Coati

South America · masked animal · curious explorer · super sniffers

Long, flexible nose. Coatis have stretchy snouts that they can move in any direction to sniff out food hidden under logs, rocks, and leaves. They use their noses like little metal detectors to find insects, frogs, eggs, and roots.

Active during the day. Unlike many animals that hide at night, coatis are awake and hunting during the daytime. You might spot them searching the forest floor if you visit Central or South America.

Tupian name. The word 'coatimundi' comes from the Tupian languages spoken in Brazil and means 'lone coati', because these animals often wander by themselves looking for snacks.

Amazing paws. Coatis have flexible front paws that work like hands, letting them dig in soil, pull apart rotting wood, and turn over objects to hunt for hidden prey.

Raccoon cousins. Coatis belong to the Procyonidae family, the same group as raccoons, making them distant relatives with similar clever, curious personalities.