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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,576317,00.html

Florida Officials Call Off Search for Runaway Monkey

Monday, November 23, 2009

OLDSMAR, Fla.  —  Authorities have called off the search for a runaway
monkey near Tampa.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission had been attempting to capture the 30-pound
monkey after it was seen in trees and rooftops near an apartment
complex on Sunday.

Deputies say the monkey was last seen entering a heavily wooded area
near Oldsmar, 17 miles northwest of Tampa.

A crowd looked on as officers tried to chase down the monkey on Sunday.

“They finally got it to jump down and it ran right across the building
areas and it kept running away from them. They got it cornered once,
but I guess it eluded them again and took off into the woods,” said
Florida resident Ashley Thompson.

Officials are warning residents that the monkey, likely a macaque, can
be aggressive. Any residents that spot the animal should contact
Pinellas deputies.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.