The Tree-Climbing Relatives of Raccoons

South American coatis are close relatives of raccoons and share many similar traits with them. Like raccoons, they have a recognizable striped tail that helps them maintain balance while moving through trees.

Because of their long, pig-like nose, coatis are sometimes called “hog-nosed raccoons.” These fascinating mammals spend much of their time in trees, where they search for food, create resting areas, and even mate. Their special ankle joints can rotate, allowing them to climb down tree trunks headfirst with ease.

Where to Find South American Coatis

South American coatis are not currently displayed in the zoo’s public exhibits. They are part of an educational animal collection and may only be seen during special programs held either inside the zoo or in outdoor educational settings.

One individual named Dottie arrived at EPZ on July 1, 2020.

Habitat and Natural Range

South American coatis are widely spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions of South America. Most populations are found in the lowland areas located east of the Andes Mountains.

They inhabit a variety of forest environments where they can climb trees, search for food, and find shelter among vegetation.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

Also known as the ring-tailed coati, the South American coati can display a range of colors, including gray, brown, reddish, and golden-blonde shades.

Their most distinctive feature is their long, narrow, pointed snout, which they use to explore their surroundings and locate food. Their bodies usually measure between 33 and 45 inches in length, with about half of that length made up by their tail.

Adult coatis generally weigh between 4 and 16 pounds, depending on their age, sex, and environment.

Diet and Feeding Habits

South American coatis are omnivores with a varied diet. They commonly eat fruits, insects, small animals, and bird eggs.

Their long noses are extremely useful when searching for food. Coatis use them to investigate leaves, soil, and small openings where hidden food may be found. Their strong claws also help them break apart fallen logs and move rocks while searching for insects and other prey.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Breeding usually occurs during periods when fruit is plentiful. Female coatis, which typically live together in groups of 15 to 30 individuals, often enter their breeding cycle at the same time.

A female may mate with multiple males before giving birth after a pregnancy lasting about 77 days. A typical litter contains between two and four young.

Young females usually remain with the group where they were born, while males leave the group when they reach around three years old.

In the wild, South American coatis generally live about seven years. Under human care, they can survive much longer, with lifespans reaching up to 14 years.

Communication and Interesting Behaviors

Coatis use a variety of body movements and sounds to communicate with one another.

When facing a threat, a coati may lower its head, show its teeth, and jump as a warning signal to an opponent. They also produce different vocal sounds, including whining noises and clicking sounds, to express alarm or communicate with other members of their group.

A Unique Forest Mammal

With their flexible ankles, curious personalities, and highly developed sense of smell, South American coatis are remarkable animals perfectly adapted to life in forest environments. Their combination of raccoon-like features, climbing abilities, and social behaviors makes them one of South America’s most interesting mammals.