A Grand Canyon rafting crew recently discovered they had picked up an unexpected passenger while traveling down the Colorado River.
Hatch River Expeditions shared a pictures and a video of the ringtail had apparently climbed aboard one of its boats and remained hidden until the crew discovered the animal while already out on the water. With nowhere for the small mammal to safely escape in the middle of the river, the crew managed to contain it inside a five-gallon bucket and quickly returned to shore. Once the boat reached land, the ringtail was released back into the Grand Canyon and went on its way.
Ringtails Are Common In The Grand Canyon But Rarely Seen
Despite the name “ringtail cat” the animal is not actually a cat. Ringtails are small members of the raccoon family and are native to rocky landscapes throughout the Southwest.
Grand Canyon National Park describes the ringtail as a common but rarely seen resident of the canyon. The animals are mostly nocturnal and secretive, spending daylight hours sleeping in rock crevices, hollow trees, burrows and other protected spaces. They can be found throughout the Grand Canyon from the rim all the way down to the Colorado River.
Their most recognizable feature is the long tail covered in alternating black and white bands. Adults can reach roughly 32 inches from nose to tail, although much of that length is the tail itself.
Ringtails are particularly well adapted to life on the Grand Canyon’s cliffs. According to the National Park Service, their hind feet can rotate more than 180 degrees, helping the animals climb steep rock faces and even descend headfirst. Their long tails provide additional balance as they move through rocky terrain.
They Are Also Very Good At Getting Into Things
Anyone wondering how a ringtail managed to sneak aboard a rafting boat should know that this is very much on brand for the species.
Hatch River Expeditions has previously described ringtails as elusive nighttime visitors that are also accomplished camp robbers. The omnivores eat everything from insects and small rodents to berries, nuts, birds and reptiles, but they will also investigate human food when given the opportunity.
The National Park Service specifically warns Colorado River users that ringtails are capable of climbing onto just about any surface while searching for food. River travelers are encouraged to secure food at night rather than allowing the animals to become accustomed to raiding camps and boats.
Their ability to squeeze into tight spaces and climb almost anything means a raft loaded with bags, boxes and equipment can offer plenty of potential hiding places.
Arizona’s State Mammal
The ringtail is also Arizona’s official state mammal. Arizona Game and Fish says ringtails generally weigh only about 2 to 2.5 pounds, despite their long-tailed appearance. They are found across most of Arizona, particularly around rocky canyons and other rugged terrain.
Their secretive nighttime behavior means many people can spend years exploring ringtail habitat without ever seeing one. Finding one already aboard your boat is excedingly rare.
Hatch Has Been Rafting The Grand Canyon For More Than 90 Years
Hatch River Expeditions specializes exclusively in Grand Canyon rafting trips and is one of the commercial river operators authorized by the National Park Service. The Hatch family’s history on Western rivers dates to 1929, and the company began operating trips through the Grand Canyon in 1934.
The company now runs multi-day motorized, oar-powered and hiking-focused trips along the Colorado River, meaning its crews spend considerable time living alongside the canyon’s wildlife.
That wildlife can include bighorn sheep, condors, reptiles and the occasional ringtail moving around camp after dark. What crews probably do not expect is for one of those animals to quietly join the trip.
Thankfully this little critter was in good hand with the experienced guides at Hatch River Expeditions and it was safely sheparded to shore. If you would like to book at trip with Hatch River Expeditions you can do so here.
