How to Survive a Monkey Attack

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Monkeys are one of the most intelligent yet violent animals globally. When provoked, they can get aggressive and even attack you! If this happens, do you know how you can protect yourself? Read on to learn how to survive a monkey attack.

Monkey Opens its Mouth | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

1. Do Not Run

If you encounter an aggressive monkey that comes at you or even jumps on you, it conquers your fear. Avoid panicking, shouting, fighting, pushing, making eye contact, or turning your back. The monkey is asserting itself and not looking for a fight.

Avoid making them uneasy with you to avoid intensifying their aggressive instincts.

Most of all, do not run! Remember–monkeys can chase you, as they can run up to 30 miles per hour!

Stay calm, back off, walk away, and avoid making any sound.

Pretend like you are doing your own thing. Act like you are looking at trees or talking to other people. Doing this will make the monkey lose interest in you and leave you.

2. Keep Moving

Tourist Man with Long-Tailed Macaques | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

You might think that feeding monkeys are fun, but this activity poses a danger.

Bringing food around monkeys is not a good idea. It is one of the most common reasons why they would attack you. Even if the food is in a container, monkeys can still detect it since they have a strong sense of smell.

Furthermore, if you give some food to one monkey, others would also come near you. And if you do not give them your attention, they will likely be aggressive and attack you.

Feeding monkeys can lead them out of their habitat.

3. Do Not Feed Them

Tourist with a Backpack Feeds Monkeys | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

You might think that feeding monkeys are such a fun thing to do, but this activity poses a danger.

It is not a good idea to bring food around monkeys, as it is one of the most common reasons why they would attack you. Even if the food is in a container, monkeys can still detect it since they have a strong sense of smell.

Furthermore, if you give some food to one monkey, others would also come near you. And if you do not give them your attention, they will likely be aggressive and attack you.

What’s more, feeding monkeys can lead them out of their habitat.

4. Jump in the water

Japanese Macaque near the Pool | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

Did you know that most monkeys do not swim? Some species even drown when getting into deep water! So if a monkey runs amok and you see a body of water near you, jump into it!

Yet, do not get too comfortable, especially in a tropical rainforest. Because yes, you might survive a monkey attack, but a crocodile might come your way. And crocodiles, like monkeys, can also be dangerous and attack you.

5. Show the Monkey Your Empty Palms

Male Hands Showing Palm | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

Many monkeys attack because they think that you are holding food and that you do not want to give it to them.

If you are not holding anything, show them your empty hands. But, if you have some food, throw it in their direction, but not at them.

6. Do Not Play Tug of War with Them

A Tourist Photographer has Wild Monkeys Climbing All Over Him | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

If a monkey wants to get something from you, give it to them. Do not play tug of war with monkeys, especially if they are already grabbing onto your valuables.

Keep in mind that monkeys are mischievous and curious creatures. But do not worry! They also have a short attention span at the same time. They will drop your things, and you can recover them

7. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Young Blonde Girl Wearing Casual Clothes | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

Monkeys interpret a big grin as a sign of hostility and threat. So while they may be cute, avoid smiling and showing your teeth to them. But sticking your teeth together and closing your lips interpret softness.

Keep your movements minimal. Showing aggression to them will only get you attacked.

8. Wash Your Wounds Immediately

Man Provides First Aid for Cutting his Hands | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

If you suffer some bites after a monkey attack, rub them with soap and clean water, then go to the doctor.

Monkey bites are dangerous since monkeys generally carry diseases, such as rabies. So no matter how small the monkey bite is, it can still be life-threatening

Also, even healthy monkeys have bacteria in their mouths, so you can still get infected when you get a taste.

Other Tips on Dealing with Monkeys

9. Dress Appropriately

Portrait of a Smiling Young Couple Standing on the Street | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

Before you go to an area full of monkeys, ensure that you wear plain and simple clothes. Furthermore, avoid wearing pieces of jewelry and bringing bags. And if you have blurry vision, wear contact lenses instead of eyeglasses.

Anything with straps is tempting for monkeys, so they might attack you once they see these things.

10. Be Careful When Taking Photographs

Female Photographer and Proboscis Monkey | How to Survive a Monkey Attack

So you have a scenic destination, good light, and adorable monkeys. What is missing in the equation? A camera to capture the perfect moment.

But, be cautious when taking pictures, especially selfies. Monkeys may attack you if they see themselves on camera because they think they are in danger.

Check out this video by OWN as a woman shared her experience when a chimpanzee mauled her:

Monkey attacks are common around the world. So, knowing how to survive a monkey attack is essential for every survivalist. Survive a monkey attack by following these tips.