...think you got it old digger...it does look like that print pic you posted & we do have those, but only saw one once....thanks for that!
vpnavy....
Cariboo....yes, if only! Actually we do have a trail camera...so....maybe it does. We see lot's of skunk prints & they are smaller and narrower than this one & claws showing. I should know....we live in "skunk land"...lot's of them. ....but they are pretty animals.
Sure looks like Diggers got it pined down. The old miners and loggers of the past would keep Ringtail cats as pets, as they we'er as effective as keeping a cat around for rodent control in their cabins. They are very rare to spot as they are nocturnal. One night long ago on a rainy night on a road that goes from Salida to Cañon City Colorado there where many little frogs on the wet highway and I believe I saw maybe as many as six or so Ringtails on the roadside in the headlights catching those little frogs. That was the only time I've ever seen any Ringtail cats in the wild.
tamrock....Wow you were very lucky to have seen so many of them. And how interesting to know about the miners & Ringtails as "pets", thanks for sharing that! Did find this print at the pond/swamp...hope they eat "Bullfrogs" as well as the kinds you saw them eating?
TJE....yes, the first one has four toes because it's from a Cougar, not Ringtail....that'd be a Big Ringtail!