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Monkey spotted in Mount Dora neighborhood; HOA issues warning to residents

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Published  April 29, 2025 10:11am EDT
Mount Dora
FOX 35 Orlando
Search for missing monkey on in Mount Dora

Search for missing monkey on in Mount Dora

A neighborhood in Mount Dora put out an alert on Monday, warning its community members of a reported monkey seen running through backyards. The Sullivan Ranch HOA cautioned its residents to not attempt to approach, catch or feed the monkey. FOX 35's Kelsie Cairns brings us the latest details.

The Brief

    • A wild monkey was recently spotted on the loose in a Mount Dora neighborhood.
    • Officials and HOA leaders are warning residents not to engage with the animal.
    • Exactly a year ago today, FOX 35 reported on various other monkey sightings in the Lake County area.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A wild monkey was recently spotted on the loose in a Mount Dora neighborhood, and both officials and HOA leaders are warning residents not to engage with the animal.

Monkey on the run in Mount Dora

What we know:

The Sullivan Ranch neighborhood Homeowners Association sent out an email to residents on Tuesday afternoon to warn them of the monkey.

HOA leaders said the loose monkey was spotted in Sullivan Ranch, specifically around the retention pond and in the rear yards along Sullivan Ranch Road.

Neighbors told FOX 35's Kelsie Cairns that they saw the monkey climb over a wall near a pond and then run straight into the woods.

Residents were told not to attempt to approach, catch or feed the monkey, as it could be unpredictable and cause injury.

HOA leaders said they notified animal control, and the organization was responding.

Are monkey sightings common in Mount Dora?

The backstory:

Exactly a year ago today — on April 29, 2024 — FOX 35 reported on various monkey sightings across the Lake County area, including in Clermont and Groveland.

Residents told FOX 35 that they had seen monkeys running through neighborhoods and even on top of one neighbor's roof.

More monkey sightings reported in Central Florida

More monkey sightings reported in Central Florida

People living in Clermont, Florida, are reporting more monkey sightings. One woman, Aime Krug, saw a monkey walking around on the roof of a home in the 400 block of Minnehaha Ave. Krug spoke exclusively with FOX 35's Kelsie Cairns.

Are monkey sightings common in Florida?

Dig deeper:

While monkeys are not native to Florida, they are not uncommon, particularly in certain areas. 

The most common species found in Florida are rhesus macaques. 

These monkeys have been established in the state since the 1930s and are primarily concentrated in areas such as Silver Springs State Park, which is located just east of Ocala.

How to report a wildlife sighting

What you can do:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges residents to report fishing, wildlife or boating violations anonymously to the Wildlife Alert Reward Program. 

If the information results in an arrest or citation, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. 

The organization offers several ways to report violations:

  • Report via the "FWC Wildlife Alert" app. Download the app onto Apple or Android smartphones or tablets from the Apple Store or Google Play.
  • Text 847411 (Tip411) with keyword "FWC" and information about the violation
  • Call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-FWCC (888-404-3922)
  • Submit a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

The Source: This story was written based on information gathered by FOX 35's Kelsie Cairns while speaking with Mount Dora residents and through an email sent by the Sullivan Ranch HOA, as well as from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website.

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