North American Raccoon Size vs. White-Nosed Coati Size

Attribute	North American Raccoon Size	White-Nosed Coati Size
Length (including tail)	2 to 3 feet	2.5 to 3.5 feet
Weight	15 to 40 pounds	8 to 18 pounds
Coloration	Gray with black markings	Reddish-brown with white markings
Habitat	Forests, marshes, urban areas	Forests, grasslands, mountains
Diet	Opportunistic omnivores	Primarily omnivorous

Physical Appearance

North American raccoons are medium-sized mammals with a distinctive black mask across their eyes and a ringed tail. They typically weigh between 8 to 20 pounds and measure around 2 to 3 feet in length, including their tail. In contrast, White-Nosed Coatis are slightly larger in size, weighing between 8 to 13 pounds and measuring around 2.5 to 3.5 feet in length, including their tail. Coatis have a long, slender body with a pointed snout and a bushy tail that is often held upright while they are on the move.

Habitat

North American raccoons are found throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, inhabiting a variety of environments such as forests, marshes, and urban areas. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban settings. On the other hand, White-Nosed Coatis are primarily found in Central and South America, preferring tropical and subtropical forests. They are skilled climbers and spend much of their time in trees, foraging for food and seeking shelter.

Diet

Both North American raccoons and White-Nosed Coatis are omnivorous, meaning they eat a variety of plant and animal matter. Raccoons have a diverse diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, small mammals, and even garbage in urban areas. Coatis also consume a wide range of foods, such as fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs. They are known for their long, flexible snouts that help them root around in search of food.

Behavior

North American raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. They are solitary creatures, except during the mating season when they may form small groups. Raccoons are known for their intelligence and dexterity, using their paws to manipulate objects and open containers. White-Nosed Coatis, on the other hand, are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are social animals that live in groups called bands, which are typically led by a dominant male.

Reproduction

North American raccoons typically breed in late winter or early spring, with females giving birth to a litter of 2 to 5 kits after a gestation period of around 63 days. The kits are born blind and helpless, relying on their mother for care and protection. In comparison, White-Nosed Coatis breed in the dry season, with females giving birth to a litter of 2 to 7 kits after a gestation period of around 77 days. The kits are born fully furred and are able to follow their mother shortly after birth.

Defense Mechanisms

When threatened, North American raccoons will often stand their ground and use their sharp claws and teeth to defend themselves. They may also emit a series of growls, hisses, and screams to intimidate predators. Raccoons are known for their ability to escape danger by climbing trees or swimming away. White-Nosed Coatis, on the other hand, are more likely to flee from danger, using their agility and speed to escape predators. They may also emit a high-pitched vocalization as a warning signal to other members of their band.