Kinkajou, More Like Kinka-Cute

I just wanted to let you all know that out there, in this big world, there is an animal called the Kinkajou. It is an extremely adorable animal and while it looks like a monkey, it is closer related to the  raccoon (which, in my opinion is an equally adorable animal). Some facts about the Kinkajou are:

• "They are able to turn their feet backwards to run easily in either direction along branches or up and down trunks" ("Kinkajou"). Talk about standing on one's own two feet. 
• They also use their tail like another arm and a blanket while they sleep.
• Kinkajou's are otherwise known as "honey bears because they raid bees' nests" ("Kinkajou") by using their long tongues. Not only do they use them for bees' nests but they use them to remove insects from their nests. 
• Other than honey and insects, Kinkajou's also eat fruit and small mammals. 
• Watch out though, for the Kinkajou has nimble front paws and sharp claws. While it's adorable, it's dangerous, to smaller mammals that is.
• Kinkajou's aren't seen much but they are heard. Their vocalizations include, "as soft huffing, chirping, or whistling, a 'barking' noise (like a yelping dog), a shrill shriek that can be very loud (a feeding call)." 
• Lastly, "Kinkajous form treetop groups and share social interactions such as reciprocal grooming."

There are different types of these species but some of them are actually kept as pets. If only! It sure beats having a dog! (Even if it barks like one)

• • Hensley, Scott. "Risky Raccoon Roundworms Found In Pet Kinkajous." NPR. NPR, Feb.-Mar. 2011. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
  • JENNAK. "Creature Talk!!: Kinkajou." Creature Talk!!: Kinkajou. N.p., Apr.-May 2010. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
  • "Kinkajou." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
  • "Kit by Kinkajou." Kit by Kinkajou. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
  • Lianne McLeod, DVM. "Kinkajous As Pets." About.com Exotic Pets. About.com, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.