Monkey invasion! Here's how to safely interact with monkeys in KZN

Calling all KwaZulu-Natal locals - monkey mayhem season has struck. 

We all know the struggles that reside with living in the 031...

Monkeys tend to live in forest regions covered with trees, however, most of their habitats have been converted into homes. Monkeys are very intelligent and they are able to continue to adapt to changes in their environment, although they are very territorial and opportunistic animals.

WATCH: The 'sausage dog' elongated monkey from Umdloti is so adorable

Many ECR listeners share their personal stories of their interactions with monkeys, but very few are equipped with the knowledge of how to safely remove a monkey from their residence.

Here is some critical information that you need to know as per chandigarhforest.gov:

• Do not make direct eye contact with monkeys.  
• Do not cross the path between a mother and her infant.  
• Do not irritate or tease the monkeys. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone.  
• Be light footed while passing through a monkey group i.e. Do not run.  D
• o not go near a dead or wounded monkey.  
• Do not feed monkeys. If anybody found feeding monkey, necessary legal action shall be initiated.  
• In case a monkey collides with your transport (two wheelers specially), do not stop there.  
• Do not get scared if a monkey makes a ‘Kho-Kho’ noise as normally it is a bluff. Ignore the monkey and walk away calmly.  
• Do not ever hit any monkey. Keep hitting the ground with a big bamboo stick to make monkeys leave your house or garden.  
• Presence of big dogs in premises shall make monkeys leave the area.  
• Monkeys are scared of snakes. Keep real looking plastic snakes at roof tops or boundary wall of your house.  
• Loud heavy noise, bursting of crackers or their sound track will force the monkeys to leave any premises.  
• An injured monkey should be helped when monkey group is not close by. Cover the injured monkey with a net and take it to People for Animals [P.F.A.] or S.P.C.A. or any organization caring for sick animals.  
• If a monkey tries to touch you, gently put an object or board firmly between you & monkey.

Read More: Remarkable two-headed tortoise is stealing the show

Whatever you do, make sure to be considerate to the monkeys who are essential to our ecosystem. 

For any emergency assistance contact the SPCA HERE.

Read More: Snake climbing on resting woman gives us goosebumps!

Image courtesy of iStock

Follow us on social media:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• TikTok