Definition & Meaning of "kinkajou"

What is a "kinkajou"?

The kinkajou, also known as honey bear or sun bear, is a small mammal native to Central and South America. It is a member of the Procyonidae family, which also includes raccoons and coatis. Kinkajous have a slender body with a long prehensile tail that helps them move easily through trees. They have a round head with large, round ears, and large, dark eyes. Kinkajous are known for their soft and dense fur, which is usually golden or brown in color. They have a short muzzle and sharp teeth adapted for feeding on fruits and nectar. Kinkajous are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, and are excellent climbers. They are nocturnal animals, known for their agility and acrobatic movements. Kinkajous are omnivorous, with a diet that includes fruits, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates. They have a unique feeding behavior called "suspensory foraging," where they hang upside down from tree branches and use their long tongue to extract nectar and fruit pulp.