Misawa experts urge residents to avoid monkey Published Aug. 5, 2009 By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A Japanese macaque, commonly known as a snow monkey, has been spotted more than two dozen times on Misawa Air Base and seems to be headed south. The monkey was seen on the north side of base and most recently spotted at the elementary school track on main base. "The macaque is a very intelligent primate but should not be approached," explained Senior Airman Antonio Santiago, 35th Civil Engineering pest management technician. "Macaque's usually live in groups of 20 to 100, but this specific monkey may have been ousted from his group." The family might have been passing through base and something happened along the way, he explained. These monkeys like the hot springs and are usually located around Nagato, Japan, and although they are used to being around people, they should not be approached. "Wild animals should never be approached," said Airman Santiago. People should not approach, feed or look the monkey in the eyes. "Staring can be a sign of provoking or challenging it," said Airman Santiago. In the meantime, security forces personnel are working with off-base authorities to help the monkey find a way off base. The team is collecting details from people on the monkey's whereabouts. "We are trying to scare it off base, and we are working with the local community to make this happen," said Staff Sgt. Scott Ferguson, 35th Security Forces patrolman. "The biggest thing we need from people is to make sure they don't go near the animal. It was spotted in housing, and we want to make sure there are no incidents." If anyone sees the monkey, they should contact CE Customer Service at 226-9350, entomology at 226-4257, or security forces at 226-3600, noting the location and time of sighting.