Kinkajou

rainforest · tree-dweller · raccoon family

Masters of the trees. Kinkajous are amazing climbers that spend almost their entire lives in the rainforest canopy, using their long, muscular tail like a fifth limb to grip branches and balance as they move through the treetops.

Honey bear secrets. Even though they're called "honey bears," they're not bears at all. They got this nickname because they love eating honey and fruits from trees, and their round faces and furry bodies reminded people of tiny bears.

Raccoon cousins. Kinkajous belong to the same family as raccoons, coatis, and ringtails. They're the only members of their special genus, called Potos, making them truly unique among their relatives.

Nighttime explorer. Kinkajous are mostly nocturnal, meaning they hunt and eat at night when it's dark. Their big eyes and excellent sense of smell help them find ripe fruits and insects in the darkness of the forest.

Long, sticky tongue. These clever animals have a tongue that can stretch out nearly as long as their body, which they use to reach into tight tree crevices and flower blooms to find food like nectar, insects, and honey.