Monkey eludes capture in Florida

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Florida wildlife officials said a monkey reported in Tampa was identified as a member of a macaque family by investigators but eluded capture.

Gary Morse, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said the monkey was first reported as an unidentified animal climbing high in a tree Wednesday near Rowlett Park, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times reported Thursday.

Investigators from the agency identified the monkey as a member of the macaque family but it fled the tree and eluded capture until 5:30 p.m., when the search was called off for the day.

"We have no idea where it came from," Morse said.

He said the monkey poses a safety risk because it could carry diseases dangerous to humans.