‘THE only people ever likely to be bitten by a Vervet Monkey are those who provoke, tease or attempt to catch them,’ says Carol Booth of Monkey Helpline.

She advises on ways to avoid confrontation with monkeys sharing our habitat.
Booth says that in almost every case where a dog has been bitten, the dog attacked the monkey.

‘Don’t ever try to catch or go near a Vervet or its baby or pull on a tail should it be hanging from a tree or branch.

ALSO READ: Monkey shot in Meerensee

‘A vervet is not easily cornered, but if this does happen accidentally, move out of its way and allow it to escape.

‘Don’t provoke tease, mimic or stare directly at them,’ Booth says.

‘Your behaviour could be considered a challenge, as monkeys usually threaten one another by means of aggressive body language and staring.’

She says that if one feels threatened by a Vervet, do not turn one’s back on it or try to run away.

‘Back away slowly while continuing to face it.

‘At no stage start screaming, as this will confuse and frighten the monkeys and could result in a panicked, defensive response from them,’ she says.

It’s obvious that you should not allow your children into an area where the monkeys are present

ALSO READ: Abused vervet monkey rescued in Empangeni recovering at CROW