Some males do associate with bands, perhaps to gain from the social grooming that removes ectoparasites, or for protection from potential predators and from other adult males. Coatis have a wide range of social behavior, including cooperative grooming, nursing, vigilance, and aggressive anti-predator behavior. Bands are usually slightly agonistic to other bands when they meet. However, peaceful interactions also occur, and are occasionally characterized be inter-group grooming sessions. Adult males that approach bands are generally aggressively chased away by one or several band members, including juveniles and subadults.
Females often groom one another in an excited manner following such chases.
During the breeding season males are submissive to females and immatures, and occasionally groom them. Bands often break into subgroups for several hours or occasionally 1-2 days. Coatis do not voluntarily share food, nor do they store it. However, juveniles are tolerated by foraging adults, and juveniles can often be seen sniffing the muzzles of feeding adults. This behavior helps juveniles learn characteristics of food, as well as foraging techniques.