Mount Dora, Florida, has recently become the unexpected backdrop for some wild monkey business! Just about a month ago, a wild rhesus macaque was spotted lounging outside the historic Lakeside Inn. Since then, another sighting has popped up in the city, raising eyebrows and concerns among residents. Rhesus macaques, as many might know, are not your garden-variety monkeys—they’re actually non-native to Florida and pose quite a potential threat to local wildlife and ecosystems. This isn’t just a casual warning; these monkeys can carry diseases and have a tendency to get aggressive if provoked. So, if you’re in the area, it’s best to keep your distance!
The City of Mount Dora took to Facebook on July 20 to inform locals about the monkey sighting, emphasizing the importance of observing from afar. They didn’t disclose the specific location of the sighting, but they did stress that interaction is a no-go. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), they’re aware of the reports from the Mount Dora Police Department and are keeping an eye on the situation. This is serious business—feeding wild monkeys is illegal in Florida, and those who do could find themselves facing a second-degree misdemeanor! That’s up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500! Talk about a hefty price for a banana!
What to Do If You Spot One
So, what should you do if you happen to catch a glimpse of one of these monkeys? First off, resist the urge to get up close and personal. Officials strongly advise against feeding or attempting to capture them. Leaving food or trash around can attract these cheeky creatures, so be cautious. If you do spot a wild monkey, make sure to call the FWC wildlife alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC or 888-404-3922 to report your sighting. It’s better to let the professionals handle it!
Interestingly enough, sightings of wild monkeys aren’t just a Mount Dora issue. Residents in Orange City, about 30 miles north of Orlando, have reported multiple monkey sightings, including at a Popeyes! At least one of the monkeys identified was also a Rhesus macaque. These monkeys can get aggressive, especially when fed, a warning echoed by FWC. Just last year, police received two additional reports, but they couldn’t confirm if all the sightings involved the same species. Animal control hasn’t located these monkeys yet, which adds a bit of mystery to the whole situation!
The Bigger Picture
Now, let’s dig a little deeper into why these monkeys are causing such a stir. Rhesus macaques are one of two monkey species that have established breeding populations in Florida, the other being vervet monkeys. They were first introduced to the state in the 1930s by Colonel Tooey along the Silver River. Since then, their population has fluctuated, with some estimates putting it at around 175 Rhesus macaques in Silver Springs State Park as of 2015. In fact, these critters have a notorious history—they’ve caused ecological damage in the past, including the destruction of red mangroves back in the 1970s!
And it’s not just the environment at risk. Rhesus macaques have tested positive for herpes B, a viral infection that can lead to severe brain damage or even death if untreated. While there have been about 18 reported incidents of Rhesus macaques biting or scratching humans, thankfully, no confirmed cases of herpes B transmission to humans in the wild have been reported. Still, it’s a stark reminder that while these monkeys might seem amusing, they can be quite dangerous.
Florida is home to a staggering number of nonnative species, with over 500 introduced, costing the state over $500 million annually for management. Among these are nearly 20 mammal species, including five types of monkeys! So, while the sight of a wild monkey might feel like a scene from a movie, it’s essential to remember that these creatures can disrupt local ecosystems and pose health risks to humans. Keeping your distance and respecting their space is the way to go!
For more detailed insights on this topic, check out the full story over at Fox 35 Orlando and NBC News. The wild world of Rhesus macaques in Florida is certainly one to watch!