Community Corner
Ringtail Cat Hitches Ride On Underside Of RV Going To Houston
The civet cat, also known as a ringtail cat, was suffering from dehydration and will be released back into the wild when it recovers
HOUSTON, TX — The owner of an RV found an unexpected stowaway, when the owner discovered a civet cat, or ringtail cat, had hitched a ride to the underside of the RV on a trip from from Bandera, Texas, just outside San Antonio.
Wildlife officials were surprised the ringtail wasn’t injured during the trip, which covered more than 200 miles.
The ringtail cat, which is rare in Houston, is the first of its species to be a guest at the The Houston SPCA Wildlife Center of Texas .
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Officials said the ringtail was orphaned in Bandera and was suffering from dehydration when it was brought into the center.
The ringtail is being closely monitored by the veterinary team and rehabilitation staff, and will be released back into the wild once it is fully recovered.
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Image: Jim and Janine Eden, via Flickr Commons
Ringtails, which are a mammal of the raccoon family and native to Texas, yet are not often seen in the Houston region.
They are nocturnal animals that possess superb sight and hearing to help them navigate in the dark.
Ringtails typically weigh around three pounds and are often mistaken as foxes due to their tawny fur, pointed muzzle, and long whiskers.
They have a shy disposition and are timid around humans. As adults, ringtails lead solitary lives, generally coming together only to mate.
You can visit www.wildlifecenteroftexas.org for more information on what to do if you find an injured or orphaned wild animal.
The Houston SPCA Wildlife Center of Texas seeks to fully rehabilitate and release the ringtail back into its natural habitat.
Image: The Houston SPCA Wildlife Center of Texas
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