I had never heard of this critter until reading a story in the local news about a man in a community south of Tucson who was bitten by one and as a precaution underwent treatment for rabies. It turned out he had been feeding them which was pretty stupid considering they’re wild animals that will attack if feeling threatened or cornered.
Pronunciation- Coatimundi: Ko-ah-ta-muhn-dee Coati: Ko-ah-tee
What is a Coatimundi?
Four distinct species of coatimundi have been identified by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, all of them native to the Americas, although they are more common in Central and South America. IUCN lists Arizona’s white-nosed coatis as a “species of least concern” on their list of threatened species. Coatimundis are members of the raccoon family and the white-nosed coatis we have in Arizona are about the size of a small dog; males weigh up to 18 pounds and females are slightly smaller. They can be identified by their long snouts, semi-prehensile tails, and light on dark mask that often connects their white or tan nose to the rings of lighter fur around their eyes. The white-nosed coati looks like a stretched out and more slender version of a raccoon. They travel in troops and while walking, their long semi-prehensile tail is often comically visible towering above them like a furry brown (sometimes striped) periscope.
Where Do Coatimundi Live?
The white-nosed coati is distributed across a wide range, from as far north as Flagstaff, Arizona, eastward into New Mexico and Texas, and south to Mexico, Central America, and the far northwestern region of Colombia near the border with Panama. Overall, Arizona’s white-nosed coatis tend to prefer woodland and riparian habitats and rocky canyons generally at elevations from 4,500-7,500 feet.
![[Image: CoatiWide2.jpg]](https://arizona-content.usedirect.com/storage/CoatiWide2.jpg)
Social Life
The Arizona white-nosed coati is a fascinating mammal that lives in "bands" of up to 30 individuals. These social creatures have a unique family structure where males live separately from females and young during the fall and winter months, reuniting in the spring to breed. After the female gives birth to up to six young and returns to the band, the adult males are pushed out and the young coatis are raised and protected within the safety of their individual matriarchal-structured group. The coati's social structure allows them to work together to find food, protect their young, and defend their territory. It's amazing how these animals can form such tight-knit communities, and their family dynamics are truly a wonder to behold.
Overall, coatimundis are fascinating creatures that play an important role in their ecosystems. By learning more about them and respecting their space, we can all appreciate these unique animals while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
![[Image: CoatiFooter1.jpg]](https://arizona-content.usedirect.com/storage/CoatiFooter1.jpg)
![[Image: 654d383e66e59.image.jpg?resize=724%2C483]](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/46/446d6658-7f39-11ee-9515-7bcedc2655ed/654d383e66e59.image.jpg?resize=724%2C483)
11 Interesting Coatimundi Facts
I've lived in Arizona most of my life and have never heard of these things. I find their social/family life quite interesting.
A few days ago, a woman up north near Flagstaff was trampled to death by an elk. Turned out she had been feeding them too. Pro Tip: Don't mess with wild animals!
Pronunciation- Coatimundi: Ko-ah-ta-muhn-dee Coati: Ko-ah-tee
What is a Coatimundi?
Four distinct species of coatimundi have been identified by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, all of them native to the Americas, although they are more common in Central and South America. IUCN lists Arizona’s white-nosed coatis as a “species of least concern” on their list of threatened species. Coatimundis are members of the raccoon family and the white-nosed coatis we have in Arizona are about the size of a small dog; males weigh up to 18 pounds and females are slightly smaller. They can be identified by their long snouts, semi-prehensile tails, and light on dark mask that often connects their white or tan nose to the rings of lighter fur around their eyes. The white-nosed coati looks like a stretched out and more slender version of a raccoon. They travel in troops and while walking, their long semi-prehensile tail is often comically visible towering above them like a furry brown (sometimes striped) periscope.
Where Do Coatimundi Live?
The white-nosed coati is distributed across a wide range, from as far north as Flagstaff, Arizona, eastward into New Mexico and Texas, and south to Mexico, Central America, and the far northwestern region of Colombia near the border with Panama. Overall, Arizona’s white-nosed coatis tend to prefer woodland and riparian habitats and rocky canyons generally at elevations from 4,500-7,500 feet.
Social Life
The Arizona white-nosed coati is a fascinating mammal that lives in "bands" of up to 30 individuals. These social creatures have a unique family structure where males live separately from females and young during the fall and winter months, reuniting in the spring to breed. After the female gives birth to up to six young and returns to the band, the adult males are pushed out and the young coatis are raised and protected within the safety of their individual matriarchal-structured group. The coati's social structure allows them to work together to find food, protect their young, and defend their territory. It's amazing how these animals can form such tight-knit communities, and their family dynamics are truly a wonder to behold.
Overall, coatimundis are fascinating creatures that play an important role in their ecosystems. By learning more about them and respecting their space, we can all appreciate these unique animals while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
11 Interesting Coatimundi Facts
I've lived in Arizona most of my life and have never heard of these things. I find their social/family life quite interesting.
A few days ago, a woman up north near Flagstaff was trampled to death by an elk. Turned out she had been feeding them too. Pro Tip: Don't mess with wild animals!
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
![[Image: hydrosaurus-celebensis.jpg]](https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/hydrosaurus-celebensis.jpg)
