Ringtail Cats: Photos of the 'Cutest Animal in North America'

Page 1 of 2:Page 1Page 1Page 2Home sweet homeThe American West is a vast and geographically unique region of North America. It is a land of vast deserts, of high, forest-covered mountain ranges and of temperate rainforests. It is also a land of iconic symbols like the Sonoran Desert saguaro cactus, Carnegiea gigantea, shown here, of spectacular sunsets and of an endless list of diverse cultures who found themselves coming together to help shape and define its history. In this land too, a vast array of unique species of animals are also found, with one mammal, the ringtail cat, just possibly vying for the title of "Cutest Animal of North America."Likin' the nightRingtail cats are basically nocturnal, and, except during the mating season, live solitarily. Both males and female ringtails establish a home range that can be as large as 336 acres (136 hectares). They are very timid toward humans and tend to be seen less often than their raccoon cousins. Most of their active time is spent in...