Coatimundi

The “coati” is the most diurnal species in the raccoon family. It has a distinct long, ringed tail that often stands erect and serves as a balancing rod as the coati travels through the forest canopy. One of the most striking features of the coatimundi is its mobile snout. It has strong claws - the back claws being more curved and sharp to allow for a life of climbing.

photo M. Noonan

This social animal has a wide distribution extending from the state of Arizona to Panama! Males are solitary, while females and young live in loose bands of 4 to 30 members.


photo M. Noonan
 

The coati is omnivorous, eating both plants and animals that are seasonally available. This diet includes insects, snails, spiders, millipedes, fruit, and sometimes even lizards and mice! There are few predators of the coatimundi with the exception of the human, who serves as the primary threat to this endangered animal.

 

 

CAC is a program of the Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relations at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.