The name “ringtail” comes from the seven or eight black rings on the animal’s tail. Members of the raccoon family, they’re about the size of a small cat—but have no relation to them—and are excellent at hunting rodents and insects, in addition to foraging for fruit and whatever else is available. Except for breeding season, ringtails live alone. Long ago, there was an Aztec word for them, meaning “half mountain lion,” which probably pleases these tough little guys. Swing by the Folsom Zoo this month to say hello to Miss Rose!

—Roberta Ratcliff // Photo by Christina Allen.