City officials in Mount Dora, Florida, issued an advisory on July 22, 2026 [1], warning residents to maintain a safe distance from wild monkeys.
The alert follows multiple sightings of the animals within the community. Because these primates can be aggressive and may carry diseases, officials are prioritizing public safety to prevent animal attacks or zoonotic transmission.
Mount Dora officials said that the primates should not be approached. The advisory emphasizes that wild monkeys can exhibit unpredictable behavior, which may lead to injuries if residents attempt to interact with them.
Local authorities also said that feeding wild non-human primates is illegal in Florida [1]. This regulation is intended to prevent animals from becoming habituated to humans, which often increases the likelihood of aggressive encounters.
Residents are encouraged to report any further sightings to the appropriate city departments. The advisory serves as a precaution to ensure that both the public and the animals remain safe while the city monitors the situation.
“Feeding wild non-human primates is illegal in Florida.”
The presence of non-human primates in a residential area of Florida typically indicates the escape or intentional release of exotic pets. By emphasizing the illegality of feeding these animals, the city aims to discourage residents from encouraging the monkeys to stay in urban environments, which reduces the risk of human-wildlife conflict and the spread of disease.
