Coati Invasion in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Have you ever seen a coati before? How about 100?!
Coati’s are little creatures that look like a cross between a raccoon, monkey and an anteater. They are common in Central and South America, comparable to raccoons in Canada, but they’re much more friendly (at least the ones we saw).
We first saw a family of coatis roaming in the gardens behind our room at the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar (which is one of our favourite all inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico). They were digging frantically, searching for bugs and berries. Unfortunately, they left big holes and dirt piles in their wake.
Our toddler’s curiousity kicked into overdrive. He pointed and giggled and smiled with his big eyes.
Then, that small family turned into a dozen coatis. Followed by another dozen… and another! It was quite the site.
This group of coatis moved in a disorganized manner, climbing trees, digging up plants and playfully chasing after one another. They’re funny to watch.
Watch the video below to see hundreds of coati in Mexico.
Having trouble viewing? Watch directly on YouTube here – Coati Invasion
Fortunately, we had our camera handy and were able to capture this coati invasion. Just when we thought we had seen them all, another dozen would come crawling through the gardens.
They just kept coming and coming!
Have you seen a Coati?
What did you think? Cute or annoying?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
I stayed at a resort in Costa Rica that was swarming with coati. I had no clue what they were at the time, but I thought they were so adorable.
I can’t believe people think they’re adorable I think I would have a heart attack if I encountered these I was going to plan trip to riviera maya til I saw this; seeing a pack if these would scare me and I’m surprised resorts don’t see them as a risk to guests; I’m sure Hagen have ferile temperament; they do/will knaw at you and they would require a rabie shot, I don’t know these seem like an infestation like stray cats.
In the two years since the last comment I’m sure that the Coati are now a proper nuisance. They likely are of the same genus as the Racoon. They should be kept out of resorts and cities because this is not their natural habitat. Their faeces may carry the same diseases as that of the racoon. If so then that is quite harmful to humans.
it actually IS their natural habitat. many of the resorts in Riviera Maya are built into the jungles with no walls, fences or other enclosures. this is done specifically so that the wildlife can continue their lives without being forced out of their natural habitats by humans. as it should be.
Well said. I think it’s beautiful to see wild life roaming free in their native home.
We ate staying here right now the animals do pop out but not a pest or a nuisance at all they will come to you if you feed them otherwise they leave you alone I personally love seeing them around
Yeah, I was superficially bitten and scratched a couple days ago by one that tried scampering up my leg. It was sort of a pet at a cenote we spent the day at. The thing had a hyper energey and felt like …lol a devil Am fine from having cleaned it well and doctored. But, sure do not want that experience ever again. Teeth are like baby sharks or even paranas. Yikes! Claws just as sharp. Her name waes… Betty.
We saw one on our balcony at the El Cid Marina in Riviera Maya when we were just trying to get a picture of our jacuzzi. He photo bombed us! It didn’t bother us at all. This is their land so we’ll just keep our eyes open and keep the food inside.