When you finally gather the whole family for a portrait, there is always one who looks away! Over the course of nearly 2 months, I have been visiting a remote valley to watch a troop of coatimundis. I spent untold hours (sometimes from dawn until dusk) watching them play, forage, and explore this valley. After some time, I became familiar with different individuals and their unique quirks. Upon locating the troop (their path of destruction is unmistakable), I would sit some distance away at a relatively exposed location with little sound or movement. During one particular foray, the troop moved progressively closer until the 20ish members (mostly juveniles) were foraging on all sides, digging for food. A youngster actually nipped my backpack strap before migrating to a rock only 3 meters away and watched this strange, hairless animal. Moments later, the matriarch of the troop (who I’ve affectionately named “Callie” for a cowlick on her back) joined the baby, soon followed by several more coatimundis. They alternately groomed and played atop the rock with even the adults partaking. After only a couple minutes, the group dispersed, returning to foraging. It’s rare to have such a special moment nearly too close to photograph! Cochise County, AZ. Prints of this image are not currently available for sale. Please check back for future availability!