Alas. Google strikes again and continues to spread misinformation about the species we specialize in, making our jobs as educators harder! We really can’t have nice things, can we? Our frustrations aside, we at Exotic Pet Wonderland are here with a new animal education crusade: getting Google to change the top result for “Mexican Raccoon” from the coati to actual raccoons. Preferably, information about the Cozumel raccoon, also known as the pygmy raccoon. You know, the species of Mexican raccoon that is critically endangered? Yeah. There are endangered raccoons and endangered coatis, and we want to see them both get the recognition the deserve.
The Confusion Between Mexican Raccoons and Coatis
If you search for “Mexican raccoons” online, you’ll likely be met with images and information about coatis—but did you know that Mexico has two true raccoon species of its own? While coatis (Nasua spp.) belong to the same family (Procyonidae) as raccoons, they are not raccoons.
Mexico is home to both the common raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the critically endangered pygmy raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus), which is found only on the island of Cozumel. Yet, because search engines prioritize coatis when people look up Mexican raccoons, the real raccoons of Mexico remain largely unknown, making conservation efforts for the pygmy raccoon even more difficult.
What Are Mexican Raccoons
A reminder, for Google specifically, but Mexican raccoons are not coatis (or coatimundis, as they are also known as.) Mexican raccoons any animal in the genus Procyon that are found in Mexico. For reference, coatis are found in the the genera Nasua and Nasuella.
What Kind of Raccoons are Found in Mexico?
There are two species of actual Mexican raccoon: The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the Cozumel or pygmy raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus).
Common Raccoons
The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an actual Mexican raccoon widespread across North America where it inhabits forests, wetlands, and urban areas. They are adaptable, omnivorous, and highly intelligent. These raccoons are the ones the species you will see in places like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. While common raccoons are not endangered, feeding them is still incredibly harmful to both the raccoons themselves and the people around them.
There are several of common raccoon subspecies found in Mexico including:
- Texas raccoons (P. l. fuscipes)
- Baja California raccoons (P. l. grinnelli)
- Mexican Plateau raccoons (P. l. hernandezii)
- Tres Marias raccoons (P. l. insularis)
Cozumel Raccoons
The Cozumel raccoon, also known as the pygmy raccoon, is a critically endangered species of Mexican raccoon and one of the most endangered mammals in North America. They are only found on the island of Cozumel, and there are less than 200 mature individuals still alive. his species is smaller than its mainland counterpart, with a distinctive red-tinged coat and a preference for coastal mangrove habitats. The biggest threats to the pygmy raccoon’s survival include habitat destruction, disease from domestic animals, and human habituation due to feeding by tourists.
What Kind of Coatis are Found in Mexico?
White-Nosed Coatis
Also known as the coatimundi, the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica), is found across Mexico and Central America. These social animals live in forests and form large groups, especially among females and juveniles. White-nosed coatis are the species of coati you will find in mainland Mexico.
Cozumel Dwarf Coatis
The dwarf coati (N. n. nelsoni), is endemic to Cozumel Island and is critically endangered. There is a little bit of discourse about whether or not the dwarf coati is actually a subspecies or its own species, but either way, the species is at risk and needs some serious help. The dwarf coati much smaller than its mainland relatives and faces similar threats as the pygmy raccoon, including habitat loss, introduced predators, and human habituation.
Are Coatis Related to Raccoons?
Yes, coatis and raccoons are related as they are all in the family Procyonidae. However, coatis, which people keep insisting on referring to as “Mexican raccoons” are actually more closely related to Olingos than they are raccoons.
Are Coatis in the Raccoon Family?
Not really.
Coatis are often described as being part of the “raccoon family,” but this term is actually a misnomer. While coatis and raccoons are related, they are not all that closely related. Both belong to the Procyonidae family, which includes raccoons, coatis, olingos, kinkajous, and ringtails. However, within this family, coatis are more closely related to olingos, while raccoons are more closely related to ringtails and cacomistles.
Genetic studies show that coatis and raccoons evolved along separate evolutionary paths around 17.7 million years ago. This means that, while they share a common ancestor, calling Procyonidae the “raccoon family” inaccurately implies that raccoons are the defining members of the group.
So while coatis and raccoons may look somewhat similar and share distant ancestry, coatis are not “Mexican raccoons.”
Why It's Important to Stop Calling Coatis "Mexican Raccoons"
The confusion between raccoons and coatis has real-world conservation consequences. Since search engines prioritize coatis when people look up “Mexican raccoons,” many tourists and even researchers and people who live in Mexico remain unaware of the critically endangered pygmy raccoon. This lack of awareness makes it harder to secure conservation funding, educate visitors, and implement effective protections.
Can Raccoons and Coatis Eat Tortilla Chips?
No. Stop that. Human food makes raccoons and coatis really sick. Also, in places like Cozumel, the raccoons and coatis are literally critically endangered species. They may try to trick you by begging, but it is a trap! Do not fall for it! You are smarter than a raccoon or a coati, I know you are!
