Police issue warning after multiple residents spot wild monkey in Orange City

ORANGE CITY, Fla. — The Orange City Police Department on Wednesday warned residents to keep their distance if they encounter a monkey.

The agency said it has received multiple calls about the wild rhesus macaque.

Police said they have notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission of the sightings.

“Please do not feed or attempt to capture these monkeys,” the agency said.

Anyone who spots it should contact FWC by calling 888-404-3922 or clicking here.

FWC said the monkeys could become aggressive when fed, and they carry a host of diseases that can be spread to humans. They can live up to 40 years.

Click here to read more about this non-native species and the history of their introduction to Florida, which dates back to the 1930s.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Video: Baby howler monkey born at Brevard Zoo Brevard Zoo’s black howler monkey troop gained a new tiny member last month.

Jason Kelly, WFTV.com