tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post4957323344778400106..comments2023-11-03T05:29:25.633-07:00Comments on Wild West History: Ring-Tailed Cats, or Miner's Cats: Pest Control for Miners and PioneersDarla Sue Dollmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-49147043787549845172018-05-02T13:54:45.336-07:002018-05-02T13:54:45.336-07:00*Anne, I just read Olivia's description on Ama...*Anne, I just read Olivia's description on Amazon. She sounds like a wonderful character, and I'm sure a Miner's Cat would fit right in with a mystery. With this creature's agility and abilities it could even help Olivia! Love it! Thanks for reading my blog. I also have a blog on book reviews so I will be looking into Olivia again. Darla Sue Dollmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-25967883028219387852018-05-02T13:50:52.107-07:002018-05-02T13:50:52.107-07:00What does the book about Arizona discuss, and what...What does the book about Arizona discuss, and what is the age range for the book? I have many grandchildren and this sounds like a childrens' book. Does it have talking animals? (Those are my favorites, in films and books!) Darla Sue Dollmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-19716874905611714262018-05-02T13:45:38.131-07:002018-05-02T13:45:38.131-07:00Very interesting info. I'm writing a children&...Very interesting info. I'm writing a children's book about Arizona, and I just found out about these beautiful little creatures. I am going to include one in my book for sure. The book will be called "Olivia Ocelot Saves the Day: Adventures in the Arizona Desert". I've already published "Olivia Ocelot Comes to the Rescue: Adventures in the Rainforest" It's available on Amazon.Anne Crary JantzWhere the Heck is My Pet Rock?https://www.blogger.com/profile/16365130273070308975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-54402632233180035082017-08-28T15:56:35.851-07:002017-08-28T15:56:35.851-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00777595585045733084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-65849980098407679092016-03-16T12:01:40.269-07:002016-03-16T12:01:40.269-07:00Do you mean like squirrels and raccoon? I haven...Do you mean like squirrels and raccoon? I haven't heard anything about this, but if you've heard stories please share! I have read that they are shy, but that was not my experience. I read that they prefer to be alone. We had one that "preferred" to lie on the tree branch by our back door swinging his tail while my husband watered the garden. He seemed friendly and we had the impression he wanted to play, but we didn't know how the dogs would react to him and thought it was safer for the little creature if he stayed in the tree. However, we were first made aware of his presence when friends and family commented on numerous occasions that they saw a raccoon tail hanging down the garage window, which didn't make sense because that would mean the raccoon climbed up the tree and onto the roof of the garage. Thinking back on this behavior, it does make sense that if we had left a window open (which is not a wise thing to do when you live in the forest in Central Texas) the creature--and probably ten to 20 squirrels--may have climbed inside and helped himself to shiny objects. Darla Sue Dollmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-20838383845057816412016-03-16T09:47:39.621-07:002016-03-16T09:47:39.621-07:00Are they known to pack item offAre they known to pack item offAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02248240585760458757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-56789994926982051962015-12-25T03:46:24.680-08:002015-12-25T03:46:24.680-08:00I live in Austin, TX. I saw a ringtail last night ...I live in Austin, TX. I saw a ringtail last night in a tree in my apartment complex. I'm originally from Mississippi, so I have never seen or heard of a ringtail. (Definitely never heard of a Bassariscus) They are extremely interesting. We thought it was some sort of a squirrel at first. It was very cool and curious. It seemed like it wanted us to feed it, but it didn't come down from the tree. Hope I see it again soon! Do you know if there is a way to tell if it's male or female?Adamhttp://cloudsoutloud.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-81108526906552961822015-12-19T18:24:08.193-08:002015-12-19T18:24:08.193-08:00Sir, this is not a science page, it is a blog abou...Sir, this is not a science page, it is a blog about the history of the American Old West. I congratulate you on your extensive scientific knowledge of this subject, but referring to my readers and myself as "you people" is not exactly the best way to attract readers to your research or impress them with your knowledge. My doctorate is in creative writing, and my experience is with the people of the American Southwest. If you want to argue about linguistics, I'm your gal. I can assure you that no one--no one--in the American Southwest refers to this animal by its scientific name...except, perhaps, "you people." Darla Sue Dollmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-409989413679929202015-12-19T12:24:24.374-08:002015-12-19T12:24:24.374-08:00I am a professional biologist and have studied the...I am a professional biologist and have studied the bassarisc for 47 years. I wish you people would stop the use of the common name of ringtail, ringtail cat, etc. They are not a cat and are classified into the Procyonidae or raccoon family. Also, there are many mammals in the world called ringtails, such as the ringtailed lemur. Although there are over 21 common names for this carnivore in different geographical areas, the proper name is bassarisc and scientific name, Bassariscus astutus. Until my research is published, the most knowledgeable article is by The American Society in their Mammalian Species #327 by my deceased friend Ivo Poglayen-Neuwall and his helper, Dale Toweill. I am the last living expert on the bassarisc, and if anyone has questions, I'll do my best to answer them. rerichards34@hotmail.comDr. Richard E. Richardsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-37292809295889799852015-10-25T00:02:33.517-07:002015-10-25T00:02:33.517-07:00Unfortunately, they are a prey animal. They do not...Unfortunately, they are a prey animal. They do not have much to defend themselves with and like most wildlife, humans are their greatest threat. I loved the one that lived behind our house. He was a charmer. Darla Sue Dollmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-81794238302118427682015-10-24T13:57:40.344-07:002015-10-24T13:57:40.344-07:00My parents live in West Point, CA in Calaveras Cou...My parents live in West Point, CA in Calaveras County; an area previously occupied by many miners. I have seen these little guys playing in the road late at night. In fact I would not have seen them if not for the headlights. But I don't see them very often, sadly. A very cool creature.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04779277277037703037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-697719767719229802014-04-28T09:24:22.636-07:002014-04-28T09:24:22.636-07:00Hi! Thanks for reading! That's such a sad stor...Hi! Thanks for reading! That's such a sad story. I don't think Ring-Tails are as capable as other animals of defending themselves. The one that lived at our house almost reminded us of a rabbit--innocent, a bit too friendly, not particularly capable of self-defense. They sure are adorable, though. I do miss them. Darla Sue Dollmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-36388838435192740622014-04-27T22:22:31.382-07:002014-04-27T22:22:31.382-07:00Hi! I read your post here after looking for some i...Hi! I read your post here after looking for some information about ringtail/domestic cat interactions. We have a resident ringtail, I don't see here that often, but she is regular. Tonite, I heard something scuffling outside our bedroom window, then the most bizarre sound; a fairly loud, rhythmical noise like a cross between a bark & a duck quack, very panicked sounding. When I went outside to look, before I even got to where the noise was coming from, I saw a cat..I mean, a regular cat, black & white. Mind you, we live out in the middle of nowhere, southern AZ, nearest neighbor is miles away. I was shocked, to say the least. The cat ran away and I went round to where I could here our poor little ringtail & saw her done in a rock pile. I can only think she had a run in with this mysterious cat. Anyway, very strange & surreal! Thanks for you post, very informative! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-7169312995248670112013-09-01T10:09:58.091-07:002013-09-01T10:09:58.091-07:00Oh you are so blessed! They are shy creatures, but...Oh you are so blessed! They are shy creatures, but wonderful, and although they are shy, I think they want to be friendly. I think a better word would be "cautious." They have many predators, including humans, but they are so sweet and adorable. I will never forget the night my husband called me out to watch the ring tail in the tree. It seemed to REALLY like my husband! It was watching him, flipping its tail, sprawled out on the branch on its belly like squirrels like to do when it's hot and just as comfortable as could be listening to my husband talk. I don't know how long he was out there talking to that cat, but the ring tail seemed to be loving all the attention. Wonderful animals. I'm so glad you had the chance to see one! That is cool! Darla Sue Dollmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-25363792415764903792013-09-01T10:04:29.392-07:002013-09-01T10:04:29.392-07:00I have been watching one of these at the camp park...I have been watching one of these at the camp park in Amarillo, Texas for the last few nights. It's very cool. Comes out to chase crickets and mice around 11pm when most everyone is sleeping. Seems to be consistent about it's habitat. Just loving the rarity of the opportunity.Crystal Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09719649095359853676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-19975342878271155612013-09-01T10:02:07.686-07:002013-09-01T10:02:07.686-07:00Watching a ring tail cat for the last few nights h...Watching a ring tail cat for the last few nights here in Amarillo. Comes out around 11 to chase crickets attracted by the parks lights. It's just adorable and very illusive except doesn't seem to be bothered by all the campers. Very cool.<br />Crystal Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09719649095359853676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-34172795722003312722013-04-30T23:48:45.206-07:002013-04-30T23:48:45.206-07:00Dr.M, that is perfectly understandable! In the sou...Dr.M, that is perfectly understandable! In the sources I read--and I only listed the ones I used directly for the article--quite a few mentioned that people often see these animals and mistake them for Coati. If you compare the pictures, they look very similar, but when you see one close up as I did in Texas, you realize immediately it is a completely different animal. I am so thrilled that I was able to watch this animal in action as it ate, climbed trees, moved from branch to branch. When I move to Colorado I hope to be able to see one again. I have not seen one in New Mexico, but we currently live in the desert--sand and cactus--and Ring-Tailed Cats prefer trees, but they are in Colorado and I would love to have one living close to my home once more. I hope you are able to see one some day, too, and to watch it climb and swing from branch to branch. They are fascinating! Darla Sue Dollmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15295727215740074345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6964675941678680587.post-27817671494438455512013-04-30T23:14:59.636-07:002013-04-30T23:14:59.636-07:00I have never heard of this animal before, or if I ...I have never heard of this animal before, or if I have I just thought they were talking about a coati or a serval or something. Super cool! Dr.Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09895300806555339837noreply@blogger.com