At FishingNosara, we love to share the intricacies of Costa Rica’s natural beauty. FishingNosara is without question offering the Best Fishing in Costa Rica. You will not find a more competent outfit for Sport Fishing Costa Rica. Please visit FishingNosara.com for current Costa Rica Fishing Charters.
The most common critter in Costa Rica is the furry Pizote. Also called the White-Nosed Coati (Nasua narica), this creature is a curious blend of racoon, sloth and wolverine. What separates them from their wild brethren is that Pizotes can be domesticated and are very intelligent.
Pizotes in the wild feast on an assortment of bugs, berries, lizards, and eggs. However in areas frequented by humans Pizotes have been known to eat people food scavenged from trash bins. Pizotes are accepting about human contact, and some can be hand fed (Please remember that these are animals, and one should use caution when feeding them). In their natural setting they are mainly hunted by birds of prey and reptiles.
Pizotes evolved to co-exist with humans. In addition to stomaching processed food and non-native food, they are very adapted to swimming pools and even drink the water despite the presence of muratic acid and other pool chemicals. They travel in groups, especially while foraging. It is a common sight in Costa Rica see a whole pack of Pizotes congregating on unlocked dumpster.
Quick disclaimer: In my travels to Costa Rica I have never known of a Pizote tethered with a leash or in a confined space like a domestic canine. What I have observed is that they usually follow a person that feeds them until the food runs out. To summarize, a Pizote’s behavior is more reminiscent of a pet cat than a pet dog.
Pizotes are well suited to the climates and habitats of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras because of the high humidity and rapid elevation changes.
In Costa Rica specifically they are the most abundant mammal; every visitor to this country becomes acquainted with the lovable little fellas. Now that you know more about them, don’t be afraid to feed the Pizotes next time you are in Costa Rica.
