Loose monkey keeps moving

PALM HARBOR, Fla., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Florida wildlife authorities said the loose monkey spotted across the Tampa Bay area is again on the move in the city of Palm Harbor.

Experts said the monkey, believed to be a member of the macaque family, has apparently traveled 21 miles in two counties in 11 days and was last spotted running into some woods Monday in Palm Harbor, about a half mile from where it was seen at an apartment complex Sunday, The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times reported Tuesday.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said the monkey has proven difficult to catch.

"It's an iffy proposition when you get into heavily urbanized areas with a lot of traffic," commission spokesman Gary Morse said. "When you dart, you have to be careful to recover the dart and the monkey has a tendency to throw the dart back at you. This is a very difficult situation.''

Officials said they are still investigating the primate's origins.