While certain critters appearing on people’s front porches isn’t out of the ordinary, it is when the creature is a rare South American animal that’s similar to a raccoon. Authorities in Texas reported that a San Antonio man spotted a coatimundi clinging to a pillar when he walked out onto his front porch.
San Antonio Animal Care Services wrote in a Facebook post that the man found the coatimundi, a South American raccoon relative commonly referred to as a coati, on his front porch. He immediately called animal services to have the animal rescued.
“Once the officers arrived, they were escorted to a neighboring backyard where the coati retreated. This nimble creature gave the officers a good workout in trying to capture her but with teamwork — and a short sprint — they managed to safely contain her. It was then that they spoke with the self-proclaimed owner who lived on the same street,” the post read.
ACS noted that coatis are common in the exotic pet trade but are not legal to own in San Antonio or the entire state of Texas. They are commonly found in Central and South America.
It was discovered that the owner of the coati was located in the same neighborhood, meaning they could now face a $2,000 fine for keeping the illegal pet. “After consultation with game wardens from Texas Parks & Wildlife, our team loaded up the young mammal and brought her to ACS before transferring her into the care of our amazing partners Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc.,” the post said.