The Incredibly Rare Ringtail Is Starting To Make An Appearance Around Colorado

The Centennial State is home to many diverse animals that include everything from moose and elk to bears and wolves to... ringtails? If you have never heard of the ringtail, you are not alone, as they are incredibly rare and are just now making their appearance around Colorado. Here is everything you need to know about this cute and virtually-unknown animal:

It's a bird! It's a squirrel! It's... a ringtail? The ringtail tends to live in more southwestern states, but OutThere Colorado found that it is beginning to make more of an appearance around the Centennial State.

Formally known as Bassariscus astutus (but also known as a ringtail cat or a cacomistle), ringtails are distantly related to raccoons and feature a bushy, ringed tail, white eye-ring, black-tipped tail, and a distinct yellowish-gray color.

Unlike the raccoon, ringtails are relatively small, weighing only 3 pounds and measuring approximately 28 inches long.

If you live in or plan to visit the Western Slope, keep your eyes peeled, as you may be able to spot these cute and somewhat shy creatures that - as we previously mentioned - sleep during the day and come out at night.

In addition to the Slope, the ringtail has been reportedly seen around the foothills of the Front Range, plus certain places in southern Colorado, including a Cañon City Burger King!

You can learn more about this rare and elusive animal at Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

For even more rare Centennial State animals, check out the places in Colorado where creatures have been found outside their usual habitat.

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here and we'll be sure to take a peek!