to receive the impact of the landing. Specialized lower incisors and incisiform canines form a tooth-comb for acquiring tree gum during times of difficulty. These teeth are also used in grooming. Ring-tails are very social, with their group size ranging to 30, averaging 15. There tends to be more males than females in each group, and females are the dominant members.
Females stay with their group for their life-time, males move around.
Interactions within the group may be aggressive, with females and males having their own hierarchy. The male hierarchy breaks down during the breeding season. The ring-tail territories are fairly large, ranging from 15 to 50 some acres, depending on food availability. The breeding season is only about 2 weeks long, with each female only in estrous about one day. Gestation is about 130 days.