The short encounter was recorded on a cellphone by Keylor Monge, a local tour guide who was leading an excursion on Friday, Feb. 6. Monge said the sighting happened around 11:48 a.m., and that it was a reminder of “how unpredictable” nature can be.
Puma sightings in Corcovado are not unheard of, but guides and frequent visitors describe them as uncommon, especially in open view and in close proximity to people. Monge says that most visitors hoping to spot a puma typically scan the forest with binoculars or similar tools, and that it’s unusual for the animal to present itself so freely.
Monge shares wildlife encounters from the Osa Peninsula on Instagram under the handle @corcovado_keytours, where he regularly posts photos and videos of species seen on tours, including tapirs, snakes, monkeys, and toucans.
Why close sightings can happen
Biologists generally describe pumas as elusive animals that tend to avoid people. Research out of the UC Santa Cruz Puma Project found that mountain lions showed strong avoidance behavior around humans, including fleeing when they heard human voices.
Costa Rica’s environment authorities have also warned that wildlife encounters can increase where human activity overlaps with natural habitat. In a recent set of public recommendations circulated by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), the government pointed to habitat fragmentation and food attractants such as poorly managed trash or pet food left outdoors as factors that can draw wildlife closer to populated or frequently used areas.
San Pedrillo, reached by many visitors as a day-trip entry point from Drake Bay, is one of Corcovado’s best-known access areas, with beach landings and short hikes common on guided visits.
What officials recommend if you see a puma
MINAE and SINAC’s guidance, aimed at preventing dangerous interactions for both people and animals, includes straightforward steps that also apply to national park visitors:
- Do not feed wildlife or try to get closer for photos
- Keep a safe distance and do not chase or corner the animal
- Secure food and trash and avoid leaving attractants accessible
- Keep pets controlled and supervised
- If a sighting appears to pose a risk, report it to 9-1-1
Back in the forest, the puma was gone as quickly as it appeared. For visitors, it’s a reminder of what makes Corcovado different: you can hike for hours and see nothing, then suddenly find yourself sharing the trail with a top predator in broad daylight. Park staff and guides generally advise the same basics in any big-cat encounter keep your distance, stay calm, don’t crowd the animal for a better shot, and follow your guide’s instructions so the wildlife can move on without being stressed or pushed closer to people.
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