In the South African city of Cape Town, a woman who pulled a baboon from her car ended up with more than a viral social media clip. The animal bit her on the arm after she hauled it out from the vehicle.
Here's what to know
According to The South African, a short TikTok video posted by buusolakhe (@buusolakhe) shows several people at a picnic spot at Sir Lowry's Pass trying to keep baboons away from their vehicle. After one of the animals made it inside the car, the woman filming opened the door, pulled it back out, and was bitten.
@buusolakhe ♬ original sound - buusolakhe
A South African Police Service van is visible nearby as the woman yells for help. She later wrote in the comments that she sought medical treatment for the injury.
The encounter happened at a picnic area, according to The South African, and the baboons appeared to be searching for food. Repeated access to human food can teach wild animals to associate cars, bags, and people with easy meals.
"This is why I hate people who feed or give these monkeys food — it leads to this," one video viewer commented.
"I got bitten in January by a little one of these and then they proceeded to open the cars doors to get in our car!" another wrote.
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More background
Officials have repeatedly advised residents and visitors to give Cape Town's Chacma baboons space. City guidance notes that the animals are able to open vehicle doors and climb in through open windows when they see food inside.
Picnic sites, parked cars, and unsecured snacks can encourage baboons to approach people more boldly.
For people, this can quickly turn into an injury. For baboons, repeated access to human food can reinforce aggressive behavior, deepen conflict with nearby communities, and pose safety risks, including through access to sometimes less-than-nutritious snack foods and even trash.
What can be done?
When baboons are close, the city advises drivers to lock their doors and keep all windows and sunroofs closed.
Officials also say not to leave food where it can be seen inside a car. Storing bags and snacks in the trunk or under seats makes the vehicle less obvious as a food source.
If belongings are taken, the guidance is to avoid pursuing the baboon or trying to grab the items back. Instead, individuals should wait for the animal to move on and then collect whatever is left, or else contact wildlife officials.
Anyone having a picnic is advised to pack up and go if nearby baboons start acting aggressively.
According to The South African, feeding them is also illegal. The offense can carry a penalty of up to 10,000 South African rand (over $600), incarceration, or both.
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