Important Notice Regarding Unattended Monkeys in Odawara City
Odawara City is issuing a public announcement to alert residents and visitors about the presence of unattended monkeys. This information was last updated on September 6, 2025, and highlights the importance of taking precautions to ensure safety and prevent negative interactions with these wild animals.
Wild monkeys, particularly those belonging to macaque species, can sometimes be found in or near urban areas. While their presence can be fascinating, it is crucial for everyone to understand how to behave responsibly when encountering them to maintain a safe and harmonious coexistence.
The primary concern with unattended monkeys is that they may lose their natural fear of humans and begin to approach people, pets, or even enter residential areas and businesses. This can lead to several issues:
- Potential for Aggression: While not typically aggressive, monkeys can become defensive if they feel threatened or are competing for resources. They may bite or scratch if provoked or if they perceive a person or pet as a threat.
- Nuisance Behavior: Monkeys are intelligent and curious creatures. They may enter homes or businesses in search of food, potentially causing damage and disruption. They can also raid gardens and agricultural areas, impacting local produce.
- Risk of Disease Transmission: Like all wild animals, monkeys can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Direct contact should be strictly avoided.
Odawara City strongly advises the following precautions to ensure everyone’s safety:
- Do Not Feed Monkeys: This is the most critical rule. Feeding wild animals disrupts their natural foraging habits and encourages them to associate humans with food, leading to increased boldness and closer encounters. Even seemingly harmless acts like leaving out food scraps can have detrimental consequences.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: If you see a monkey, please keep a considerable distance. Admire them from afar without approaching, startling, or attempting to interact with them.
- Secure Your Property: Ensure that doors, windows, and gates are kept closed, especially in areas where monkeys have been sighted. This will prevent them from entering your home or garden.
- Do Not Make Eye Contact or Stare: Direct eye contact can be perceived as a challenge by monkeys, potentially leading to aggressive behavior.
- Keep Pets Secure: Dogs, in particular, may provoke monkeys, leading to a confrontation. Keep pets on a leash and under control when outdoors, and bring them inside if you see a monkey nearby.
- Do Not Leave Food or Waste Unattended: Securely store any food or trash, as the scent can attract monkeys. Dispose of waste properly in designated bins.
- Report Sightings: If you observe unattended monkeys in your neighborhood or in a location where they may pose a risk, please report it to the relevant authorities. This allows for proper monitoring and management by wildlife officials. While the specific contact information isn’t provided in this announcement, typically this would be through the city’s environmental or wildlife management department.
Odawara City is committed to the safety and well-being of its residents and the responsible management of its wildlife. By adhering to these guidelines, we can all contribute to a peaceful and safe environment for both humans and the natural inhabitants of our city. Please stay informed and vigilant.
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小田原市 published ‘ハナレザルにご注意ください【令和7年9月6日(土)現在】’ at 2025-09-08 01:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.