Wild monkeys wreak havoc in Da Nang, one attacks resident

Residents in the ward's Vinh Dien neighborhood said they have spotted the two monkeys repeatedly over the past two weeks.

One is relatively large, weighing about 13-14 kilograms, while the other weighs around 7-8 kilograms.

The larger monkey is often seen early in the morning as it moves through the area, searching for food in homes and climbing onto rooftops, trees, and along the riverbank.

Some residents said the larger monkey has become accustomed to people and has even ventured into the neighborhood to beg for food.

When given bananas, bread or other food, it sits down to eat before moving on.

The monkey is generally docile but can become aggressive when agitated, attacking people when it feels threatened.

Tran The Ngo, 74, a Vinh Dien resident, said he has seen both monkeys, one large and one small, moving through trees and bamboo groves in search of food.

"Two days ago, I saw them behind a bamboo grove. They jumped from one end to the other before coming down to eat bananas and food left by residents," Ngo said.

Nguyen Thi Tuoi, another Vinh Dien resident, said the larger monkey attacked her several days ago while she was feeding her chickens behind her house.

The animal suddenly jumped from a tree and grabbed her leg.

Frightened, she ran away, but the monkey chased her, causing her to fall, injure her right hand, and scrape her hip.

It then returned to attack the chickens and ducks she was raising.

Her flock of about 10 ducks has been reduced to one, while the number of chickens, which had numbered several dozen, has also declined.

Tuoi said the larger monkey has been appearing around her home for about two weeks.

During the day, it stays along the riverbank behind her house before making its way into the neighborhood.

Security camera footage has also repeatedly shown the monkey entering her eatery, opening containers, rummaging through them and tearing apart food, she said.

Rangers tried to capture the larger monkey two or three days ago but were unsuccessful.

"My eatery has a fence, but it can still climb onto the roof. I haven't dared to open for business in recent days because I'm afraid it could suddenly attack me when I'm alone," Tuoi said.

Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang, chairwoman of the ward's administration, said local rangers and relevant agencies have visited the area in recent days to work with residents, provide guidance and warn them about the two monkeys.

Authorities have advised residents not to approach, surround, attempt to capture or provoke the animals if they encounter them.

Instead, they should notify the authorities so that appropriate measures can be taken.

Officials are continuing to monitor the monkeys and look for a way to safely remove them from the area to protect residents and minimize disruption to their daily lives.