Need help figuring out...

[ramsey]

A ring-tailed cat maybe? There are badgers around here so it is possible.

[BSJF]

No ring on the tail that I could see, but this is a fun game of confusion and interesting answers anyway. Although I was specifically looking for a ring or a stripe on the tail, I think I just didn't see it. Felt very reliefed that there wasn't a stripe on the beast!

[stoneroller]

Armadillo

[alton]

Since trapping doesn't pay enough, varmits are taking over

[Europhyllia]

We had a rabid racoon at the barn last year and when they get very sick their appearance/behavior changes too. I thought at first it was one of our cats since it was slowly following me around and had more of a washed out mangey color rather than the vivid contrast pattern you usually see.
I'd still think it was probably a racoon (or possum but you were sure on the hair on the tail)