WILCOX, Ariz. – A merry troupe of coatis moms and babies were spotted along a road in Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona .

Cousins of raccoons, the playful coatis gathered and excitedly squeaked with their tails shooting straight up like puppet strings.

The furry critters then dispersed, scurrying off to the other side of the road and disappearing into the shrub.

Coatis are always on the move as they forage for their feast, according to the National Park Service .

The animals use their long snouts and flexible noses to dig and root out insects, snakes and lizards, and they use their climbing skills to reach tasty berries, nuts and birds’ eggs.

Female coatis and their young typically live in bands, and they are joined by males during mating season, the NPS said.

These gatherings

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