I trust everyone is having another great day and enjoying the middle of winter.  Things are starting to warm up a bit here in the Yukon but I still thought that another trip to South America will do me some good.  Of course, I am talking about an imaginary trip through our interesting animal facts.  Today we will be heading south to learn about the Kinkajou.  No this is not some Pokémon character! Is Pokémon still around??

The kinkajou may look like a small primate since it has a long prehensile tail but don’t be fooled because it is actually related to the raccoon.  The kinkajou uses this tail as a fifth arm to help with grabbing tree branches.  But this tail also provides some much needed balance and they use it as a blanket while sleeping.  I don’t know if their tail is as good as a ‘Snuggie” but I am sure it works.  You know what, I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a Kinkajou Snuggie! They seem to have those stupid blankets for everything these days.

This little animal is also known as the honey bear although it is obviously not a bear. So how did they get this name then? Well, the kinkajou will occasionally raid bees nest and use their long slender tongues to slurp up all of that yummy honey! Besides honey, they will also eat fruit and small mammals. Another interesting food source for this little guy is the nectar of flowers.  Again, it will use its long tongue to suck the nectar out from the flower.  Because of this the kinkajou becomes an important pollinator for the flowers it eats.

So when you are visiting Central or South America be sure to look out for the newest Pokémon character, the kinkajou.  Actually, you will most likely have a tough time spotting one since they are mostly nocturnal, however, you might get to hear these vocal animals.

Kinkajou Fast Fact: The kinkajou is able to turn its feet right around in order to be able to climb down trees just as quickly as it climbs up them. Kind of creepy, eh?