Tourists Need To Beware Of A Wild Animal That's A Dangerous Nuisance At Resorts In Mexico

When you book a trip at a perfectly picturesque resort in Mexico, you can expect poolside daiquiris, white sand beaches, and almost regal accommodations. But what you may not realize about these five-star resorts is that they just so happen to be one of the best places to spot rare wildlife up close. From stray cats to iguanas to rare birds, Mexican resorts can double as a trip to the zoo. But there's one little creature that has guests pulling their hair out over their pesky habits, and gushing over their cuteness — the coati.

Coatimundis, or coati for short, are small red-brown critters that are commonly found in Central and South America. Relatives of the raccoon, coatis have the same food-motivated foraging habits and spend most of their days scavenging resorts for something to snack on. Resort guests online have a love–hate relationship with these little guys. Some guests are unnerved by their invasive nature, often finding themselves inside hotel rooms or with their nose in your bag.

Their nosy tendencies are proven in a TikTok video posted by @itsmissohio. The creator shows a coati making itself at home in a resort bed while @itsmissohio frantically tries to figure out what to do. The comments had the opposite reaction to the creature's break-in, saying, "You cuddle that thing right now, young lady," and "Tuck him in and read him a bedtime story." But what should you actually do if you run into one of these wide-eyed troublemakers?

Since they are social animals, coatis are likely to be found in large groups called "bands." At any given time, there could be 10–30 coatis roaming the resort together. They may be chasing each other through bushes, sniffing for food, or pestering hotel employees. No matter what these adorable creatures are up to when you run into them, it's best to stay back and watch from a distance. While their boopable noses and swishing tails are undeniably adorable, remember that they are still wild animals and are therefore unpredictable. Resist feeding them, as you'll only attract more coatis to the area. They are fun to watch, but you don't want to lure them into your hotel room.

You can prevent a coati from entering your room by keeping all windows and doors shut throughout the day. While it feels nice to let the breeze flow through your room during the day, this is a mistake you'll want to avoid when visiting Mexico. An open door is an open invitation for coatis to wander in and inspect the room. When hitting the pool, make sure you get rid of any trash or opened food in your bag to dissuade any curious coatis from poking their noses in your stuff.