White-nosed Coatimundi

This is one of the more commonly seen animals around BIB. Coatis (ko-AH-tees) are relatively bold, and since they have become accustomed to humans (TOO accustomed, really) they may hang around long enough for you to get a good look and maybe even take photos.

The white-nosed coati is found from the southwestern US through Central America to Columbia. In the US it tends to live in desert and mountain settings, but here in Belize coatis are forest animals, and wander in family troops across the forest floor with occasional sorties up trees to scope out the terrain. They may sleep high in the canopy, as well, and are active day and night eating fruits, insects, spiders, lizards, bird and crocodile eggs and small birds. Read more here. 

The coati is about the size of a raccoon, with a long, mobile, pig-like snout which it uses to sniff out food. If you only get a short glimpse, the best identifying features will be the size, then the long, furry ringed tail held upright with a hook at the end like a questionmark.

The coati is strong, smart, and has a lot of sharp teeth. It’s a bad idea to encourage one to take food from your hand or settle in on your veranda, as it will soon be demanding more food and a more comfy bed, preferably in your house. You could easily lose a finger when offering food. However, keeping a pan of fresh water available, especially during the dry season, shouldn’t cause problems.