Wild monkey makes multiple visits to Woodlands condo over 3 days

A wild monkey was spotted at Bellewoods condominium in Woodlands from Aug 6 to Aug 8.

A Stomper, who is a resident at the condo, alerted Stomp to the incident and shared photos of the macaque taken by Aniq Seah.

"It went to people's units," the Stomper said.

"For three days, the monkey kept coming back.

"I'm not sure if it will come back again."

The Stomper reported the matter to the relevant authorities.

According to NParks, monkeys like macaques are used to roaming about and feeding feely in the forest.

They may leave the forest and visit homes to explore or look for food due to their innate curiosity.

Here's how to prevent monkeys from entering your home:

Monkey-proof Your Home

• Install window mesh/grilles on windows and doors.

• This allows for ventilation while preventing monkeys from gaining access to your premises.

• Close all windows and doors, including bathroom windows, when monkeys are spotted in the vicinity or when no one is at home.

• Monkeys tend to stay in an area only for a short period of time if they are unable to find food. Also, most have a regular travelling pattern and timing. It will be helpful to note those timings and ensure that all access points are secured during those periods.

• Secure pet entrances to prevent access by monkeys.

• Small pet entrances to allow cats and dogs to get in and out during the day can be used by monkeys to gain access into your home. Ensure such entrances are latched when not in use.

Keep Food Out of Sight

• Food can be stored in ovens/microwaves/cabinets, or covered in opaque containers.

• Without visible food sources, your home is less attractive to monkeys.

• Keep prayer offerings within the house.

• Use recyclable cloth bags when walking home with groceries.

• As monkeys recognise plastic grocery bags as food sources, they are likely to try to snatch the bags. Cloth bags and backpacks are less attractive to them.

Manage Your Refuse

• Double-knot your garbage bag and dispose it in bins. Secure the lid with an elastic strap or bungee cord as shown in the picture.

• Secured trash bins make it less likely for monkeys to scour for food in your neighbourhood. Double-knotting your garbage bag will prevent spills and make food waste less accessible to monkeys.

• Keep your lawn and surrounding areas litter-free.

• Monkeys are innately curious and drawn to litter, such as food containers and soda cans. By keeping your lawn and the area around your home free of litter, you can discourage the monkeys from coming in.

Harvest Your Fruits

• Harvest fruits regularly and/or cover them with an opaque material.

• In the forest, fruit trees are natural sources of food for the monkeys. If you own a fruit tree, harvest the fruits regularly, or cover them with an opaque material (e.g. gunny sack) to keep them out of sight from the monkeys.