The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has received reports of a rhesus macaque (rhesus monkey) in the area of Hudson Beach.
Officials are now asking people who see the monkey to call in with information so that they can protect public safety and continue to work toward a positive outcome.
FWC says the Rhesus macaque is not native to Florida and officials do not know how the macaque found its way to the area.
Please make sure your trash cans are secure and do not approach or feed the monkey if you see it. Officials say the monkey can cause serious harm.
If seen, you can report sightings to the Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-3922, or during business hours to the Exotic Species Hotline, 888-IVE-GOT1.
MONKEY HEADLINES:
- FWC searching for monkey they believe might be on the loose in north Lakeland
- Biologists: Monkey population spreading in Florida
- Nelson Vidal says he spotted a monkey running across U.S. 301 around noon Monday
- The "Mystery Monkey" of Tampa Bay welcomes baby
- Tampa Police spend part of Thanksgiving searching for monkey
