Wildlife of the Week: White-nosed coati

Raccoon-like relatives often seen traveling in groups, training young, following people for leftovers

MASON MARON

A White-Nosed Coati runs through grass, Dec. 25, 2021, in Costa Rica.

MASON MARON

White-nosed coati are a widespread relative of the raccoons found around Pullman, although these mammals live mainly from southern Arizona to northern Argentina, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo

Their uniquely long nose allows them to root around in holes in the dirt for food, which they can then dig up with their claws. 

Throughout their range, coati are often seen traveling in large groups. Adults search for food with their young, training them to do it on their own in the future. In areas with lots of tourists, coati often follow people in search of leftovers.

At a famous campground in Madera Canyon in Arizona, coati can often be found walking past people to climb up to and drink sugar water from hummingbird feeders.