How to Survive a Monkey Attack | Primates Survival Tips

Monkeys are one of the most intelligent yet violent animals globally. When provoked, they can get aggressive and even attack you! If this happens, do you know how you can protect yourself? Read on to learn how to survive a monkey attack.

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How to Survive a Monkey Attack

Surviving a monkey attack requires a calm and cautious approach. If faced with an aggressive monkey, staying calm and avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that may startle them is crucial. Making eye contact should be avoided, as it can be seen as a threat. Back away slowly and never try to touch or corner the monkeys, as they may interpret it as aggression.

Use objects like umbrellas or bags as barriers to create distance if possible. Like climbing a tree, seeking higher ground can also be a safe option. Call for help or seek assistance from nearby authorities if the situation becomes dangerous. Remember to respect wild animals and observe them safely to prevent harm to yourself and the animals.

 Do Not Run

If you encounter an aggressive monkey that comes at you or even jumps on you, it conquers your fear. Avoid panicking, shouting, fighting, pushing, making eye contact, or turning your back. The monkey is asserting itself and not looking for a fight.

Avoid making them uneasy with you to avoid intensifying their aggressive instincts.

Most of all, do not run! Remember–monkeys can chase you, as they can run up to 30 miles per hour!

Stay calm, back off, walk away, and avoid making any sound.

Pretend like you are doing your own thing. Act like you are looking at trees or talking to other people. Doing this will make the monkey lose interest in you and leave you.

 Keep Moving

You might think that feeding monkeys is fun, but this activity poses a danger.

Bringing food around monkeys is not a good idea. It is one of the most common reasons why they would attack you. Even if the food is in a container, monkeys can still detect it since they have a strong sense of smell.

Furthermore, if you give some food to one monkey, others will also come near you. And if you do not give them your attention, they will likely be aggressive and attack you.

Feeding monkeys can lead them out of their habitat.

 Do Not Feed Them

You might think that feeding monkeys is such a fun thing to do, but this activity poses a danger.

It is not a good idea to bring food around monkeys, as it is one of the most common reasons why they would attack you. Even if the food is in a container, monkeys can still detect it since they have a strong sense of smell.

Furthermore, if you give some food to one monkey, others will also come near you. And if you do not give them your attention, they will likely be aggressive and attack you.

What’s more, feeding monkeys can lead them out of their habitat.

 Jump in the water

Did you know that most monkeys do not swim? Some species even drown when getting into deep water! So if a monkey runs amok and you see a body of water near you, jump into it!

Yet, do not get too comfortable, especially in a tropical rainforest. Because yes, you might survive a monkey attack, but a crocodile might come your way. And crocodiles, like monkeys, can also be dangerous and attack you.

 Show the Monkey Your Empty Palms

Many monkeys attack because they think that you are holding food and that you do not want to give it to them.

If you are not holding anything, show them your empty hands. But, if you have some food, throw it in their direction, but not at them.

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Do Not Play Tug of War with Them

If a monkey wants to get something from you, give it to them. Do not play tug of war with monkeys, especially if they are already grabbing onto your valuables.

Keep in mind that monkeys are mischievous and curious creatures. But do not worry! They also have a short attention span at the same time. They will drop your things, and you can recover them

 Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Monkeys interpret a big grin as a sign of hostility and threat. So while they may be cute, avoid smiling and showing your teeth to them. But sticking your teeth together and closing your lips interpret softness.

Keep your movements minimal. Showing aggression to them will only get you attacked.

 Wash Your Wounds Immediately

If you suffer some bites after a monkey attack, rub them with soap and clean water, then go to the doctor.

Monkey bites are dangerous since monkeys generally carry diseases, such as rabies. So no matter how small the monkey bite is, it can still be life-threatening

Also, even healthy monkeys have bacteria in their mouths, so you can still get infected when you get a taste.

Other Tips on Dealing with Monkeys

 Dress Appropriately

Before you go to an area full of monkeys, ensure that you wear plain and simple clothes. Furthermore, avoid wearing pieces of jewelry and bringing bags. And if you have blurry vision, wear contact lenses instead of eyeglasses.

Anything with straps is tempting for monkeys, so they might attack you once they see these things.

 Be Careful When Taking Photographs

So you have a scenic destination, good light, and adorable monkeys. What is missing in the equation? A camera captures the perfect moment.

But, be cautious when taking pictures, especially selfies. Monkeys may attack you if they see themselves on camera because they think they are in danger.

Check out this video by OWN as a woman shared her experience when a chimpanzee mauled her:

Monkey attacks are common around the world. So, knowing how to survive a monkey attack is essential for every survivalist. Survive a monkey attack by following these tips.

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