Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest monkey of them all?

Me

A new report came out that shows for the first time, we humans observed that monkeys can in fact recognize themselves in a mirror.

Before that, only chimpanzees, elephants and dolphins had that unique ability of being self-aware.

Now, those rhesus macaques, which we have talked about here at Chimps Ahoy! quite often, see themselves in reflections without thinking it’s another monkey and therefore an intruder.

So what do the monkeys want to check out when they look at themselves in the mirror?

Mishima, Japan Places 200K Yen Bounty on Biting Monkey

Mishima, Japan is under attack!  From a biting monkey.  As reported here last week, the town at the base of Mount Fuji has been under siege from a macaque who just can’t quit raiding homes and biting juicy Japanese calves.  It’s caused the town website to report its whereabouts at all times of day, sometimes updating as frequently as every three minutes, as well as spurring a 140 person task force to sweep the town in a futile pursuit of the animal.

"Is he there? No? Nah, he's not here either. What do you want for lunch? Nah, I'm sick of Japanese."

But now Mishima’s getting serious.  200,000 yen serious.

The bounty, about $2400.00 in American currency, will be awarded to the individual responsible for capturing the animal in his or her home.  Compensation will also be given should the macaque go buck in their house and tear through all those stereotypical paper walls.  Why trap the monkey in a house you ask?  Well, Mishima town officials don’t want people getting too close to the monkey thereby risking further calf mastication.  Also, as stated above, the little guy just loves sneaking into homes to get a taste of kitchen delectables.

So, what’s left to say here?  Not much until this story comes to a resolution, one way or another.  Still, I can’t help but feel like I would actually be excited if a monkey bit my leg.  I mean, that’s something I could tell my grandkids.

–Cap’n Blackjack

Related Article:  Mishima Wants 200K Yen Monkey Off its Back

Tampa Bay’s “Mystery Monkey” Strikes Again

Mystery Monkey

By now there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Mystery Monkey.  For over a year the rhesus macaque has been seen around the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, Florida area.  No one knows where he came from and why he’s running loose.  He’s been spotted in backyards and swimming pools, doing what monkeys do best.  And now he’s been spotted again, enjoying the companionship of another monkey.

Himself.

Japan on High Alert! Mischievous Monkey in Mishima Munches Man Meat (Legs Mostly)

I think we all can agree that Japan is a magical place.  From the majestic peak of Mount Fuji to the peaceful backyard coy pond, everything about the country just feels like another world, so different from the parking lots and roadside chapels of America.  But what makes Japan truly magical, for me at least, is the monkeys. 

So magical

Monkeys, macaques specifically (as seen above), are some of the most common wild animals in Japan.  Reaching nearly three feet in height when on their hind legs, macaques have long been a rural nuisance, stealing groceries and crops.  But now it seems one particular monkey has developed a taste for human flesh! 

Vlah!

Almost 60 people have been bitten by the nefarious ne’er-do-well in the past few weeks and the towns of Mishima and Susono have had enough.  Referred to as the “biting monkey” on the Mishima website, townsfolk are now on full alert, reporting locations of recent attacks and keeping doors and windows shut.  130 of them, armed with nets, tranquilizer guns, and the like recently tried to hunt down and capture (at least I hope capture) the leg-chomping marauder.  And I say… 

How awesome is that?  Biting monkeys?  Town-wide monkey hunts?  Sushi?  If I wasn’t already so fat, lazy, and stupid (i.e. American) I’d be over there in a flash!  The best news of all is that the monkey hasn’t been sighted in days, possibly retreating to the wilderness to plan another man-biting excursion.  Just thinking of him, perched in a tree plotting his inevitable return with tented furry monkey fingers, brings a wide smile to my face. 

So, America, get your act together.  Your deer, bears, and puffins just aren’t cutting it. 

Stupid puffin

Then again, you do have the Sasquatch, but more on that guy in the coming days… 

You'll never find me, Chimps Ahoy!

Stay tuned!

 –Cap’n Blackjack 

Related articles: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hSzMKp8_nIxzd36aGeo-O7Fy7yyAD9HT2NDG0