Size : Females - 7.7-9.9 pounds, Males - 8.8-12.3 pounds; 32-50 inches long; 12 inches tall at shoulder.

Lifespan : 7 years average, 14 years in captivity.

Breeding : Varies. Gestation is 2.5 months. 2-7 young are born.

Habits : Female social, male solitary.

Diet : Eggs, lizards, mice, insects, and fruit.

    The coati, also known as coatimundi, is closely related to the raccoon, and it has a ringed tail and an elongated snout.  It lives in trees and will also dig in the forest ground.  Its coat is tawny red, and it has a black face with a small white spot above and below each eye, and a large one on each cheek.  One unique feature is that it can reverse its ankles to descend trees head first.
    The coati is active during the day, with solitary males, and with females in bands of 5-12. It is vulnerable to the cold, but can adapt well to different habitats and climates.  Social bonds among females are shown through mutual grooming of each other and their offspring. Females will band together to chase away predators and protect their young.
    For mating, a dominant male must win his way into the female band by grooming its members and acting submissively.