Nature Field Guide
Cacomistle
- Spanish name
- Ostoche
- Scientific name
- Bassariscus sumichrasti
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
A cacomistle's long ringed tail is a memorable clue.
Species overview
About the Cacomistle
A cacomistle's long ringed tail is a memorable clue. This slim member of the raccoon family is an agile tree climber that uses forest habitat. It is mainly active at night and eats both plant and animal foods, including fruit and insects. Its pointed muzzle and large ears give it a different outline from a stockier raccoon. The tail has strong pale and dark bands, but a drawing alone is not enough to confirm a wild sighting. Record the habitat and ask a knowledgeable guide before naming a briefly seen animal.
Explorer activity: Draw a cacomistle silhouette without adding colors. Which body shapes still distinguish it from a raccoon?
Your discovery notes: Record the date, place and habitat. Add a sketch or a photograph taken from a distance. Write what you observed and one question you would like to investigate. If the species is uncertain, keep that uncertainty in your notes.
Identification
Key Features of the Cacomistle
Slender body, pointed face and relatively large ears.
Very long bushy tail with alternating pale and dark bands.
Usually associated with wooded habitat and climbing.
Habitat & range
Evergreen and mountain forests, with some use of seasonally dry forest.
Local observations
Recorded in Costa Rica. This is a country-level profile; it does not establish occurrence in every province, town or nature site.
When to observe
Mostly at night; sightings depend on local habitat and conditions.
Conservation & care
Explore with an adult or local guide. Observe quietly from a distance, stay on established trails and leave shelter undisturbed. Do not feed, touch, capture or corner wildlife. Keep pets away.
Observation activity
Draw a cacomistle silhouette without adding colors. Which body shapes still distinguish it from a raccoon?
Explore by location
Central Highlands · Central Valley · Cartago · Heredia · San José