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ringtail

Bassariscus astutus

Photo by Jeff Dreier
Published on Project Noah
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39.6304, -121.934

Field Notes

Description:

Light tan with distinctly banded tail.

Habitat:

Dense riparian areas in the Sacramento Valley, also oak woodlands and coastal forests.

Notes:

Although dead animals are not always welcome on this site, I think this one is different. It is rarely observed. I have only seen two (both road kills) despite hundreds of hours in the field (including lots of nocturnal work) during the last 25 years. I'm just not lucky with this species.

Reference Links:

Ring-tailed cat

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
CindyBinghamKeiser
:( Rare to see running around as they're nocturnal. I hope to spot one someday. Thank you for sharing to educate the community on this beautiful mammal.
Reza Hashemizadeh
Wow Jeff, though this is a very sad spot indeed. I must confess I have never heard of this mammal before this spotting and as tragic as this is, I am grateful for the education and your sensitivity !
Photographed
PublishedMarch 16, 2014

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