A homeowner in Mexico City, Victor Flores, became worried after hearing strange noises on his roof at night. To investigate, he installed several cameras focusing on the area where the noise was coming from. After a few days, Flores discovered the unexpected source of the disruption – a cacomistle, a slender, long-tailed, raccoon-like carnivore. Despite appearing cute and cuddly, the sighting was special due to the rarity of cacomistles being captured on camera.
Cacomistles belong to the Procyonidae family and are close cousins of raccoons, but are much smaller and slender. They weigh an average of just 2 to 3 pounds and have a distinctive bushy, black-and-white-ringed tail that helps them maintain balance. These nocturnal animals are grayish brown with lighter underparts, white patches over their eyes, long ears, and pointed snouts. Known as ring-tailed cats, they feed on a mix of small animals, fruit, and vegetables. Despite their resemblance to raccoons, cacomistles are skilled at hiding, making sightings extremely rare. They were previously confined to forested areas but have now spread to urban areas attracted by food sources.
The cacomistle sighting captured by Flores represents a rare instance of these elusive creatures being caught on camera. While cacomistles are sometimes captured for their fur, they are classified as “Least Concern” in terms of population numbers by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. This sighting adds to the list of extraordinary nature moments captured on Ring security cameras, including a giant bear taking a dip in a garden pond, a giant spider crawling on a front porch, and a moose shedding both antlers at once. To share funny and adorable videos or pictures of pets, readers can send them to life@newsweek.com for a chance to appear in the Pet of the Week lineup.
Flores’ footage of the cacomistle walking at night in Mexico City showcases the beauty and mystery of these rarely spotted creatures. The video highlights the unique characteristics of cacomistles, such as their small size, slender build, and distinctive bushy tail. The sighting of a cacomistle playing on a residential roof adds to the growing instances of wildlife venturing into urban areas in search of food sources. Despite their elusive nature, this captured moment provides a glimpse into the world of these fascinating animals and offers a rare opportunity to observe their behavior up close.
Overall, the homeowner’s discovery of a cacomistle on his roof in Mexico City sheds light on the diversity of wildlife within urban environments. The footage serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between human habitats and natural ecosystems. By capturing and sharing these rare encounters with elusive creatures like the cacomistle, we gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world. As more individuals document and share their wildlife encounters, we can continue to learn about and protect the diverse species that inhabit our planet.
