The Raccoon's Very Twisty Cousin - The Coatimundi

Meet the coatimundi (kuh-waa-tee-muhn-dee), also called the coati.

This cousin of our beloved raccoons is a very near creature in itself. They are found from the southern US down through South America.

Adult coatis measure 33 to 69 cm (1-2.5 ft) from head to the base of the tail and weigh between 2 and 8 kg (5-10 lbs). Their tail can be almost as long as they are, and is often kept held up in the air so other coati can know where each other are in tall grass.

Their snouts can rotate up to 60° in any direction to search for food, and they are one of the few mammals that can climb down trees headfirst thanks to their crazy ankles that can rotate just over 180°. Very flexible indeed!

Unlike raccoons, these cute critters are diurnal, so we are able to enjoy their company during the day.

For more coati facts, check out this article.