Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Do not ever touch or feed a ringtail or any other wild animal you encounter on the trail. Recently, a TikTok video went viral in which a hiker fed a potato chip to a ringtail. This may seem harmless, but giving them human food can alter the course of their lives and lead to terrible outcomes.
While seeing ringtails is one of the most exciting parts of hiking Piestewa at sunset, we are entering their home and we need to be considerate guests. Learn more about our state mammal from @SouthwestWildlifeCC on the latestepisode of Trail Mix’d!
Do not ever touch or feed a ringtail or any other wild animal you encounter on the trail. Recently, a TikTok video went viral in which a hiker fed a potato chip to a ringtail. This may seem harmless, but giving them human food can alter the course of their lives and lead to terrible outcomes.
While seeing ringtails is one of the most exciting parts of hiking Piestewa at sunset, we are entering their home and we need to be considerate guests. Learn more about our state mammal from @SouthwestWildlifeCC on the latestepisode of Trail Mix’d!
