Wild monkey spotted in Mount Dora again. Here's what to know, do
Mount Dora officials urge caution after wild monkey spotted again
Mount Dora officials are reminding residents to keep their distance after another wild monkey was spotted roaming through the city, prompting a renewed public safety warning.
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - Nearly a month after a wild rhesus macaque was photographed outside the historic Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, there has been another report of a wild monkey within the city.
Wild monkeys, including Rhesus macaques, are not native to Florida. Officials consider these wild monkeys to be a potential threat to Florida's wildlife and ecosystems, and warn that they could carry diseases.
Wild monkey spotted in Mount Dora again
What we know:
The City of Mount Dora posted on its Facebook page on Monday, July 20, about a monkey being spotted within the city – and encouraged those curious to see the wild animal to watch from a distance.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed to FOX 35 that it received a report of a monkey sighting from the Mount Dora Police Department.
What we don't know:
The FWC nor the City of Mount Dora specified where the primate was spotted.
Officials: Admire from afar, do not interact, feed, touch
While perhaps unusual to see a monkey in Florida, officials reminded those who may spot the monkey to admire it from afar.
"While seeing a monkey may be unusual, please remember they are wild, feral animals and should be admired from a safe distance," the City of Mount Dora said in a Facebook post.
"Wild monkeys may carry diseases and can become aggressive, biting or scratching if they feel threatened or are attracted to food. If you encounter the monkey, give it plenty of space and allow it to move through the area on its own. By giving wildlife plenty of space, we help keep both people and animals safe," the City said.
Wild monkey native to Asia seen visiting historic Florida Hotel
A wild monkey native to Asia was seen roaming around the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora. The invasive specials is believed to have roots in Central Florida back in the 1930s. Dylan Gamez, the marketing and public relations manager at the Lakeside Inn, talked about the visit and how guests reacted.
Safety reminders
- Do not feed or lure a wild monkey with food.
- Do not try to capture, approach, or touch the monkey.
- Do not leave trash of food out near the monkeys.
It is illegal in Florida to feed a wild monkey.
What to do if you see a wild monkey
What you can do:
If you spot a wild monkey, you want to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wildlife alert hotline: 888-404-FWCC or 888-404-3922.
You can also report sightings, here.
The Source: The information used in this story comes from the City of Mount Dora and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FCW).