What is the Arizona state animal?
Quick Answer
The Arizona state animal is the ringtail, also known as the ringtail cat, miner's cat or cacomistle. Ringtails look very like cats and foxes but have a ringed tails similar to a raccoon's.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
The ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is not really a cat; it is related to the raccoon and the coatimundi. It was designated Arizona's state mammal in 1986. The ringed tails are extremely long, typically the length of the head and body, and have 14 to 16 black-and-white bands and a black tip. Each foot has five toes equipped with sharp, curved, non-retractile claws.
Ringtails are almost wholly nocturnal and expert climbers. They live in rocky areas and occasionally in the woods, where they prefer hollow trees. Ringtails are omnivores, consuming both meat and plants. They eat small birds and mammals, carrion, reptiles, insects and fruit.
Learn more about The WestRelated Questions
-
Q:
Is Arizona a popular place to retire?
A: Tens of thousands of retirees move to Arizona each year, making it the second most popular destination for retirees in the United States after Florida. Sco... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
When did Arizona become a state?
A: Arizona became a U.S. state on Feb. 14th, 1912, and was the last of the 48 contiguous states to be admitted to the union. Arizona was part of New Mexico un... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some highways in Arizona?
A: Highways in Arizona include Route 66 from Topock to Holbrook, Highway 80 from Flagstaff to Wickenburg, Highway 88 from Apache Junction to the Superstition ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where is a hummingbird exhibit in Arizona?
A: There is a hummingbird exhibit at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona. The exhibit consists of a hummingbird aviary surrounded by a pollina... Full Answer >Filed Under:
