Abstract
Rotation of the hind foot and associated climbing techniques, plus other adaptations associated with climbing rocks and trees by ringtails ( Bassariscus astutus ), were studied in captivity and under natural and seminatural conditions in Zion National Park, Utah. The ringtail hind foot can rotate externally at least 180 degrees, permitting rapid head-first descent of rocks, cliffs, trees, narrow slab edges, and thin branches, sometimes without the use of claws. Examination of X-rays and articular facets show that rotation occurs at the hip-femur, calcaneum-talus, and intratarsal joints. Other adaptive behavior includes “chimney stemming” between vertical walls, “ricocheting” off vertical surfaces, accurate “power leaping,” techniques to reverse direction on narrow ledges, and claustrophilia.
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