Coatimundis, or coatis, are closely related to raccoons. They are roughly the same weight as a raccoon (around 10 lbs), but they can grow up to three and a half feet in length. The males are nearly twice the size of females.

Coatis are terrestrial animals, preferring to be on the ground. And unlike their cousins the raccoon, coatis are diurnal, or active during the day.

Coatis sleep in trees, waking up each morning to start their day's search for food. Scientists generally agree that coatis are herbivores, eating mostly leaves, fruits, and nuts. However, coatis are also known to eat insects and carrion (decaying flesh).

Coatis are also very social animals. Every time we see them in the rainforest, it looks like they are having fun. Running up and down trees, chasing other member of their group, and communicating with each other are just some of the ways coatis keep us entertained. Coatis snort, scream, and whistle to communicate with each other and generally seem curious about humans. Although I am convinced that coatis are only looking for hand-outs of food!

The Wilderness Classroom's Rainforest Library

The Belize Zoo's Coatimundi Page

Fresno-Chaffee Zoo's Coati Page