If a macaque approaches, pause, stay quiet, avoid direct eye contact and back away slowly. Give it space and keep children beside you. Avoid sudden movements, running or trying to hit the animal. AVS guidance on macaques
If a macaque bites you or scratches through the skin, get to safety, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical advice promptly. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth if it is bleeding heavily. Go to A&E for a deep or large wound and call 995 if bleeding is severe and cannot be controlled. St John Ambulance animal bite first aid SCDF emergency medical services
- Give the macaque room and retreat slowly.
- Clean broken skin and seek prompt medical advice after a bite or scratch.
- Call the Animal Response Centre for help with an ongoing encounter once people are safe.
On this page
- What to do when a macaque comes close
- Wash a bite or scratch that breaks the skin
- Who to tell about an ongoing encounter
- Frequently asked questions
What to do when a macaque comes close
Keep your movements slow and look away without turning and running. If you have food or another item attracting it, conceal it if you can do so calmly, or let the item go if necessary. Leave the area while giving the animal space. Keep food inside a bag before entering areas where macaques are present. AVS guidance on macaques
With children, use one calm instruction such as “Walk back beside me.” Ask the group to give the animal a clear path and continue away together. If a macaque takes an item, avoid chasing it. Tell staff from a safe place if you need help. AVS guidance on macaques
Wash a bite or scratch that breaks the skin
Once you are clear of the animal, rinse and wash the wound with soap and clean running water. If there is heavy bleeding, apply firm pressure with clean material and seek urgent help. Cover the cleaned wound with a sterile dressing if one is available. A clinician can assess the wound, infection risk and whether a tetanus booster or other care is needed. St John Ambulance animal bite first aid
Tell the clinician it was a macaque, when and where it happened and which part of the body was injured. For a child, tell the parent or caregiver as soon as urgent care is arranged and pass on the time of the injury. St John Ambulance animal bite first aid
Who to tell about an ongoing encounter
Tell park, school or building staff where the animal is and whether it is still near people. For wildlife assistance, contact the AVS Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600. The wildlife report and medical assessment serve different purposes, so arrange medical care promptly if anyone was hurt. AVS Animal Response Centre St John Ambulance animal bite first aid
A park example
A macaque approaches a family carrying snacks. The adult quietly leads the children away. A member of the group who was scratched washes the wound and arranges medical care. Another adult tells park staff the trail junction so they can advise others.
Frequently asked questions
Should I feed the macaque to distract it?
Keep food out of sight and give it space. Feeding attracts macaques to people and can lead to further encounters. AVS guidance on macaques
What if it follows us?
Keep moving away calmly and ask site staff or AVS for assistance once you can do so safely. Avoid cornering the animal. AVS guidance on macaques AVS Animal Response Centre
Sources
- SCDF emergency medical services
- AVS Animal Response Centre
- AVS guidance on macaques
- St John Ambulance animal bite first aid