According to the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), unprecedented numbers of the coatis (known in Costa Rica as "Pizote") are showing up in urban areas. While there is no doubt that these animals, with their bushy tails and turned up little noses are adorable, they are beginning to create some problems.
Also known as pizotes in Costa Rica, the coatis migrate from the mountains and make their way into urban areas in the Central Valley. Although they were once welcomed by both tourists and residents alike, these cute little animals are now causing issues as they scavenge for food and root through trash.
The real problems begin when people try to keep them around because they think the coatis are cute. Unfortunately, when the animals begin to create problems, locals often turn to SINAC for help. In response, SINAC has developed a new management plan as a way of handling the exploding pizote population. As part of that plan, 27 problem areas have been identified. Known as hot spots, these areas appear more commonly in river canyons, which the animals use as part of their migratory paths.
Preventing Issues with Coatis in Costa Rica
SINAC is quick to point out that the animals can hardly be blamed for the problem, which is largely the result of humans failing to properly dispose of their trash. In some situations, the problems have been intensified by people who feed the animals, causing coatis to associate humans with food. Over time, the animals may become more aggressive if people do not feed them. It should be noted that feeding wild animals was banned in early 2013 in Costa Rica. Even so, SINAC officials still find it a struggle to enforce this rule.
Business owners originally began to feed the fluffy animals as a way of attracting tourists. Unfortunately, many of those areas are now overrun by dozens of the creatures, who frequently break into trash bins and even homes.
Recently, SINAC hosted a workshop to teach biologists about the proper way to interact with coatis. In an effort to curb the large population of pizotes, some organizations have begun to purchase trash bins that are animal-proofed. Meanwile, SINAC recommends simply not feeding the animals.
