ExploreMammals

Cacomistle

Bassariscus sumichrasti

Cacomistles are cute, small mammals that look like a mix between a cat and a raccoon. They are known for their long tails and playful nature, often found climbing trees and exploring their surroundings.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Cacomistle is a sleek, medium-sized mammal resembling a slender cat with a long, bushy tail. Its fur is typically grayish-brown to reddish-brown on top, with a creamier underside. The most distinctive feature is its striking black and white ringed tail, longer than its body, and large, dark eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyProcyonidaeGenusBassariscus
Cacomistle
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badgearboreal trait badge
Cacomistle

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Mother cacomistles move their babies to new dens if they sense danger!

Sometimes called a 'ringtail,' but it lives far from its North American cousin!

Their super-long, striped tail can be longer than their entire body!

They can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees to climb down trees headfirst!

Special abilities

Ability

Acrobatic Agility

Cacomistles have incredibly flexible ankles, allowing them to turn their hind feet backwards to descend trees headfirst with ease.

Ability

Tail Navigator

Cacomistles use their long, prehensile tail for balance, acting like a counterweight to navigate complex branches and dense foliage.

Ability

Night Vision Pro

Cacomistles possess large eyes with a reflective layer, enhancing their ability to see clearly and hunt efficiently in dim light.

Measurements & details

Length
77-100 cm
Weight
0.8-1.5 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Top Speed
20 km/h
Litter Size
1-5
Gestation
60-64 days

Diet & Feeding

These adaptable omnivores enjoy a varied menu of fruits, insects, and tiny forest creatures.

Primary Foods

  • figs
  • insects
  • berries
  • small rodents
  • birds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

A nocturnal hunter, it preys on cacomistles in their forest homes.

eaten by

Ocelot

Leopardus pardalis

An agile feline predator, it hunts cacomistles in shared habitats.

eaten by

Boa Constrictor

Boa constrictor

Ambushes and constricts arboreal cacomistles from branches.

hunts

Mexican Deer Mouse

Peromyscus mexicanus

Cacomistles actively hunt these small rodents among forest undergrowth.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Cacomistles are wild animals, so it's best to watch them from a distance and not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Cacomistle?

77-100 cm

How much does Cacomistle weigh?

0.8-1.5 kg

How long does Cacomistle live?

6-10 years

How fast can Cacomistle move?

20 km/h

What does Cacomistle eat?

These adaptable omnivores enjoy a varied menu of fruits, insects, and tiny forest creatures.

Where is Cacomistle usually found?

Forests

How does Cacomistle hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Cacomistle usually have?

1-5

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