Do you love animals? Of course, you do. After all, you’re here. Animals with fluffy tails come in different shapes and sizes. Some are small, while others are large, and there are plenty of different-sized ones somewhere in-between.
These animals are cute because of their fluffy tails and so much more. So, if your interest is piqued, don’t go away because you can learn some interesting things about such animals here.
Fluffy-Tailed Animals
1) Red Fox
Red foxes make this list because they have fluffy and furry tails, but these animals are so much more. Although red is in the name, the critters are sometimes gray or reddish-brown. They can be found almost everywhere across the globe, except Antarctica. So, don’t go there hoping to spot red foxes. These animals are also excellent hunters.
They have an exceptional sense of smell and run up to 30 miles per hour. Finally, red foxes are social animals that live in packs and mate for life, having two to five cubs yearly.
2) Red Panda
Ailurus fulgens is the scientific name for the red panda. Interestingly, these animals are more closely related to the raccoon than the giant panda. Red pandas can be found in the mountains of Nepal and parts of China, but if you’re hoping to see them, you better look up.
These creatures spend most of their time in the tree tops. Red Pandas are omnivores. Their diets consist of bamboo leaves, insects, small rodents, berries, and fruits.
Unfortunately, poaching has taken a toll on the red panda population. It is estimated that only between 1,000 and 2,500 of these animals are left worldwide. Today, red pandas are protected by law in their native lands. However, they are still regularly hunted by poachers.
3) Giant Anteater
Did you know that the giant anteater is one of the biggest anteaters in the world? It’s true. They often grow from six to eight feet in length and weigh between 60 and 100 pounds. Myrmecophaga tridactyla is the scientific name for the giant anteater.
These animals have extremely bushy tails. They sometimes cover up with them for protection against the sun. Then again, the creatures also use their tails like blankets to stay warm when it’s cold out.
The animals do not have teeth, but they do have razor-sharp claws. They also have long snouts and tongues, which help make eating ants and termites a breeze. Those looking for these creatures in the wild can find them in the savannas, open grasslands, and forests of Central and South America.
4) Coyotes
Coyotes are a native species to North America. They are often considered nuisances because they kill livestock and pets. However, they are necessary too. For example, coyotes help keep rodent and rabbit populations in check.
Canis latrans is the scientific name given to the coyote. An interesting fact about these animals is that they can mate with other members of the canine species like wolves and dogs.
Coyotes are highly adaptable. They can live in urban areas, forests, deserts, and more. These creatures have fluffy tails, but unlike dogs, they do not wag them to communicate. Additionally, coyotes are excellent hunters. One reason is because of a unique scent gland on their tails.
5) Raccoon
Procyon lotor is the scientific name for the raccoon. These animals are gray and known for the black band around their eyes. It makes them resemble burglars on television.
People usually consider raccoons nuisances, much like coyotes, but for a different reason. Raccoons get into trash cans and make messes. However, trash isn’t all they eat. The animals are omnivores that will devour almost anything.
Some individuals don’t know that raccoons will occasionally wash their food before eating it. As for their tails, they are bushy and have black rings. The gray and black coloring allows them to remain camouflaged in the trees.
6) Persian Cats
Loads of cats have fluffy tails, including Persian cats. But aside from their big bushy tails, Persian cats are also easily recognizable because of their flat faces. These felines are typically white, reddish-brown, cream, or black and gray. The fluffy tails of Persian cats help them keep their balance. Not to mention, they communicate with them.
For instance, if you come across a Persian cat with its tail straight up in the air, that means he or she is being friendly. Meanwhile, a curved tip reveals the feline is relaxed and comfortable. Then, there are puffed-up tails too. This shows the cats are trying to assert their dominance.
7) Striped Skunk
In the scientific community, the striped skunk is called Mephitis mephitis. This mammal species is native to North America. People easily recognize it by its black fur and white stripes running down its back.
The skunks are capable of unleashing a foul-smelling spray to defend themselves from predators. It smells similar to the odor associated with rotten eggs and is produced by glands beneath their tails.
Although people don’t always run into skunks, it isn’t impossible to see them. That’s because they are located throughout North America. Not only are they found in the wild, but they can often be seen traveling through suburbs and towns.
8) Ruffed Lemur
The ruffed lemur is a charismatic creature native to Madagascar. These animals have body lengths of approximately 39 to 47 inches. Also, they have tails that usually grow longer than their bodies.
Ruffed lemurs have extremely fluffy fur, which is typically black and white. However, the animals are white and red on occasion too.
You may want to hold your horses on that trip to Madagascar, though, especially if your primary goal is to see these creatures. It could be a wasted trip. The ruffed lemur habitat has been ravaged and destroyed over the years. As such, they are endangered.
9) Bushy-Tailed Mongoose
Next up on this list of animals with fluffy tails is the bushy-tailed mongoose. When talking about the creature in the scientific community, you’ll hear it called Bdeogale crassicauda. These mongooses have bushy and wide tails of over 9 inches, which helps them remain balanced. There are plenty of things to talk about regarding the bushy-tailed mongoose.
For example, did you know it is native to Africa and closely related to the common house mouse?
People regularly see these mongooses in trees, as they are excellent climbers, but they can swim well too. The animals are herbivores that generally feed on fruits, insects, and leaves. However, they will also consume small reptiles and rodents. This species is usually timid and active at night. They are often solitary creatures, but some people have reported seeing them in groups of up to six.
10) Bushy-Tailed Woodrat
Neotoma cinerea is the scientific name for the bushy-tailed woodrat. As the name implies, these animals have bushy/fluffy tails, which they use for balance. The species is native to Canada and the United States. Most homeowners view these creatures as pests because they love gnawing on wood, wires, insulation, and more.
If people see bushy-tailed woodrats in their residences, it may be best to call in the exterminators. They might look cute and cuddly, but the animals could also be dangerous because they are known carriers of diseases such as hantavirus and bubonic plague.
11) Long-Tailed Chinchilla
The long-tailed chinchilla is also on this list because of its fluffy tail. If you wanted to use the animal’s scientific name, you’d call it Chinchilla lanigera. These creatures have bodies approximately 9 to 14 inches long.
Meanwhile, their bushy tails are around 3 to 6 inches in length. These little critters are only found in the Andes Mountains of Chile.
Long-tailed chinchillas are social animals that live in colonies. They are also one of the most common chinchilla breeds. The creatures are popular as pets because they are non-aggressive and love to play.
12) Tufted Ground Squirrel
Finally, tufted ground squirrels are the last animals to grace this list. They have small bodies with extremely fluffy tails. Research shows their tails are 30 percent larger than the volume of their bodies. The scientific name for this creature is Rheithrosciurus macrotis. However, don’t be surprised if you hear them called vampire squirrels. That’s because they often drink the blood of other animals.
Some Last Words
Not all animals have fluffy tails, but some do. Hopefully, this list has given you all of the information you need about bushy-tailed animals. Use it as research to write essays for school or work.
Or, you can even strike up conversations with friends to impress them. However, there are other animals with fluffy tails where these came from, so don’t hesitate to do your research. You can type in some keywords for an online search or visit your local library to obtain the data you seek. The choice is yours.