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

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

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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