The Cacomistle (Bassariscus sumichrasti) is a member of the Procyonidae family. The species inhabits wet, tropical, evergreen woodlands and mountain forests, and seasonally they may venture into drier deciduous forests. They are distributed throughout Central America from south-central Mexico to Panama. The Cacomistle has dark brown and gray fur that contrasts with the black and white striped tail. They may be confused with their close relative the Ring-Tailed Cat, but unlike the Ring-tailed Cat, the Cacomistle does not have retractable claws. Considered generalist feeders, the species eats a wide variety of foods like fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and rodents.
The Cacomistle has a body length in the range of 15”-18.5” (38-47 cm) and total weight of 1.5-3.3 lb (.7-1.5 kg). The Cacomistle has a body height between 7.1”-9.4” (18-24 cm), body width of 3.9”-5.1” (10-13 cm), and tail length of 15.4”-20.9” (39-53 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cacomistle is between 7-24 years.
The Cacomistle (Bassariscus sumichrasti) is a member of the Procyonidae family. The species inhabits wet, tropical, evergreen woodlands and mountain forests, and seasonally they may venture into drier deciduous forests. They are distributed throughout Central America from south-central Mexico to Panama. The Cacomistle has dark brown and gray fur that contrasts with the black and white striped tail. They may be confused with their close relative the Ring-Tailed Cat, but unlike the Ring-tailed Cat, the Cacomistle does not have retractable claws. Considered generalist feeders, the species eats a wide variety of foods like fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and rodents.
The Cacomistle has a body length in the range of 15”-18.5” (38-47 cm) and total weight of 1.5-3.3 lb (.7-1.5 kg). The Cacomistle has a body height between 7.1”-9.4” (18-24 cm), body width of 3.9”-5.1” (10-13 cm), and tail length of 15.4”-20.9” (39-53 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cacomistle is between 7-24 years.