For the past few weeks residents have been spotting baboons across Mogale City, and some people feel panicked about their presence.

The baboons have been spotted in areas like Noordheuwel, Monument and Krugersdorp West. Cora Bailey from Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) said it might seem that many baboons were on the loose in the area, but in actual fact there could be fewer because they move so quickly.

She explained that baboons and vervet monkeys live in huge family groups. At some stage the males have to leave the troop, either voluntarily or they are forced out. This prevents inbreeding and these males usually join other troops.

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“This has been happening for years and usually these males moved without being seen,” she said.

But as more areas are developed we see more of these animals in residential areas.

They are currently without a troop and are moving instinctively,” explained Cora.

When they are spotted in residential areas, people become fearful. But Cora said in the 30 years she has worked with the animals they have never bitten or injured anybody.

They move from one suburb to another trying to find a new troop. The question on everyone’s lips, however, is why are they not trapped and removed? Cora explained that the trap weighs around 100kg and the animals don’t stay in one place for very long, making it difficult to find them.

At the moment CLAW is trying to help 12 baboons from all over that have entered residential areas, and it is best to leave them to move on. However, if they keep returning to one property, Cora said CLAW can be contacted.

They will ask the owner to put out food for the baboon, and they will come and try to trap it. If you spot the baboons or if they enter your property, please avoid them. Do not set the dogs on them or shoot them. Like any cornered animal the baboons will defend themselves. Please do not try and contain them inside or even on the property.

You can contact your local Community Policing Forum or Yolandie Groenewald on 071 763 1663 if the baboons keep returning to your property. As CLAW is running a very busy animal clinic they ask that you please send them a WhatsApp with the location where the baboons are seen often. Their number is 082 926 3627.

The plan is to track the baboons’ movements and hopefully they will rejoin a troop. Confronting the animals poses a risk that they could run into trouble. Many people are superstitious of these animals and could hurt them.

This is our indigenous wildlife and we should respect it,” Cora said.