Can a spider monkey hurt a human?

Although spider monkeys seem harmless — even adorable — at first, wildlife experts say the 3-foot-tall primates often become violent toward humans who try to domesticate them. If kept isolated in captivity, the monkeys develop mental problems that cause them to bite, choke and maim people.

How big is a spider monkey?

Size. The spider monkey can be up to 21 inches long, with another 34 inches added for the tail! Both the male and female average around 19 pounds in weight.

What is the difference between a spider monkey and a squirrel monkey?

Further, the two species clearly differ in their relative use of nonvisual cues when evaluating novel or modified food, with spider monkeys relying more on olfactory cues than squirrel monkeys, and squirrel monkeys relying more on tactile cues compared to spider monkeys.

Can spider monkeys be a pet?

Some spider monkeys are imported to and/or bred in the U.S. by medical research labs and zoos. Some individuals even keep spider monkeys as pets. However, in the U.S., laws exist that prohibit or regulate owning a spider monkey and many organizations work rigorously to discourage keeping such exotic pets.

Who eats spider monkeys?

Other than humans, jaguars and pumas appear to be the only significant predator of adult spider monkeys. Eagles and large snakes are also potential predators.

What diseases do spider monkeys carry?

Veterinary Challenges of Mixed Species Exhibits Squirrel monkeys are hosts of two herpesviruses (Herpesvirus tamarinus, H. saimiri) and spider monkeys may transfer H. ateles to callitrichids, aotids, marmosets, and tamarins, causing fatal disease in these species.

How much do a spider monkey cost?

Lemurs, tamarins, and marmosets run in the range of $1,500 to $2,500; rhesus macaques and baboons might cost $3,500; and spider monkeys tend to be around $6,000.