The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is telling people to stay away from a monkey that several people have spotted in Apopka recently.

  • Rhesus macaque reported running around Apopka
  • Florida wildlife officers are looking for the loose monkey
  • Macaques have established local populations around Central Florida

FWC says the monkey spotted is a rhesus macaque, or rhesus monkey.

Several people have seen the monkey near a Jamaican restaurant and bakery at the corner of Michael Gladden Boulevard and Central Avenue in Apopka in the last several days. 

“It jumped up on the fence and kind of hopped towards us, and I don’t know if that meant it was looking or food or if it was trying to go to the tree in between me and the monkey,” said Keri Locke.

“It did catch me by surprise that it came towards us, watched us for a minute and then ran towards the back.”

According to FWC, Rhesus monkeys are native to Asia, but were introduced to Central Florida in the 1930s when several were let loose in Silver Springs State Park as part of a tourist attraction. 

“We go camping in Silver Springs and we’ve seen the monkeys up there before, and it looked just like the monkeys up there, it was very cute,” said Locke.

FWC says people who see the monkey should not approach or feed it, and report any sightings to the agency to assist them in evaluating the situation, which FWC says it takes very seriously.

FWC also released the following information on Monday regarding the monkey sightings and the rhesus monkey:

Sightings should be immediately reported to the Exotic Species Hotline: 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681). People should NOT APPROACH OR FEED rhesus macaques and Do Not approach the animal. As is always the case, adults should supervise children and pets when outside.

Rhesus macaques are medium-sized monkeys, with males typically larger than females.

Adults range from 1.5-1.7 ft. in height, and weigh from 12-17 lbs. The rhesus monkey is native to Asia, and they are primarily herbivores. A Class II Captive Wildlife license is required for trapping or possession of these animals by the public. Avoid contact and observe only from a safe distance. 

If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately and seek medical attention, according to CDC guidelines.

In October, state wildlife officials were searching for a rhesus monkey in the Hudson Beach area of Pasco County.