South American Coati

Nasua nasua

Pantanal, Brazil August 2000

South American Coatis are social members of the raccoon family and throughout tropical South America are usually found in small family groups.

Iguassu Falls, Brazil - August 2000

They are very inquisitive and opportunistic omnivores, which makes them a bit of a pest at Iguassu Falls where they take advantage of the numerous tourists and at every opportunity try to steal a free meal. Some of them were so bold I had to push them away from my backpack with my foot!

Iguassu Falls, Brazil - August 2000