In a surprising twist of wildlife meets infrastructure, a ringtail — a small, raccoon-like mammal native to Texas — was the unlikely culprit behind a significant power outage in Kerrville on the evening of April 9.
The incident occurred when the nocturnal animal made its way into a local electrical substation, triggering equipment failure that left approximately 3,800 residents without power for several hours, according to utility officials.
Crews with the Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) responded swiftly, working into the night to restore service. Power was gradually returned to affected neighborhoods, with full restoration reportedly completed within a few hours.
“This was an unusual situation, but it underscores how even small animals can have a big impact on critical infrastructure,” KPUB spokesperson Amanda Taylor said. “We’re grateful for the patience of our customers while our teams worked safely and efficiently to resolve the issue.”
Ringtails, also known as ring-tailed cats despite not being true felines, are known for their agility and curiosity. While they’re often spotted in rural or wooded areas, it's not uncommon for them to venture closer to urban environments in search of food or shelter.
KPUB has confirmed that the utility is reviewing preventative measures to deter future wildlife-related disruptions, including enhanced barriers and deterrents at substations.
Despite the inconvenience, some locals found a bit of humor in the situation. “Only in Texas would a ringtail shut down half the town,” one resident joked on social media.
The animal’s condition was not confirmed, though such encounters often prove fatal for small creatures that come into contact with high-voltage equipment.
