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Arizona Firefighters Film Tropical Coati in Snowy Forest
17 Jan
Summary
- Firefighters found a white-nosed coatimundi during a prescribed burn.
- The animal, native to South/Central America, was seen in snowy Arizona.
- Coatis are related to raccoons and have long snouts and tails.
Firefighters conducting a prescribed burn in Arizona's Coronado National Forest recently encountered a white-nosed coatimundi, a creature more commonly found in South and Central America. The animal was filmed by the crew on Mount Lemmon, where it was seen traversing snowy terrain. This specific species, the white-nosed coatimundi, is known to inhabit parts of the Southwestern United States, including Arizona.
Coatimundis belong to the raccoon family and are distinguished by their slender build, long snouts, and semi-prehensile tails, which can stand upright when they walk. They typically inhabit woodland areas and rocky canyons at elevations between 4,500 and 7,500 feet. Their appearance can be compared to a more elongated raccoon with a dark mask.
Wildlife officials advise the public to observe these fascinating animals from a distance and refrain from feeding or interacting with them. Such interactions can habituate coatis to humans, potentially endangering their safety and natural behaviors. The U.S. Forest Service shared footage of the encounter, highlighting the surprising diversity of wildlife.
