The Coati from South America at the Iguazu Falls.
The Coati is a member of the raccoon family and are native to South America, Central America and South-Western United States. They are known in English as the hog-nosed coon.
During a recent visit to the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil, we saw hundreds of Coatis. They are beautiful little creatures. In the wild a Coati can live up to 7 years. In captivity they can live up to 15 years.
The Coati communicates by making chirping or grunting sounds. These sounds are used to express various emotions like joy, anger or irritation.
The Coatis living at the Iguazu Falls.
To my surprise I saw people eating in cages and the Coatis roaming free. They have an acute sense of smell and tried to get into the cages to steal food. Big posters are up everywhere, informing tourists that the Coati can bite and stitches are normally required.
Little ones were the most clever and squeezed through small openings. The Coati is quick and before you know it, they have nicked food. It is not uncommon for them to steal backpacks, ransack the bag and then leave it.
Why can the Coati not be fed human food?
Coatis are omnivores. Their diet consists mainly of fruit, ground litter, lizards, crocodile eggs and rodents. Human food is not good for them. In fact, they suffer from diabetes and do not want to eat the food from their natural habitat. In addition it causes problems for tourists. The Coatis become aggressive and steal.
These little animals are fierce fighters and have strong jaws. Add to that sharp, canine teeth and scratching paws. Don’t touch or encourage the Coatis by trying to feed them. A woman got 15 stitched in her hand when we were there. There is also the risk of Rabies.
Enjoy them in their natural habitat. They are interesting little animals and very clever.
