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.
Silver Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most unusual wildlife destinations because it is home to a free-ranging population of rhesus macaques.
The monkeys are:
- Nonnative
- Established
- Wild
- Capable of biting and scratching
- Known carriers of B virus
For pet travelers, the rule is simple:
Do not let your dog approach or chase them.
How Did the Monkeys Get There?
Rhesus macaques were introduced around Silver Springs in the mid-1930s.
University of Florida research says today’s population descended from monkeys intentionally released as part of an effort to increase tourism.
A popular Florida story says the monkeys escaped during filming of a Tarzan movie.
UF researchers say that story is folklore.
The macaques were already at Silver Springs before the 1939 film associated with the legend.
They Can Swim
Rhesus macaques are strong swimmers.
The animals spread beyond the original release site and established themselves around the Silver River and surrounding landscape.
Where Might You See Them?
The best-known range includes:
- Silver Springs State Park
- Silver River
- Ocklawaha River corridor
- Areas beyond the original park boundaries
The exact current population size is not known.
Population Growth
UF/IFAS research has described the Silver Springs population as established and growing.
Unlike several historic monkey populations elsewhere in Florida, the rhesus macaques around Silver Springs have persisted for decades.
Feeding Is Illegal
Florida prohibits feeding wild monkeys.
Feeding wildlife can cause animals to:
- Lose fear of people
- Approach humans for food
- Become aggressive
Never offer food to a macaque.
Dogs and Macaques
Dogs can trigger conflict by:
- Barking
- Lunging
- Chasing
- Cornering
A macaque may defend itself.
Rhesus macaques have powerful jaws and large canine teeth.
Keep Dogs Close
Use a short leash.
Do not use a long retractable leash around a monkey troop.
If monkeys appear:
- Keep the dog beside you
- Increase distance
- Do not block the animals’ path
- Do not stop for a close photo
- Leave if the dog becomes excited
B Virus
Rhesus macaques can carry macaque herpesvirus 1, commonly called B virus.
Researchers have documented antibodies and viral shedding among invasive rhesus macaques at Silver Springs.
Human infection is rare, but it can be severe.
There has not been a confirmed human case from a wild Florida macaque.
If a Person Is Bitten or Scratched
Seek medical care immediately.
CDC guidance treats macaque bites and scratches seriously because of potential B virus exposure.
What If a Dog Is Bitten?
Contact a veterinarian immediately.
Even apart from infectious disease concerns, a macaque bite can cause:
- Puncture wounds
- Tissue damage
- Infection
Do Not Touch Injured Monkeys
Never attempt to:
- Rescue
- Capture
- Move
- Treat
a wild macaque yourself.
Best Way to Observe Them
Distance is better than interaction.
A distant view from:
- Boat
- Trail
- Opposite riverbank
is safer than trying to walk closer.
Silver Springs With a Dog
Silver Springs can still be a worthwhile pet-friendly nature outing when current park rules allow your planned activity.
But do not structure the trip around getting your dog close to monkeys.
Wildlife viewing works best when the animal controls the distance.
Related Guides
- Wild Monkeys in Florida
- Vervet Monkeys in South Florida
- Florida Wildlife With Pets: Complete Guide
- Florida Birds Dogs Should Never Chase
- Florida Wildlife Emergency Checklist for Pet Travelers
Silver Springs’ monkeys are one of Florida’s strangest wildlife stories.
They are also wild primates.
Treat them with more distance than curiosity.
Sources
- UF/IFAS — History and Status of Introduced Rhesus Macaques: ask.ifas.ufl.edu
- UF/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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