Nature Field Guide
White-nosed Coati
- Spanish name
- Pizote
- Scientific name
- Nasua narica
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “Those tails are pointing above the leaves!”
Tati: “Let’s let the group pass without offering food.”
Species overview
About the White-nosed Coati
The White-nosed Coati has a long, flexible snout, strong claws and a long tail often carried upright. Its sense of smell helps it search leaf litter for insects and other foods. Fruit, seeds, eggs and small animals are all part of its varied diet.
Female coatis and young often form bands, while adult males are frequently solitary. Coatis can climb well but spend substantial time foraging on the ground. They also learn to investigate rubbish and visitor food, which can create unhealthy relationships with people. A natural foraging group offers an excellent chance to study movement and social behavior while keeping food securely packed away.
Identification
Key Features of the White-nosed Coati
Long pointed, flexible snout.
Long tail often held upright.
Strong claws and brown-to-gray fur.
Habitat & range
Reserva Sierra Zapote, Las Juntas / Abangares; ACG also records coatis at Quica, Pitilla.
Local observations
The Sierra Zapote study documents Coati in 2020–2021. ACG provides Pitilla records. These indicate use of forest habitat, not permission to feed groups.
When to observe
Observe from authorized routes with a local guide. Activity, weather and food availability change encounters; a documented location is not a promise of a sighting.
Conservation & care
Keep a respectful distance and leave an open route for the animal. Stay on authorized paths, secure food and rubbish, and observe without feeding, touching, baiting or chasing.
Observation activity
Watch how a coati uses its nose and paws during natural foraging. Keep bags closed and count only animals you can see.
Explore by location
Central Pacific · Guanacaste · Northern Plains · Guanacaste · Heredia · Puntarenas · Las Juntas