MANAUS, BRAZIL — A spider monkey has been seen for about three months roaming freely around homes in southern Manaus. Residents are concerned about the animal's safety because it frequently climbs onto buildings and could reach power lines, posing a potentially fatal risk.

According to residents, the monkey usually appears in the morning and returns in the late afternoon in search of food. Residents began feeding it after the animal appeared in the area and said it appeared to have arrived in poor condition but has since improved.

The primate's presence, however, has also caused disruption. Residents said the monkey enters homes looking for food, knocks over objects and leaves rooms in disarray.

Because the animal is considered uncommon in urban areas of Manaus, residents also suspect that it may have escaped from captivity. That possibility, however, has not been confirmed.

Authorities have been notified, but as of now there is no information on whether the animal has been captured.

Amazon Agency