There I was, (All good stories start with "There I was") Riding home along the Salem Lake trail when we passed a couple walking with an animal on a leash that looked like a cross between a racoon and an anteater. Of course my ride partner and I have to go and ask.

We are told that it is a Coati Mundi and that the couple has 4 of them at home that keep as pets. We're told they make terrific pets since they are so docile, get along well with people etc.

So I ask if its OK to pet him. "Of course. Go right ahead, he really loves people" So I slowly take off my glove and put my hand down near my pedal. Mike, my riding partner, takes this opportunity to play with his keys. This is apparently Coatian for "Bite the finger closest to you." Sure enough, he bites me right on the finger, and well enough to draw a good bit of blood.

The owners are real quick to explain the key thing, and mention that he is up to date on all of his shots etc. Nice to know. I went on to pet him, as did Mike. Turns out he's a pretty nice pet when you keep the keys in your pocket.

I don't really like the idea of keeping wild animals as pets, and this kind of proved that point. But he was cool to meet and if I don't die it'll make a great story.

The picture below is from www.whozoo.org.

Dave