Yuma was just a juvenile Coati when she was brought to the Wildlife Waystation in the fall of 1990.

Prior to arriving at the Wildlife Waystation, Yuma belonged to a private party who could no longer keep her as a pet. Because she is imprinted (she no longer has a healthy fear of humans) and because Coatis are not native to California, she cannot be released into the wild. The Wildlife Waystation is now Yuma’s permanent residence.

Like all Coatis, Yuma is insectivorous by nature. This means she considers earthworms, spiders and millipedes to be savory delicacies. She enjoys balancing her insect diet with eggs and fruits and snacking on Fruit Loops cereal.

Yuma the Coati

The Coati, also known by its scientific name Nasua nasua, is a member of the raccoon family. Their range includes portions of the southwestern U.S. as well as Central and South America.

The Coati spends time foraging both in the trees and on the ground, retiring to tree nests at night. Their ability to move well in the trees is enhanced by their strong fore-limbs and reversible ankles, which allow them to easily descend trees head first.

Females and their young live in bands of up to 40 individuals; adult males are solitary.