Arizona’s State Mammal Isn’t One You Are Likely To See!
Arizona is home to some of the Southwest's most iconic wildlife, some of which we never really see. The ringtail is among some of the more elusive animals in the area, only coming out at night and disappearing into rock crevices and old rodent burrows before sunrise. Despite how rarely anyone spots one in the wild, this shy little acrobat holds a surprising title: it’s Arizona’s official state mammal!
What are ringtails?
Ringtails are about the size of a house cat and are in the same family as raccoons. They are known for their big eyes, striped tails, and incredible climbing ability. Ringtails are unique mammals, as their back ankles can rotate 180 degrees! They are uniquely adapted to be able to climb vertical spaces and ricochet off walls!
They are omnivores and tend to eat small rodents, lizards, and insects, as well as berries, seeds, and cactus fruits! Ringtails also scavenge, meaning they will eat dead things! They get their name from the raccoon, like stripes on their tails!
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How common are they in Arizona?
Even though you aren't likely to see a ringtail, they are extremely common in Arizona. There is no statewide population count, but according to Arizona Game and Fish, they are abundant.
They are native to the southwest and are very common in the Sonoran Desert and areas of higher elevation, such as the White Mountains and the Chiricahua Mountains. They are also found inhabiting abandoned structures and sometimes even attics!
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Arizona's state mammal!
In 1986, the ringtail was official names Arizona's state mammal. Under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 41-859, the ridgenosed rattlesnake became the state reptile, the Apache trout became the state fish, the Arizona tree frog was named the state amphibian, and the ringtail became the state mammal!
The story of the selection of the state mammal is just as cute as the animal itself. Arizona Game and Fish had over a thousand schoolchildren research local wildlife in 1985. Students studied hundreds of mammals, and after a few months, they voted, and the ringtail won! In 198,6 it went to the state board and was made the official state mammal!
Ringtails may be quiet and hard to spot, but their presence is everywhere in Arizona. They move quietly through canyons, old mining sites, and rocky hillsides, reminding us that some of the state’s most fascinating wildlife lives just out of sight. What do you think, is the ringtail deserving of Arizona's state mammal title?
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