Nature & Environment
Gibraltar apes no longer fear humans
By
T.K. RandallDecember 1, 2012 ·
17 comments
Image Credit: CC 3.0 Alex Curl
The population of apes are now so tame that they are posing a risk to both tourists and residents.
Originally the population of Barbary macaques on Gibraltar had been far more reclusive and timid of humans, but now following years of exposure the creatures have almost completely lost their fear of people. As a result there have been a substantial number of attacks with at least 59 people hospitalized this year alone.
"They've lost their fear of humans and regard them as a source of rich food, like chocolate and biscuits," said Dr John Cortes. Now the government are planning to ship half the ape population off the island in an effort to curb the danger they pose.
Gibraltar's government could ship half of its colony of iconic apes off the Rock because they have "lost their fear of humans" and are posing a danger to residents and tourists.
Source:
Telegraph |
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