Multiple reports of monkey sightings in a Florida city has prompted officials there to issue an advisory warning residents to keep a distance from the wild animals.
Mount Dora officials issued the advisory July 20 advising that wild monkeys could carry diseases and become aggressive. They have been known to bite or scratch if they feel threatened or are attracted to food.
“While seeing a monkey may be unusual, please remember they are wild, feral animals and should be admired from a safe distance,” city officials said in a statement. “If you encounter the monkey, give it plenty of space and allow it to move through the area on its own.”
Last month, rhesus macaque monkeys were spotted outside the historic Mount Dora’s Lakeside Inn, playing on ancient oak trees.
What to do if you encounter a wild monkey
Keep you distance. Give the monkey plenty of space and allow it to move through the area on its own.
Do not feed the monkey. Feeding wild non-human primates is prohibited under Florida law and can result in penalties.
Do not approach, touch or attempt to capture it.
Keep children and pets away.
Where is Mount Dora?
Located in Central Florida, Mount Dora is about 30 miles northwest of Orlando.
It’s believed the monkeys migrated to Mount Dora from Silver Springs State Park.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Monkey-sighting advisory issued for Florida city