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[gregory nahas <lettherebemonkeys AT yahoo.com>]

Specialists to be trained in 'monkey combat' 

Teams of Japanese volunteers and specialists are to be
trained in how to tackle mischievous monkeys.

The monkeys have bitten and harassed tourists in
Okunikko and they have also become a serious problem
for agriculture and forests. 

Squads are now to be set up to track them and attempt
to frighten them off with fireworks before they get
close to residential areas. Transmitters will be
attached to about 30 monkeys.

Officials have already been trained in how to use the
receivers and fireworks, and have studied the
behavioural patterns and ecology of monkeys. 

The Tochigi local government will give lectures to
residents who want to join the project.

An official from the natural environment division told
the Daily Yomiuri: "We expect to use the brains of
local people to combat this monkey menace."

The monkey patrol along the Irohazaka road, a famous
sight-seeing spot near Nikko, is also to be
strengthened.

The authorities have tried to tackle the problem by
giving monkeys electric shocks or banning tourists
from feeding them, but with little success.

Story filed: 09:22 Monday 29th April 2002
http://www.ananova.com/yournews/story/sm_577439.html


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