Photo: Getty
A wild monkey responsible for attacking between 10 to 20 people in southwest Japan is on the lam.
On Tuesday, officials in the Oguri area of the city Yamaguchi said they are searching for the monkey, whose attacks started on July 8, according toCNN. Most of the victims have received “light injuries,” added CNN, which cited the Yamaguchi administrative office.
The most serious incident involving the monkey so far consisted of the animal scratching an infant after entering a family’s home, according toThe Guardian.
The monkey attacked at least three separate people on Tuesday and Wednesday, reportedly biting a 10-year-old elementary school student on the arm and hands at school, as well as two women who were outside later in the day, according to CNN.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Police have reportedly set traps for the monkey, which is said to stand between 15-20 inches tall, according toThe Guardian. While officials hunt for the monkey, they are asking residents in the area to keep their windows closed, perThe Guardianand CNN.
CNN reported that at least three of the monkey’s attacks have happened after the animal entered a home through an open window or screen door. While it’s unclear exactly what species of monkey is attacking people in Yamaguchi, officials told CNN that macaques inhabit the area.
Officials in the area said that it is “rare” for wild monkeys to leave their natural habitat and attack humans, according to CNN. As of Tuesday, the monkey had not yet been apprehended.
source: people.com
