Two ringtails born June 12 at The Living Desert in California
recently made their debut.  Because ringtails
are nocturnal creatures, the staff shows off the babies during twice daily hand
feedings, giving guests a better chance to see the babies.

Photo Credit:  Bert Buxbaum

The two cubs, one male and one female, we born to
parents Abe and Penelope.  They have not
yet been named.

Also called ring-tailed cats, ringtails are closely related
to raccoons.  They are native to the
southern central plains and desert Southwest in the United States and are found
throughout Mexico.  Like raccoons,
ringtails are omnivorous, feeding on mice, frogs, toads, snakes, berries, and
insects.   

Because of their nocturnal habits and
shyness toward humans, ringtails are not commonly seen in the wild.  Ringtails are expert climbers, with ankles
that can rotate 180 degrees to allow headfirst descents from trees.