Sighting of ‘weird animal’ on Arizona roof leads cops to rarely encountered creature

Sightings of a strange creature in one Arizona neighborhood led authorities to an animal more commonly seen in Central and South America: a coatimundi.

The critter was caught this week in Prescott Valley and police felt compelled to post a photo and explanation on social media. Prescott Valley is about 90 miles north of Phoenix.

“A call came in from a local citizen regarding a ‘weird animal’ trespassing on his roof,” the department road. “Animal Control Supervisor Tim Yogerst arrived on the scene and quickly apprehended the furry felon.”

It was discovered to be a coatimundi, a species related to the raccoon, but with a much longer nose. They can reach two feet in length (not including the tail) and weigh 25 pounds, experts say.

Populations are also known to exist in some of Arizona’s most remote areas, experts say.

“While they are rare in the southwest, coatimundi are more common in Central and South America,” police officials wrote.

“In Arizona, coatimundi live in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, with ranges including the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix and the Huachuca Mountains southeast of Tucson.”

They are also found in “the canyons and hills” of New Mexico and Texas, the National Park Service says.

Coatimundi aren’t known for attacking humans, but do pose a threat if provoked, police officials wrote.

“They can cause serious injuries to humans. They have long claws, sharp teeth, and strong jaws,” the department said. “If you see one in the wild, it is best to just leave it alone.”

The coatimundi captured in Prescott was taken to “a more suitable rural, location” and released unharmed, the department said.

This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 6:40 AM with the headline "Sighting of ‘weird animal’ on Arizona roof leads cops to rarely encountered creature."