Posted by reichlin on February 23, 2002 at 15:56:28:
a wild coati has been drinking from a small artificial pond in our yard, which adjoins the wilderness portion of Sahuaro National Park East, close to Tucson. Generally it will back off when we approach, but the other day it came within 15 feet of me, and did not run when I said loudly "get out of here". It retreated when I threw a stone, but not as quickly as I would have liked. It returned soon after I went inside, seemingly very thirsty. There have been reports of rabies in the skunk population around here, and there are many more skunks than usual in the vicinity. Could the coati be rabid, since it approached so close to me? What symptoms should be looked for? We enjoy seeing it, but don't want to risk a close encounter. Advice will be welcomed. Thanks. Ellie Reichlin
