MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora officials are warning residents to keep their distance after an increase in monkey sightings across the city in recent weeks.
The city says it has received about three reports of monkey sightings over the past eight weeks. Officials say they typically receive only one sighting report each year.
One recent sighting happened at Forest Preserve North, behind the W.T. Bland Public Library. A viewer shared video of what appears to be a rhesus macaque sitting in a tree near the preserve.
Residents in the area, including those near Waterman Village off Donnelly Street, say they’ve noticed the monkeys more frequently.
“They’re really going after bird feeders,” said Winston Streeter, who manages properties inside the retirement community. “I’ve even seen them drinking from sprinkler heads. Any kind of food or water source they can find, they go after it.”
Streeter says people should remember the animals are wild.
“I would definitely keep my distance because they can be a little aggressive,” he said. “They’re wild animals, and they’ll protect themselves.”
Because of the increase in sightings, Mount Dora officials are posting reminders on social media urging residents not to approach or feed the monkeys.
“If a monkey shows up, your best thing to do is back away and give it plenty of space,” Mount Dora Wildlife Officer Gerry Hodge said. “Don’t try to pet it or feed it. They can carry diseases, and we don’t want anyone getting bitten or scratched.”
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, rhesus macaques can carry diseases, including Herpes B, and people should never feed or approach wild monkeys.
Officials say there have been no reported injuries or serious incidents connected to the recent sightings, but they hope residents will follow the safety guidance to help prevent future problems.