How long do Coatimundis live?
In captivity coatis commonly live 7-14 years, sometimes up to about 15-18 years with excellent care.
What do Coatimundis eat?
They are omnivores: feed a balanced mix of dog or carnivore kibble, cooked poultry, eggs, insects, and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Do NOT feed them chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, or junk food, and avoid all-meat or all-fruit extremes that cause nutritional disease.
Housing and space
Coatis need a very large, lockable, escape-proof outdoor enclosure with climbing structures, digging substrate, and a den, because they are strong, intelligent, and relentless escape artists. They require enrichment and secure containment; indoor free-roaming is unsafe. Weather protection and shade are essential.
Common mistakes with Coatimundis
The worst mistakes are owning one where it is illegal or unpermitted, underestimating male aggression at maturity (serious bites), insecure housing they escape from, and treating them like a dog — they are wild procyonids that do not reliably bond or obey.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Owning where illegal or unpermitted — coatis are regulated exotic wildlife.
- Underestimating adult male aggression — they become dangerous at maturity.
- Insecure housing — they are powerful, clever escape artists.
- Treating them like a dog — they are wild and unreliable around people.