The coati is a relative of the raccoon. It is found mostly in Mexico, Central and South America. However, this animal is now frequently sighted in Texas and Arizona as well. It crossed the border from Mexico. Since coatis are good at finding food, they may spread in the US where climates are temperate.
There are several coati species: the ring-tailed, the white-nosed, and the island coati. The physical differences between them are minor.
Coatis live in wooded regions from the southwestern United States through South America. They are omnivores related to raccoons.
The coati has a long, pig-like snout. It is extremely flexible and can rotate up to 60° in any direction. Coatis use their noses to push objects and rub their bodies.
Female and young coatis live in bands of 5 to 40. They travel together. The males are solitary. They join the bands only during mating season.
Coatis breed mainly when rainy seasons start. This coincides with maximum food availability, especially fruits. The timing differs across regions – January to March in some areas, October to February in others.
Coatis live in moist, tropical rainforests. They can be found from Mexico to Southern America, and the Southwestern United States.
There are only two coati species: the white-nosed and the ring-tailed. Both share much of the same habitat. They actually live in several regions of Central America too.
The coati is closely related to the raccoon. Like its cousin, the coati is the size of a large house cat. It has a ringed tail and hangs out in trees. Unlike the nocturnal raccoon, the coati is mostly active during the day. It sleeps at night, even building twig-and-leaf nests in branches for babies. As the coati sleeps, it tucks its nose into the belly. During the day, it snacks a lot. It uses its long nose to search for food under leaves and between rocks. Coatis eat insects, fruit, rodents, lizards and small snakes.
The coati’s tail grasps objects like tree branches. This makes it a better climber than the raccoon. It helps the coati keep balance and grip branches firmly. Compared to raccoons, coatis hold their tails up when walking.
Once adult, a coati weighs 4 to 6 kilograms. Males are noticeably larger than females. Their fur is generally dark gray or brown. The tail has light and dark rings. These long noses help them turn over rocks and get into crevasses. Wild coatis live about 10 years on average. Domesticated ones can live nearly 16 years or more.
Adult coatis grow 20-24 inches long. Their tail is another 24 inches. They weigh 7-15 pounds. Coatis eat fruit, rodents, lizards and invertebrates. They forage mostly on the ground and sometimes in trees. Adult males are solitary, except during breeding season.
The white-nosed coati is also called coatimundi or pizote. Local Spanish names include antoon and tejón.
Are coatis harmless?
Coatis are omnivores native to Central and South America. They live in wooded regions and are related to raccoons. Coatis have long snouts to root in soil and long, bushy, ringed tails. They search for food on the ground and in trees.
Coatis form large groups of 10-30. They can be friendly but shouldn’t be touched or fed. Captive coatis require continual socialization.
Wild coatis face threats like habitat loss. They are hunted for meat and considered agricultural pests. But coatis play vital roles in seed dispersal and pest control. With care, these clever animals can coexist with humans.
Is it legal to have a pet coati?
Keeping Coatimundis as pets is not legal in every country. For instance, European countries such as Spain impose a strict ban. Whereas most South American countries regulate and legalize them. Before considering bringing home a Coati, check your country/ state/county’s law for exotic pets.
Coatis can make good pets, but they are not for the faint of heart. They can be house-trained and will adapt to living in a house, but behavior training that works with dogs has little effect. Coatis grow to 20-24 inches, plus they have a tail that is another 24 inches long. They can weigh from 7-15 pounds.
They like hanging around and would behave normally amongst humans until disturbed or provoked. However, they don’t like dogs. If you already have a pet canine at home, Coati’s won’t make the best pet.
Keeping Coatimundis as pets is not legal in every country. For instance, European countries such as Spain impose a strict ban. Whereas most South American countries regulate and legalize them. Before considering bringing home a Coati, check your country/ state/county’s law.
Even under law, most countries don’t mention Coatimundis specifically. It doesn’t mean they are allowed.
You should never adopt a coati bitten from the wild, as this can be unsafe. Asides from the dangers of adopting a wild coati, it is also considered illegal in many states.
Coatimundi, known as coatis, are raccoons related to kinkajous and raccoons. Coatis are omnivores with energy, a curious streak, and they forage for food in the wild. Some opt to care for them as pets, but these wild animals are not ideal for households.
The eastern mountain coati is smaller, has a shorter tail and markings. It is endangered, but the western mountain coati is not. Less is known about the Nasuella genus and the coati from the Nasua genus are the ones kept as pets. Although their habitat is wooded areas and rainforests, a coatmundi pet has resulted in the animal appearing where it shouldn’t, since it can upset ecosystems.
Coatis can be agricultural pests, damaging farmers’ crops. Coatis are intelligent and affectionate, and will get along with cats and dogs. However, male coatimundis become aggressive, and must be spayed or neutered early. Coatis have been in Arizona and New Mexico for over 80 years. Their numbers and range have fluctuated. This report describes a coati attack on 2 children in their home. The children sustained scratches and bites.
Coatis are gregarious pets that will get into trouble. They don’t necessarily break things but will walk around, jump on things and poke their noses on everything. They can learn simple commands like “no”, “dinner” or “treat”.
Are coatis friendly with humans?
Coatis live in groups. They look friendly as they watch humans, hoping for food. Coatis range from the southwestern U.S. to South America in varied habitats. Their noses help them sniff out invertebrates.
Coatis can be affectionate pets. However, males become aggressive and need early neutering. Coatis in Mexico seem friendly, resembling raccoons. They sometimes damage crops and attack chickens. Their populations drop when hunted.
Coatis use claws and teeth causing serious injuries. They rarely attack large animals or humans unless threatened. Babies are very vocal and playful. As mid-level foragers, coatis consume diverse foods. They occupy an important niche.