This little critter isn t a cat at all, but more closely related to the raccoon. They are nocturnal animals, and are rarely ever seen during daylight hours. They feed on small mammals especially mice and wood rats, but they also eat insects and fruit when it is in season. The ringtail prefers rocky, brush covered slopes at lower elevations. The Raccoon is a nocturnal animal known for his black robber s mask and busy ringed tail.
Raccoons make their dens in the holes of trees, in hollow logs and in the crevices of rocky ledges.
They tend to frequent shallow streams and river banks where they forage for freshwater mussels, crawdads, frogs and fish. After catching their prey, they can sometimes be seen energetically washing their food. They are inquisitive animals, and with their nimble fingers can undo latches on coolers and boxes. They are not shy about sharing your food if you leave it out and unattended in your campsite. They are well known for their obnoxious odor which is sprayed from two glands at the base of the tail.