The White-Nosed Coati
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico contains some of the least disturbed tracts of rainforest in the North-Central Americas, and has had to fight against deforestation and pollution in order to preserve the endemic species which make their home there. The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area, covering more than 14% of the state of Yucatan. Here you’ll find a great deal of endangered animals, including the White-Nosed Coati.
The White-Nosed Coati is a member of the raccoon family. It makes its home in the wooded areas of the Americas, and has occasionally been spotted as far north as Arizona in the United States. They are also an introduced species in Florida. Males average about 11 pounds in weight and the smaller females can be as little as six pounds; these creatures are about 43 inches long on average, with about half of that length devoted to its tail.
White-Nosed Coatis are diurnal or active during the day, in contrast to their more commonly seen North American cousins. They are clever, however, and in areas where they are hunted for food, the Coatis will change their habits and become more nocturnal so as to avoid human interaction. They are omnivorous, preferring fruits, eggs, insects, and small vertebrates; like raccoons, they are raiders of campgrounds and trash cans. The White-Nosed Coati can easily climb trees, but they prefer to forage on the ground for their meals. Males are solitary, but females and children will form social groups for protection.
White-Nosed Coatis can be domesticated fairly easily, and are reported to be quite intelligent. They must watch out for jaguars and other large cats, which will prey on them. While juvenile coatis are playful, they become temperamental as adults, and are tough to handle. They do not make very good pets. Like raccoons, their small nimble hands are able to manipulate cage enclosures and open cabinets. However, if you find yourself on vacation in Cancun, at a hotel like Great Parnassus Resort and Spa, you will be fairly close to the Calakmul reserve, and may have a chance to observe these unique little creatures for yourself.
