North American coati (SciiFii)

The North American coati (Nasua americanum), also known as the coatimundi, the northern coati, and, inaccurately, the muskrat, is a species of coati and a member of the family Procyonidae (raccoons and their relatives). This species of coati originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout Mexico, the United States, and Canada to help boost biodiversity. The North American coati is about the same size as the South American coati (Nasua nasua), weighing on average of about 2–7.2 kg (4.4–15.9 lb) and is usually around 85–113 cm (33–44 inches) long, however, it much more closely resembles the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica), apart from having more dull-colored grayish-brown fur. It is an omnivore, preferring small vertebrates, fruits, carrion, insects, snakes and eggs. It can climb trees easily, where the tail is used for balance, but it is most often on the ground foraging. Its natural predators include boas, raptors, hunting cats, and wolverines (Gulo gulo). North American coatis readily adapt to human presence; like raccoons, they will raid campsites and trash receptacles. They can be tamed easily, and have been verified experimentally to be quite intelligent. While the raccoon and ringtail are (usually) nocturnal, North American coatis are active by day, retiring during the night to a specific tree and descending at dawn to begin their daily search for food. However, their habits are adjustable, and in areas where they are hunted by humans for food, or where they raid human settlements for their own food, they might become more nocturnal. Adult males are solitary, but females and sexually immature males form social groups. They use many vocal signals to communicate with one another, and also spend time grooming themselves and each other with their teeth and claws. During foraging times, the young cubs are left with a pair of babysitters, similar to meerkats. The young males and even some females tend to play-fight. Many of the coatis will have short fights over food. The conservation status of the North American coati is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American coati's wide range and its tolerance to human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii