Rare Ringtail Discovered in Colorado Kitchen, Rescued by Wildlife Center
A resident in Longmont, Colorado, discovered a rare ringtail, also known as a ring-tailed cat, in their kitchen pantry. Initially mistaken for a raccoon, the animal was identified by wildlife operators as a ringtail (Bassariscus astutus), a nocturnal mammal belonging to the Procyonidae family, related to raccoons and coatis, not felines. The ringtail was safely captured and transported to the Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for assessment. Mysti Tatro, community relations manager at the center, noted the rarity of such encounters, as ringtails are typically elusive and primarily inhabit desert areas of southern Colorado, with infrequent sightings in the Front Range hills and western canyons. After confirming its good health, the animal was released into a suitable habitat with rocky walls and water, consistent with its natural environment. 
