What exactly is a coatimundi, and what family of animals is it most closely related to?”
Coatis, genera Nasua and Nasuella, also known as Brazilian aardvarks, hog-nosed coons, and snookum bears, are members of the raccoon family (Procyonidae). They are diurnal mammals native to South, Central, and south-western North America. The word “coatimundi” is a commonly used misnomer applied to solitary adult males of N. nasua. The term is reported to be derived from the Tupi language (Brazil). Adult coatis measure 33 to 69 cm (13 to 27 inches) from head to the base of the tail, which can be as long as their bodies. Coatis are about 30 cm (12 inches) tall at the shoulder, and weigh between 3 and 8 kg (between 6 and 18 pounds), about the size of a large housecat. Males can become almost twice as large as females and have large, sharp canine teeth. All coatis share a slender head with an elongated, flexible, slightly upward-turned nose, small ears, dark feet, and a long, non-prehensile tail used for balance and signaling. Ring-tailed coatis have either a light brown or black coat, wi
