Monkeys Forced Out of West Bali Forests as Drought Continues
7 November 2014 18:56 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hundreds of monkeys from the West Bali National Park has invaded the streets of Gilimanuk district in Jembrana regency in search of food as the prolonged dry season has exhausted the food supplies within the Park.
On Friday, November 7, 2014, hundreds of monkeys could be observed rummaging for food among rubbish that tourists often dump along the side of the streets.
"The monkeys began coming out of the forest six months ago. Perhaps the drought has exhausted their food reserves in the forest," said Wayan Astika, a truck driver who often drives through the area.
Astika, who had stopped to feed the monkeys on the side of the road, said that sometimes herds of deer could be seen near the monkeys. "The deers usually scamper back into the forests when they hear vehicles approaching, but the monkeys are actually attracted to the sound - they come out and wait for us to throw foods at them," said Astika.
Indeed, the monkeys did not seem afraid when cars pulled up to see the unusual gathering - in fact, several brave monkeys would actively approach stopped cars to beg for food.
The rare sight have attracted motorists and tourists alike, who would deliberately stop on the main road between Denpasar and Gilimanuk just to see and feed the monkeys with fruits and/or bread.
West Bali National Park authorities have had to put up signs to remind road users that the road is often used as animal crossings, and advises road users to be extra careful when passing through the area.
ANTARANEWS