Search is on for coatimundi that attacked hiker in southern Arizona

PHOENIX – Wildlife officials are searching for a coatimundi that attacked a hiker in southern Arizona over the weekend.

Coatimundis, or coatis, are raccoon-like mammals with pointed noses and long tails found in many parts of the state. Adults are about the size of a small dog, weighing up to 18 pounds, according to Arizona State Parks and Trails.

They are omnivorous with a diet that can include small animals, insects, fruits and nuts.

Coatimundis typically aren’t aggressive toward humans, but that can change if they feel threatened.

That may have been the case during Sunday’s attack in Ash Canyon near Sierra Vista.

How did coatimundi attack Arizona hiker?

A Tucson man was hiking in the area and encountered a coatimundi on the hood of his vehicle when he finished, according to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.

The man waved his arms and shouted, but the animal was undeterred. The creature then broke a windshield wiper before attacking the hiker.

The animal scratched and bit the man before he was able to get safely into his vehicle.

The hiker received rabies vaccine treatment at a local hospital as a precautionary measure.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife specialist was called in to search the area but couldn’t immediately find the coatimundi.

The animal will be tested for rabies when it is located.

People who visit Arizona’s rural and mountainous areas should avoid trying to engage with wildlife, according to authorities.

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