Spider monkeys surprise visitors at Puerto Morelos store

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — A new sighting of spider monkeys was reported in Puerto Morelos after specimens of this species were captured on video in the parking lot of a convenience store located on Federal Highway 307, where they were even observed opening the establishment’s door. The incident surprised both residents and visitors and quickly went viral on social media.

Through social media, users shared similar photographs and videos from different points in Puerto Morelos, showing that the presence of monkeys in urbanized areas has become increasingly frequent.

In some of these recordings, people are also seen offering food to the animals, a practice that environmental specialists and authorities have labeled as dangerous.

“They are seen often now; before they didn’t come down as much. Now they are in parking lots and near stores,” commented a resident of the area, who noted that urban growth has reduced the natural areas that previously served as habitat for these species.

A tourist who witnessed the event said the situation was unexpected. “We were surprised to see them so close to the highway. People get very close and even give them food,” she expressed.

Environmental authorities reiterated that wildlife should not be fed or handled, as this alters their natural behavior, exposes them to diseases, traffic accidents, and conflicts with humans.

They also reminded that these animals should not be domesticated or habituated to urban environments.

Residents warned that over-densification and the growth of commercial and residential areas have caused wild species to leave their habitat in search of food, increasing risks for both the animals and the population.