BY ROBIN MIMNA

West Volusia residents have reported several monkey sightings across the area this week, sparking both curiosity and concern. Deltona, in particular, has become a hot spot for these unexpected visitors, with multiple sightings near Providence Boulevard, close to the Deltona Regional Library.

Catherine Barker, director of communications for the City of Deltona, confirmed the reports.

“We’ve received multiple sightings from residents, and animal control has spotted the monkeys,” said Barker. “The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has advised us not to attempt to trap them at this time.”

Barker cautioned that while the monkeys are not known to be aggressive, they are wild animals and should be approached with caution. “Residents should keep their distance,” she added.

Andrew Wasko, a local primate expert and co-founder of Primate Paradise, a sanctuary in Osteen, suggests the monkeys could be migrating southward from Ocala.

“Florida’s rivers provide a perfect corridor for them. The trees and vegetation make it easy for them to travel,” Wasko said. He believes the monkeys are continuing to move south toward warmer climates.

Wasko’s theory connects to the history of the rhesus macaque population in Florida. According to the International Primate Protection League (IPPL), the free-roaming rhesus macaques near Ocala date back to the 1930s when they were brought to Silver Springs as part of a tourist attraction. Over time, the monkeys thrived, multiplied, and spread into surrounding areas, including the Ocala National Forest. Although they were once fed by humans, their population has continued to grow and become a part of Florida’s wildlife.

IPPL describes the rhesus macaques as adaptable and resourceful animals that thrive in Florida’s forests and rivers, with their range expanding farther south.

While these monkeys have been a fixture in Central Florida for decades, sightings in urban areas like Deltona and DeLand are more recent.

Ken Goldberg, a DeLand resident who spotted one of the primates last week, was surprised by the encounter.

“I saw it run across the road and thought it was the strangest-looking raccoon I’d ever seen, but then I realized it was a monkey. Definitely not what you expect to see in DeLand.”

As the situation continues to unfold, the presence of these monkeys in West Volusia highlights the complex relationship between wildlife and human development in Florida. The growing population of rhesus macaques may signal a changing habitat, with these curious creatures adapting to their environment — and potentially making their way into new neighborhoods.

Residents are encouraged to report any monkey sightings to local authorities while keeping a safe distance to ensure both their safety and that of the animals.

Rhesus Macaque: Key Facts

The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is a widely studied primate found in South and Southeast Asia. These adaptable animals thrive in forests, grasslands and urban areas. Recognizable by their stocky build, long tail, and pink faces, males are larger than females.

They live in hierarchical social groups, communicate through vocalizations and body language, and are omnivores, eating fruits, seeds and small animals. Rhesus macaques are also key in scientific research, especially in neuroscience and vaccine development.

In Hinduism, they symbolize strength and devotion as associates of the god Hanuman. Although not endangered, they face threats like habitat loss and human conflict, and are classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

Update, December 19, Here is a statement from the FWC:

Staff with the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program are aware of a nonnative rhesus macaque (also called a rhesus monkey; Macaca mulatta) reported in the Orange City area and are monitoring.

Wild monkeys, including rhesus macaques, are not native to Florida and may have negative impacts on native wildlife, ecosystems and agriculture. They can also carry diseases that can potentially be spread to humans, including rabies and herpes B. If you encounter wild monkeys in Florida, it is important to keep a safe distance and never feed wild monkeys. To help prevent injuries and spread of disease to people, feeding wild monkeys is illegal in Florida (Rule 68A-4.001). We encourage the public to report sightings of monkeys in this area to IveGot1.org, which assists staff in tracking sightings and distribution of nonnative species in Florida.  Members of the public can report monkeys approaching people and acting aggressively to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Additional information about wild monkeys in Florida can be found on our flyer: https://myfwc.com/media/17162/brochure-monkey.pdf.

You may find more information about nonnative species in Florida at our website:

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/.