Golfing with Coatimundies

We were in Mexico recently and had the occassion to play golf at a course  near Playa de Carmen. You never know what wildlife you may encounter on a golf course in Mexico. Always Iguanas,

but we have also seen alligators sunning on the edge of the water hazzard beside the fairway. That can be a little startling if you are not expecting it.

This day we were in for a really delightful surprise. The fairways and cart path are bordered by thick Mexican jungle that you can’t even see through.  Mike and my brother were in the first golf cart and my sister-in-law and I were driving behind them. At hole number two a small coatimundi  sat next to the cart path. Coatimundi are a cousin of the American raccoon, but they are much smaller with pencil-thin ringed tails that they carry straight up like a flag pole. We watched as my brother tossed him a potato chip.  Inquisitively, he reached for it with his tiny little hands, nibbled it and looked up shyly for another chip. Mike emptied the rest of the bag of chips on the ground and suddenly the jungle trembled with emerging coatimundies.

About twenty or so showed up for snacks. They were so gentle, no fighting among themselves over the goodies. We were able to get lots of photos of them before we ran out of food to offer.

I have a feeling they are used to being fed by golfers. And why not they are so cute that you can’t help but be charmed by the little beggars. They were the highlight of the day for me.