Stray vervets spotted in Vryheid – Here’s what to do if you see them

WHEN there’s something strange in the neighbourhood, who are you going to call?

Well, if it’s one of two stray vervet monkeys that have been spotted in town recently, we suggest you call Bruce and Sandi Cronk from WATCH, the local Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation Centre.

There have been several reports of the vervet monkey sightings in town and Bruce and Sandi urge the public not to feed them, to avoid possible conflict.

If you’re not sure how to deal with the situation, should you encounter these wayward primates, Sandi has shared a few tips on what to do if you spot them.

ALSO READ: Did you hear the one about the Lions and the monkeys?

AND: Kindergarten classes visit WATCH 

Sandi writes: “About three weeks ago we received a phone call from a lady living in South Street across from the golf course telling us that there was an adult male vervet in the trees in her garden. Bruce went to take a look and found a healthy, uninjured and unharmed bull. It is natural for adult males to migrate between troops, especially at this time of the year which is the vervet’s mating season. We assumed that this was a transient male as he was on his own and although there are vervet troops in Vryheid surrounds, there are no known urban troops. The alternative explanation for this lone male in town was that he was a “pet” who had somehow escaped his captivity and that his “owner” was unable to re-capture.”

“Since first hearing about this monkey in town we have had a number of calls from various parts of town so clearly this guy is on the move. He has been seen near and around the golf course, Vryheid High School, a clothing store in town (Bruce can’t remember the name), a home on the hill near the hospital to mention but a few. On May 23, we received a call from Uitlander Street advising us that there were now two monkeys. When checking on the area we found that there were indeed two adult male vervets. This could dispel the theory of transient male but does not cancel it out completely. I highly doubt that this is the case, but we as residents of Vryheid, might just have to adopt the notion that we could have resident urban monkeys in our town… This is not as absurd as it sounds, considering the loss of natural habitat due to human expansion that these poor animals have to endure.”

“We must also bear in mind that, as the weather gets colder, the natural food sources to monkeys decrease. Vervets, as any animal would, will gravitate to an area where food accessibility is easier. This could also contribute to the fact that “wild” vervets are now lingering longer in town.”

“To put peoples mind at ease, vervets are not carriers of rabies. There are no recorded cases of vervets having or transmitting rabies. Generally vervets will not attack a person or animal unless threatened. They will however fiercely defend the troop and especially their young.”

“We earnestly request that these monkeys DO NOT GET FED. It is imperative that these monkeys do not learn to associate people with food as this is the first step to primate/human conflict. Also please urge people to try and keep food out of sight of open windows and or doors as this could tempt a hungry monkey to enter a home or dwelling.

From the phone calls we have had, it appears that people are also worried about these monkeys might bite or eat dogs, cats or bunnies. It is highly unlikely that a monkey will attack a domestic animal, even a small one. Unattended chicken eggs will probably be at risk, but not your domestic pet.

“Do not tease or try to make contact with the monkeys. It has been our experience that when a monkey bobs its head at a person, the person finds it almost irresistible to bob back. Together with raising eyebrows and showing teeth, this is perceived as threatening and challenging behaviour so please refrain from this type of behaviour. Making eye contact is also advised against.

“If the monkeys are bothering people, they will be more fearful of males than females. Please ask a man in the house or an adult male neighbour to try and chase the monkey. An old hose pipe with hole in, when swung around, creates a whistling noise that would help scare the monkeys away. Monkeys do not like snakes and are afraid of most snakes, so a rubber snake or two would help keep monkeys at bay as well. Be sure to move the rubber snakes around regularly otherwise the monkeys will soon catch on to the idea that these are not real snakes.”

‘Please do not hesitate to give Bruce or I a call should you require any further information. Bruce’s number is 072 133 6090.”