Nasua nasua

Brown-nosed coatis are curious, energetic mammals native to Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. Coatis live in a wide variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, scrub forests, mountainous regions, and forest edges near rivers and streams. They are excellent climbers and spend time both on the ground and in trees, using height to rest, forage, and watch for predators.

Brown-nosed coatis are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes fruits and berries, insects such as beetles, ants, and termites, as well as small animals like lizards, frogs, and rodents. They may also eat bird eggs, nuts, and seeds. This flexible diet allows coatis to adapt to seasonal changes in food availability.

These animals have a fascinating social lifestyle. Females and their young live together in groups called bands, which can include many individuals working together to find food and stay safe. Adult males usually live alone and only join groups during breeding season. Coatis are active during the day and use their long snouts and sharp claws to dig through soil and leaf litter while foraging.

Brown-nosed coatis play an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy. By eating fruit and traveling throughout their habitat, they help disperse seeds and support plant growth. Their insect-eating habits help control insect populations, and their digging behavior helps turn and aerate the soil, benefiting the forest floor.

Did You Know? Coatis are part of the raccoon family, and their long tails help them balance and communicate with one another in the dense forest. Baby coatis are called kits, and coatis can rotate their ankles, allowing them to climb down trees headfirst!