Ring tail cats, also known as ringtail cats or Bassariscus, are fascinating creatures often spotted in the wild or in suburban areas. While they are not true cats, their appearance and behaviors make them seem cat-like. If you’ve ever encountered one, you might wonder if they are aggressive. In this post, we’ll discuss the behavior of ring tail cats, including whether they can be aggressive, and what to do if they are in your backyard.
What Are Ring Tail Cats?
Ring tail cats are nocturnal animals found in North and Central America. They have a long, bushy tail with rings around it, which is where their name comes from. Despite their cat-like looks, they are more closely related to raccoons and other small mammals in the procyonidae family.
They are small animals, usually weighing between 1 and 2 pounds, and they are excellent climbers. You can spot them in forests, rocky canyons, and even in urban areas, as they are very adaptable.
Are Ringtail Cats Aggressive?
Ring tail cats are not typically aggressive toward humans. They are shy creatures and prefer to avoid human interaction. Most of the time, if a ring tail cat feels threatened, it will flee rather than fight. They have a natural instinct to avoid confrontations and will hide in trees or small spaces to escape danger.
How Do They Act in the Wild?
In the wild, ring tail cats are mostly solitary and non-confrontational. They use their keen senses of sight and smell to find food, primarily insects, fruits, and small animals. They are not territorial like other animals and usually share their habitat with other species without significant conflict.
What Happens if You Encounter One?
If you come across a ring tail cat, they may freeze and stare at you, but they are unlikely to attack. They will usually retreat if they feel threatened or unsafe. It’s important not to corner them, as this could provoke a defensive reaction. They may hiss or growl if they feel they have no escape route, but this is a warning rather than an act of aggression.
What to Do if You Have a Ring Tail Cat in Your Backyard?
If a ring tail cat is in your backyard, you can try to remove it without causing harm. They are excellent at pest control, particularly in areas with small rodents or insects. If the animal is causing problems, it’s best to contact wildlife removal experts to handle the situation. Professional wildlife removal ensures the safety of both you and the animal.
When to Call for Help
If a ring tail cat seems aggressive or is acting in an unusual way, it may be sick or rabid. In this case, you should contact local wildlife services or ring tail cat pest control to safely remove the animal. Rabies can cause unusual aggression in wild animals, so it’s always better to be cautious.
Ring Tail Cats: Behavior, Risks, and What to Do if They Appear in Your Backyard
In general, ring tail cats are not aggressive creatures. They prefer to stay out of sight and avoid humans whenever possible. If you do spot one, they are more likely to be curious or cautious rather than confrontational. If you encounter a ring tail cat in your backyard and it poses a problem, consider contacting a professional for wildlife removal. Ring tail cats can be beneficial for pest control but should be handled with care to avoid any risks associated with wild animals.
If you’re dealing with ring tail cats or other wildlife in your backyard, trust Ginx Rodent and Wildlife Removal to handle it safely and effectively. Contact us today for expert wildlife removal and pest control solutions.
