White-nosed Coati

Scientific Name: Nasua narica

Category: mammal

White-nosed Coati

Brief Description

A medium-sized mammal in the raccoon family distinguished by its long, upward-held ringed tail and elongated, flexible snout.

Characteristics

Brown or reddish-brown fur, a white band around the tip of the snout, white markings around the eyes and ears, and a long, faintly ringed tail often held vertically.

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical forests, seasonal dry forests, and occasionally oak or pine woodlands; ranges from Arizona/New Mexico through Central America to Colombia.

When to Find It

Diurnal; most active during the day unlike most relatives in the Procyonidae family.

Conservation Status

Least Concern (IUCN), though protected in some jurisdictions.

Ecological Role

Omnivorous seed dispersers and insect controllers; they serve as prey for large cats and birds of prey.

Easily Confused With

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have shorter tails and darker face masks; South American Coatis (Nasua nasua) lack the white nose band.

Observation Tips

Watch for them during the day near forest edges or in hotel gardens where they are habituated to humans; keep a safe distance and never feed them as they can bite.

Interesting Facts

Females and young live in social groups called 'bands' of up to 40 individuals, while adult males are solitary and were once thought to be a different species called 'coatimundi'.