The Kinkajou (Potos flavus), also known as the Honey Bear, is a nocturnal rainforest mammal related to the ringtail, raccoon, panda and the coati. It is the only member of the genus Potos. Kinkajous may be mistaken for ferrets or monkeys, but are not related.

An average adult kinkajou weighs 2–3 kg (4–7 lb). Growing to an average body length of 17-22 inches, their tail is 16-22 inches in length in addition to the body. Although classified in the order Carnivora and equipped with sharp teeth, they actually primarily eat fruit. One source of help in getting fruit in small areas is their long tongue that is slender and has a length of 5 inches. Although captive animals will avidly eat honey (earning them the name "Honey Bear"), it has never been observed in the diet of wild kinkajous. Native to Central America and South America, this tree-dwelling mammal is not particularly rare, though it is seldom seen by people because of its strict nocturnal habits. Like raccoons (also members of the family Procyonidae), kinkajous have remarkable manipulatory abilities, in this respect rivaling primates. Special scent glands on their chest and belly allow them to mark their travel routes and territory. While they are usually by themselves, they are occasionally in small groups. Kinkajous also have short-haired, fully prehensile tails (like some New World monkeys), which they use as a fifth hand in climbing. However, they do not use their tails for grasping food. The prehensile tail distinguishes kinkajous from the closely related olingos.