General Information

The kinkajou is also known as the honey bear, sugar bear, and cat-monkey. It is related to the raccoon and the red panda of Asia. The kinkajou is a nocturnal animal, spending the day sleeping in the treetops. It is noted for its prehensile tail, a quality it shares with some New World monkeys, and is only one of two predators with this feature (the other is the binturong of Southeast Asia). Kinkajous form groups and engage in grooming. They are vocal creatures, and emit a shrill sound which prompts native peoples to give the kinkajou the name "la llorona" - "the crying woman".

Physical Description

The kinkajou has a head-and-body length of about 17 - 22 inches, with a tail that's a further 16 - 22 inches. It weighs 3 - 7 lbs. Its coat is golden-brown, and the face features large eyes and small ears that stick out. The snout resembles that of a bear's. Its paws are equipped with sharp claws.

Diet

The kinkajou acquired its well-deserved moniker, the honey bear, from its raids on bee hives. It uses its long, thin tongue to slurp honey from the bee's nest. Kinkajous are also known to eat fruit, insects, and small animals.

Habitat

Kinkajous occur in the tropical forests of Central and South America. Arboreal creatures, they spend most of their time in the trees, often sleeping in the high canopy.

Reproduction

Kinkajous give birth in the spring or summer. The gestation period lasts about 166 - 169 days, after which time 1, or sometimes 2, young are born.