Hiker Freezes In Shock After Encountering A Rarely Seen Creature In Phoenix
Hiking has a way of making you feel truly alive. It refreshes both body and mind while offering unexpected glimpses of nature’s wonders.
Few people know this better than Jacqueline Hurst, an experienced hiker who has explored countless trails over the years.
But her latest trek at Piestewa Peak in Phoenix turned out to be one she’d never forget. It began like any other outing. Jacqueline followed the well-worn paths she knew so well, until something unusual caught her attention.
There, nestled among the rocks, she spotted a flash of movement that made her stop in her tracks.
At first, she didn’t think much of it. She often spots birds, squirrels, and other critters along the way.
But then she noticed a tail that stopped her in her tracks. When she got a better look, Jacqueline instantly recognized it.
Sitting just a few feet away was a ringtail, Arizona’s state mammal, enjoying a piece of fruit near some shrubs. Jacqueline recalled in an interview:
“I saw that unmistakable beautiful tail.”
For those who haven’t seen one before, ringtails are a rare treat. They might look like small house cats at first glance, but they’re actually part of the raccoon family.
Their fluffy, striped tails are the giveaway. Native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, these little creatures aren’t endangered, but most people never get a close-up view of one.
Jacqueline considers herself incredibly lucky. She’s hiked Piestewa Peak almost a hundred times, and this was only the second time she’d ever spotted a ringtail, as she shared:
“They tend to avoid humans. I really hadn’t expected to ever see one again.”
One reason ringtails are so rarely seen is that they are mostly nocturnal. Their big eyes help them navigate the night, making daytime sightings unusual.
Jacqueline caught this tiny mammal just as the sun was rising, sharing:
“Very few people have been lucky enough to ever see one in person.”
She watched quietly, careful not to disturb it. She even managed to snap a few photos and record a short video, amazed at how small, cute, and delicate the animal looked.
Even while excited, Jacqueline worried a little about the ringtail. Wild animals getting used to humans can be dangerous for them, as she explained:
“Unfortunately, I think one of the reasons that this particular ringtail was still active after sunrise is likely because some hikers are either leaving food behind or actually feeding the ringtails. I think people believe they are doing a good thing, but they’re not.”
Eventually, the ringtail slipped back into the rocks and shrubs and disappeared from sight. Jacqueline continued her hike, her heart still racing from the experience.
She knew she had just witnessed a rare moment she would remember forever.
