A coati<\/strong> is a medium-sized mammal native to Central and South America, and parts of the southwestern U.S. It\u2019s a member of the raccoon family (Procyonidae<\/em>) and is known for its long, flexible snout<\/strong>, ringed tail<\/strong>, and social behavior<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes\u2014“coatimundi”<\/strong> is simply another name for a coati<\/strong>, especially referring to the solitary adult males<\/strong>. The term comes from the Tup\u00ed-Guaran\u00ed language and means “lone coati.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coatis have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re about 2\u20133 feet long (tail included) and weigh between 6\u201315 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coatis are omnivores<\/strong>. Their diet includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They forage on the ground but are great climbers, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very! Female coatis and young males live in groups<\/strong> (called bands<\/strong>) that can have up to 30 individuals. Adult males live alone<\/strong> most of the time\u2014hence the name coatimundi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coatis are found throughout:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They prefer woodlands, tropical forests, and scrublands but can adapt to various environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually. Coatis aren\u2019t aggressive toward humans but can bite or scratch<\/strong> if threatened or cornered. In places where they\u2019ve become accustomed to people (like tourist spots), it\u2019s best not to feed them or try to pet them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some places, yes\u2014but it\u2019s not recommended<\/strong>. Coatis are wild animals with strong digging instincts, sharp claws, and complex social needs. They can become aggressive or destructive in captivity without proper care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most coati species are not endangered<\/strong> and have stable populations. However, habitat loss and hunting have affected some local populations, especially where forests are disappearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coatis\u2014whether you call them by their group name or as the lone coatimundi\u2014are fascinating, intelligent animals. They\u2019re a reminder of the diversity of wildlife found across the Americas, and why protecting natural habitats is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to learn more about raccoon relatives? Check out our round-up of the raccoon family<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIs a coati the same as a coatimundi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat do coatis look like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat do they eat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nAre coatis social animals?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhere do coatis live?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nAre coatis dangerous?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCan coatis be kept as pets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the conservation status of coatis?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMore photos below \u2193<\/h4>\n\n\n\n