Monkey sightings raise safety concerns for some Apopka residents

APOPKA, Fla. — A rhesus macaque monkey that has become a common site for some Apopka residents is causing concern for homeowners worried the animal could be dangerous.

One homeowner told Channel 9 that the monkey was near the banana tree in her backyard and was looking at her Pomeranian.

She was worried that the monkey would attack her dog, so she contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission but didn't get any help.

Now she’s considering removing what she thinks is drawing the animal to her yard, the banana tree.

“I have tried to contact someone to remove the tree,” she said. “If that’s what I need to do to feel safe.”

Other residents have seen the monkey so often that they’ve given it a name.

“Moto the monkey,” resident Mikeal Schofield said.

Experts warn that monkeys can carry diseases like herpes and hepatitis and can become aggressive.

The FWC did not have information on any efforts being made to capture the monkey.

Watch below for 9 Facts about the rhesus macaque monkey:

Cox Media Group