Timpanogos Cave National Monument has approximately 55 species of mammals.  Each species of mammal plays an important role in the park’s “circle of life.”  Small mammals such as rodents and bats help control the population of insects; larger mammals, like ringtail cats, help control the population of rodents.  Plant eating mammals help distribute seeds.   The following are some of the more common mammals found within the Monument:

Ringtail Cat: Although not related to cats, these animals were called miner’s cats (historically appreciated for their mousing abilities.)  Like Raccoons, Ringtail Cats are actually in the family Procyonidae and have striped tails and a fur mask around their eyes.  A Ringtail cat has a compact and sleek body with an elongated pointed nose.  Its fur ranges from a white to a dark brown and the tail of this animal has seven to eight black rings.  The ringtail cat is not a large mammal.  It grows as long as 24 to 32 inches and weighs from 30 to 39 ounces making it the perfect size to live in rock crevices and tree hallows.  The diet of this omnivore includes mice, woodrats, squirrels, rabbits, insects, plants, and nectar.  The ringtail cat feeds at night and is not often seen by park visitors.

Least Chipmunk: This chipmunk can be distinguished from other chipmunks by a cinnamon-buff back and 5 black back stripes.  It is found foraging in coniferous forests on seeds, fruits, fungi, and insects.  This animal can be commonly found on the trail in the mornings and the evenings and will bark if alarmed by visitors.