Ringtails, however, are not cats. They are related to and somewhat resemble raccoons, but with a slender, more elegant form. They have long, fluffy black and white ringed tails and greyish-brown coats. They reach from 25 to 30 inches in length, half of which are their tails. Shoulder height is about 6 inches, and they weigh about two pounds.
Ringtails live in the western United States from southern Oregon and Colorado down to Mexico.
During the 20th century, their range expanded to include Kansas to Alabama, primarily dwelling in desert canyons and rocky brush covered slopes in elevations up to 8,000 feet. In addition to eating small rodents, birds, lizards, and insects, ringtails also consume fruits, acorns, berries and other vegetation. Ringtails are rarely seen because they are nocturnal. They have home ranges of more than 250 acres, and generally, only one male and one female are found in any home range. Their hind feet, which can rotate 180 degrees, make them excellent climbers, capable of great dexterity and quick descents.