DENVER (KDVR) — If you’ve never heard of a ringtail cat, don’t worry: you’re not alone.
These two-pound creatures live in Coloradan’s backyards, giving little indication about their presence.
Ringtail cats are entirely nocturnal mammals that mainly live in southwestern deserts, and are more commonly seen in Southern Colorado rather than in northern areas like Longmont, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The name “cat” might be a bit misleading, too. These furry friends (known scientifically as Bassariscus astutus) are more closely related to a raccoon, as can be seen by the ringtail’s bushy, well-marked tail. They’re smaller, however, only reaching about 28 inches long and weighing merely two pounds, according to CPW.
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These animals are more common in areas like Texas and Arizona but are known to be found in Colorado. Just last year a ringtail cat was rescued from a Jefferson County Kohl’s store.
Mysti Tatro, community relations manager for Greenwood Wildlife, spoke with FOX31 about rescuing a ringtail cat from a downtown Longmont pantry earlier this month.