Coatis, also known as coatimundis, are members of the family Procyonidae in the genera Nasua and Nasuella. They are diurnal mammals native to South America, Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. The name “coatimundi” comes from the Tupian languages of Brazil, where it means “lone coati”.
Coati and Datura
A yearling coatimundi trots through a patch of sacred datura flowers.
A Morning Glory
In mid-morning, a baby coati examines me while surrounded by vines of morning glories.
A Flowery Frame
This baby coati stopped to rest and preen with the narrowest gap in the lush vegetation. He/she was virtually framed in wildflowers!
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.
Coati Tree
A very large coatimundi sleeping atop a lopped tree. The forest setting was downright magical! Madera Canyon, AZ.
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Savage Siblings
Upon reaching sexual maturity, male coatis become downright unruly. As a result, they get the boot soon after the 1st birthday to roam solo. Any large troop you come upon, regardless of size, is likely to be comprised of only youngsters and adult females. Southern Arizona.
Coatis at Play
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.
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Family Portrait
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!
Woodland Wrestling
A large part of coati play-time includes wrestling! Sometimes the youngsters really surprise and frustrate each-other with the endless antics. 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.
Purchase This Print
A Berry Hungry Coati
As this little one gobbled the more accessible pyracantha berries, the foraging efforts became progressively less fruitful. Eventually, he/she abandoned the less reachable berries. Birds need to eat too! Prints of this image are not currently available for sale. Please check back for future availability!
Baby Coatimundis
They have trouble scaling the sinister yucca and it's dangerous leaves, but baby coatis relish any fruit dropped by the more skillful adults. Sometimes referred to as "Mexican raccoon," coatis are closely-related. They also share an extremely versatile diet that includes anything from plants / fruits, to insects and rodents. A friend of mine once watched several corner a rock squirrel before proceeding to dismember and eat the poor creature!
Prints of this image are not currently available for sale. Please check back for future availability!
Yummy Yucca
Coatimundis are quite fond of the hard yucca fruit. This solitary male somehow managed to navigate the dagger-like leaves to earn his lunch. Sometimes referred to as "Mexican raccoon," coatis are closely-related. They also share an extremely versatile diet that includes anything from plants / fruits, to insects and rodents. A friend of mine once watched several corner a rock squirrel before proceeding to dismember and eat the poor creature!
Climbing Coatis
Baby coatimundis love to "play!" This play often includes biting and knocking each-other out of trees. Prints of this image are not currently available for sale. Please check back for future availability!