Tayras

Tayras are a member of the mustelid family. They are found in most parts of South America with the exceptions of Chile and Uruguay. Tayras are opportunistic omnivores they eat small mammals, rodents, reptiles, and fruit. Tayras are diurnal animals this means they are active during the day, but occasionally can be awake at night. Tayras weigh 6 to 15 pounds and are 22 to 28 inches long. Tayras can come in albino, white, or a beige color. Males are slightly larger than females.Tayras will also climb trees to get honey. Tayras live in hollow trees and will dig burrows to live in. Tayras possess anal scent glands like many mustelids, although It is not as pungent as a skunk's its still smelly. The claws of a Tayra are short and curved, but they are strong, and adapted for running and digging. They locate prey mainly by scent since they have poor eye sight. Females give birth to 1 to 3 young which they care for alone. The Tayra has a unique patch on their chest that is white or beige.