Kinkajou
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| Potos flavus (Schreber, 1774) |
The Kinkajou (Potos flavus), also known as the Honey Bear, is a nocturnal rainforest mammal related to the ringtail and the raccoon. It is the only member of the genus Potos.
An average adult kinkajou weighs 2–3 kg (4–7 lb). Although classified in the order Carnivora and equipped with sharp teeth, they actually primarily eat fruit. Although captive animals will eat honey (earning them the name "Honey Bear"), it has never been observed in the diet of wild kinkajous. Native to Central America and South America, this tree-dwelling mammal is not particularly rare, though it is seldom seen by people because of its strict nocturnal habits.
Like raccoons (also members of the family Procyonidae), kinkajous have remarkable manipulatory abilities, in this respect rivaling primates.
Kinkajous are sometimes kept as pets. Their personality tends to be playful and curious, and they are generally tame. However, some owners report unpredictable, vicious attacks by their kinkajous even after several years of non-aggression.
Kinkajous do not like to be awake during the day, and dislike noise or sudden movements. If they are agitated too much, they may emit a scream and attack, usually clawing their victim and biting deeply. Their bites are particularly dangerous as their saliva contains a tenacious, species-specific bacterium - Kingella potus, first identified by Dr. Paul Lawson of the University of Oklahoma. Actress Paris Hilton used to carry her pet kinkajou, named "Baby Luv", on her shoulder to parties and clubs. In the August of 2006, Hilton was taken to an emergency room when Baby Luv bit her on the arm.
During the night, it is possible to hear the Kinkajou vocalizing; their shrill calls resemble a woman's scream. For this reason, one folk name for the kinkajou is "la llorona," which translates directly from the Spanish language into " the crying woman."
[edit] References
- Mustelid Specialist Group (1996). Potos flavus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
- - Exotic pets in the U.S. - Yahoo Finance
- Paris Hilton bitten by kinkajou - USAToday.com
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