Procyonidae

Angustictis - extinct
Bassariscus
Probassariscus - extinct
Edaphocyon - extinct
Arctonasua - extinct
Cyonasua - extinct
Amphinasua - extinct
Chapalmalania - extinct
Protoprocyon - extinct
Paranasua - extinct
Procyon
Nasua
Nasuella
Bassaricynoides - extinct
Parapotos - extinct
Bassaricyon
Potos

Procyonidae is a New World family of carnivores which includes the raccoons, coatis, kinkajous, olingos, ringtails and cacomistles. Recent genetic studies have shown that the kinkajous were an early offshoot of the ancestral procyonid line and are not closely related to any of the other extant genera; coatis and olingos are closest relatives, while raccoons are closest relatives of the ringtails and cacomistles. This data is not yet reflected in the classification scheme, which groups kinkajous and olingos together on the basis of similarities in morphology which are now known to be an example of parallel evolution.

There is considerable uncertainty over the correct classification of several members. The Red Panda was previously classified in this family, but some experts, including Don E. Wilson and DeeAnn M. Reeder, classify it as a member of the bear family (Ursidae) or in its own family the Ailuridae. The status of the various olingos is disputed: they may all be better regarded as subspecies of Bassaricyon gabbii.

Because of their general build, the Procyonidae are often viewed as smaller cousins of the bear family. This is apparent in their German names: a raccoon is called a Waschbär (washing bear, as he "washes" his food before eating), a coati is a Nasenbär (nose-bear) while a Kinkajou is a Honigbär (honey-bear). Dutch follows suit, calling the animals wasbeer, neusbeer and rolstaartbeer respectively.