Marty Stouffer's Wild America

Season 3 Episode 3 - Ringtailed Rascals

Why is it that animals with unusual markings seem to hold special significance for us? We're fascinated by the Jaguar's spots, the Skunk's stripes, and the Raccoon's mask and Ringtailed. Maybe it's because these characteristic markings enable us to identify them easier and they even add an extra dimension to their personalities. Most of us recognize a Raccoon when we see one. And because of its strange markings most of us think of it as fun-loving, or even mischievous. But what about the Raccoon's relatives the nosy Coatimundi which looks like a stretched out version of a raccoon, and the graceful little Ringtail it looks like a cross between a squirrel and a fox. These creatures are all closely related, and all of them are known for their distinctive markings. But the question is, are they all "RINGTAILED RASCALS"?