Coati
Genus Nasua · Mammal, procyonid
Meet them at our Fort Lauderdale cafe
- Native range
- Forests and woodlands from the southwestern United States through South America.
- Size
- Raccoon relatives with longer bodies and banded tails, typically 6 to 14 pounds.
- Lifespan
- Commonly into their teens in human care.
- Conservation
- The widespread coati species are of Least Concern.
Little Learners Corner
Coatis hold their stripey tails straight up like flags so their family can find them in tall grass.
Say it like a scientist: NAH-soo-uh
Where They Live
Coatis forage on the ground by day and sleep in trees by night, tails held straight up like flags so the band stays together in tall grass.
What They Eat
Omnivore. Fruit, invertebrates, eggs, and small animals, all located by a long, flexible, endlessly busy nose.
How They Live
One of the few carnivorans that is both highly social and active in daylight. Females and young travel in lively bands of a dozen or more; adult males mostly go solo.
Coatis as Pets?
Coatis are clever, strong, and relentless investigators that can open, climb, or dismantle nearly anything. That is delightful in a session and a disaster in a kitchen.
Fun Facts
A coati's snout is double jointed and can rotate to probe crevices from any angle.
Their ankles rotate too, letting them descend trees head first.
A traveling band keeps contact with constant soft chirps and grunts.
Capy Quiz: Prove It
Why do coatis hold their tails straight up?
Keep exploring: Wallaby came before this, Raccoon is next, or head back to the full Animal Encyclopedia.
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