The coati and its close relative, the coatimundi, are happy animals that look very much like raccoons. They are usually reddish-brown in color with white throats, and their mask-like faces are spotted black and white. Their long tails have eight pretty, black rings, and their snouts are long and flexible—just right for rooting in the soil for grubs and worms. They have long legs equipped with sharp, strong claws, which allow them to dig in soil too tough for their snouts and to tear apart decayed logs to reach insects that live inside them.
All of these features were given to the coatis by the Lord God at the time He created them. He designed them, as He has all living things, in ways just exactly right to meet their needs. The creator made all things perfect the first time and left nothing to develop gradually by itself. “And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:3131And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31).
Coatis enjoy the high, forested mountains of Central and South America, Mexico and a few areas of southern United States. They live in rough nests in tree branches or in small caves. Living in family groups, the little ones, although playful and curious, are watched carefully by their mothers.
As they hunt for food they travel in groups, led by a mother. Behind her come the children, and at the end of the line another mother follows. Should a youngster wander away, an adult immediately hauls it back in line. If an adult senses danger, a warning is given quickly to freeze, scramble up a tree, or hide in the bushes, depending on the danger. These cute animals make many different kinds of sounds, such as growling, barking, hissing, etc. These sounds, along with body movements, all have their own meaning and are their way of talking to each other.
Although some coatis do hunt in the daylight, most are active only at night and hide during the day. One thing is certain; no matter when they hide during the day or night, they are always under the watchful care of their Creator, of whom it is written: “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.” 2 Chronicles 16:99For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Are you happy to know He is watching you, too? Job asked, “Doth not He see my ways, and count all my steps?” Job 31:44Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? (Job 31:4). He certainly does, as we read in Proverbs 15:33The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3), “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” He delights to care for and watch over those who love Him, and He enjoys finding them walking in ways that are pleasing to Him.
ML-07/24/1983