Most visitors never meet most of this. Florida is a big state and its wildlife changes a lot from region to region - a cane toad is a South Florida backyard problem, a black bear is a central and north Florida one, and a crocodile only matters in the far south. These guides are here for the encounter you do have, not because one is likely.
Yes, Florida really has wild monkeys.
They are not native.
The best-known established population is the rhesus macaque population around:
- Silver Springs State Park
- Silver River
- Ocklawaha River
Florida has also had other nonnative monkey populations.
For pet travelers, the important rule is:
Do not approach, feed or allow a dog to chase a wild monkey.
Rhesus Macaques at Silver Springs
Rhesus macaques were intentionally released near Silver Springs in the 1930s as a tourism attraction.
University of Florida researchers say the modern population descended from those introduced animals.
The monkeys are excellent swimmers and spread beyond the original release area.
They Are Not Part of a Tarzan Movie Release
A long-running Florida story claims the monkeys were released during filming of a Tarzan movie.
University of Florida researchers say that story is folklore.
The macaques were already present before the 1939 film associated with the legend.
Where Are They Now?
Rhesus macaques occur around:
- Silver Springs State Park
- Silver River
- Ocklawaha River corridor
The exact current population size is not known.
University of Florida research has documented groups well beyond the original Silver Springs release area.
Florida Has Had Other Wild Monkey Populations
University of Florida research describes several introduced monkey populations in Florida.
Species have included:
- Rhesus macaques
- Squirrel monkeys
- Vervet monkeys
Not all historic populations still exist.
Feeding Wild Monkeys Is Illegal
Florida prohibits feeding wild monkeys.
Feeding can make monkeys:
- Lose fear of people
- Associate people with food
- Become aggressive
Do not leave food where monkeys can access it.
Why Dogs and Monkeys Are a Bad Combination
A dog may see a monkey as something to:
- Chase
- Bark at
- Corner
A macaque may respond defensively.
Rhesus macaques have:
- Strong jaws
- Sharp canine teeth
- Powerful hands
Do not allow a dog to approach one.
Keep Your Dog Leashed
At Silver Springs and other monkey habitat, keep your dog:
- On a short leash
- Close to you
- Away from monkeys
If monkeys are nearby, increase distance instead of trying to get a better photo.
Herpes B Virus
Rhesus macaques can carry B virus, also called herpes B virus.
University of Florida and CDC sources confirm that Silver Springs macaques have tested positive for the virus and can shed it.
Human infection is extremely rare.
There has not been a confirmed case from a wild Florida macaque.
However, infection in humans can be very serious.
Do Not Touch a Monkey
Never:
- Pet one
- Feed one
- Pick up a baby
- Touch saliva
- Handle feces
- Intervene in a monkey fight
If You Are Bitten or Scratched
Seek immediate medical care.
CDC guidance treats macaque exposures seriously because of B virus risk.
What If a Monkey Approaches?
Do not:
- Feed it
- Reach toward it
- Corner it
- Let your dog approach
Create distance calmly.
Silver Springs With a Dog
Silver Springs State Park can be a beautiful place to visit, but do not make seeing monkeys the goal of a dog outing.
If monkeys appear:
- Keep dog close
- Increase distance
- Do not feed
- Do not block monkey movement
- Leave if necessary
Can Dogs Catch Herpes B?
The established concern around B virus is primarily macaque-to-human exposure.
There are no reports cited by University of Florida of other wildlife species contracting the virus from Silver Springs macaques.
That does not make dog-monkey contact acceptable.
Bites and scratches can cause serious injury regardless of virus transmission.
Never Let a Dog Chase Them
This is the biggest pet-specific rule.
A chase can turn into:
- Bite
- Scratch
- Group defensive behavior
- Injury to dog
- Injury to monkey
Best Way to See Florida’s Wild Monkeys
Observe from a distance.
A boat or distant wildlife-viewing situation is much better than walking toward a troop.
Related Guides
- Florida Wildlife With Pets: Complete Guide
- Rhesus Macaques at Silver Springs
- Vervet Monkeys in South Florida
- Raccoons, Rabies and Pets
- Florida Wildlife Emergency Checklist for Pet Travelers
Florida’s wild monkeys are fascinating.
They are also wild animals.
Treat them that way.
Sources
- University of Florida IFAS — History and Status of Introduced Rhesus Macaques in Silver Springs: ask.ifas.ufl.edu
- University of Florida IFAS — Nonnative Monkey Populations of Florida: ask.ifas.ufl.edu
- CDC — B Virus risk factors: cdc.gov
- CDC — Clinical overview of B Virus: cdc.gov
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