Brought to the area almost a century ago, Rhesus Macaques have adapted to Florida. They are typically from Asia but now unbeknownst to many residents, they live and roam free along the Silver River near Ocala. Currently there are about 200 in Silver Springs State Park and they can usually be seen foraging for food along the river banks or climbing in the nearby trees. Since they are nonnative they are considered invasive.

A man known as Colonel Tooey brought 12 of them to his jungle attraction in the 1930's. He initially placed them on an island in the river but they swam away, settling in the nearby forest. Silver Springs, once a private attraction, has since been taken over by the state of Florida, with the park system inheriting the monkeys. When photographing them, it's hard not to feel for them - with their human-like, often pensive expressions, touching displays of bonding, and otherwise interesting behavior and interactions .

Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Along the Silver River in Ocala, Florida.

As the troupes have grown they have roamed as far north as Jacksonville and as far west as Tampa, but it's the potential interaction with humans which is problematic. Some sources suggest a lone male typically roams after being kicked out of the group, searching for a mate. Unfortunately, he will not find one as this is an introduced, nonnative species. What he may encounter is a surprised Florida resident in their back yard. Other sources suggest the monkeys have roamed only after population control tactics were introduced. Though there have been some suburban encounters, the monkeys tend to keep to themselves in undeveloped natural areas.

Estimates vary, but it is thought that as many as 25% of them may carry Herpes B, a strain which is common to macaques worldwide. In the monkeys it is the equivalent of Herpes Simplex in humans, but in humans it can be fatal if not treated. Rhesus macaques are often used in animal research labs, and it has been accidentally transmitted to humans in this setting. The CDC identifies lab workers and veterinarians as most at risk for this disease, stating that the monkeys usually pass it on when under extreme stress. It recommends antivirals for treatment. The monkeys in Ocala have never passed it on to a human but there have been some bites and scratches. 

There is concern amongst officials that unlike the residents of Southeast Asia, Floridians are not accustomed to coming into contact with wild monkeys. They may get injured if the monkeys feel threatened and become aggressive. Floridians are used to coming into contact with alligators, crocodiles, sharks, bears, coyotes, panthers, bobcats, rattle snakes, water moccasins and pythons however, suggesting they are fairly a brave group who knows how to handle the wild. The risk with the monkeys is similar to risks with the other list of animals - getting too close or feeding them.

2. A Warning Sign in Silver Springs State Park. ​​​​​​​

For awhile the population was being managed through sterilization as well as catch and relocate programs, but when word got out that some were being sold to research facilities the public outcry stopped this practice. Now the population of macaques is growing without intervention. Talks are still under way to come up with a solution as much of the public loves the monkeys. If you are interested, the best way to see them is by boat along the Silver River.