White-nosed Coati

The White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica) is native to the area stretching from Colombia up to New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. They stay in both moist and dry wooded areas with altitudes below 11,500 ft. The White-nosed Coati is a member of the Raccoon family (Procyonidae). These mammals are also known as the Antoon, the Pizote, or in Mexico, the Tejón (which means badger).

The White-nosed Coati are normally diurnal, but nocturnal activity has been observed in situations where food is more abundant, or at least more easily accessible, during the nighttime hours. During the night, the White-nosed Coati will climb a specific tree to sleep. Young White-nosed Coati’s will form social groups, along with the female members of the species, but adult males lead solitary lives. Within the social groups, much time is spent on grooming one another, and themselves. The White-nosed Coati utilizes many different vocal sounds to communicate with others.

What does the White-nosed Coati eat?

The White-nose Coati is an omnivore, meaning it eats both meat and plant matter. Their main diet consists of small invertebrates (worms, snails, insects, etc.), eggs, carrion and fruit. The White-nosed Coati both forages on the forest floor and climbs through the tree canopies looking for food. Like their Raccoon cousins, the White-nosed Coati will raid human food and trash if given the opportunity.

What are the White-nosed Coati’s predators?

The main predators that the White-nosed Coati needs to worry about are large cats, boa constrictors, birds of prey, the Tayra, and humans.