Residents of a city in Nepal are growing increasingly alarmed as groups of aggressive monkeys invade homes and businesses, leaving dozens of people injured and sending victims to a local hospital.
At least 40 people have sought medical treatment for monkey bites in Nepalgunj over a 45-day period, according to officials at Bheri Hospital. The unusual surge has prompted residents to demand action from local authorities.
The monkeys have reportedly been entering homes, damaging property, and attacking people who attempt to chase them away.
In one frightening encounter, resident Pravez Khan said several monkeys entered his home and attacked three members of his family when they tried to force the animals outside.
Another resident, Ramesh Sony, who lives along Idgah Road, reported being injured while attempting to remove monkeys from his property.
The attacks have become especially troubling because they are occurring in busy residential and commercial areas rather than the rural farming communities where encounters with monkeys have traditionally been more common.
Dr. Badri Chapagain, who studies animal-bite cases at Bheri Hospital, said the number of monkey-related injuries represents an alarming change for the city.
Although the hospital regularly treats patients bitten by dogs, cats, and other animals, monkeys entering homes and attacking residents are a relatively new concern.
Hospital records reveal that the monkey attacks are part of a much larger number of animal-related injuries. During the same 45-day period, medical workers recorded 865 dog bites, 110 cat bites, 40 monkey bites, and 21 rat bites.
Another 118 patients received treatment for snakebites, highlighting the range of animal encounters handled by the medical facility.
Dr. Nabin Darnal, the hospital’s medical superintendent, explained that monkey bites have previously been associated with agricultural areas, making the growing number of attacks in the city’s markets and neighborhoods particularly unusual.
Medical workers have been treating injured residents as victims of wild-animal attacks and administering rabies vaccinations as a precaution.
While there have been no confirmed reports linking the monkeys to rabies, health experts warn that bites and scratches from wild animals should never be ignored.
According to the World Health Organization, animal bites can cause bacterial infections and potentially expose victims to serious diseases. Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical care.
The situation has also raised concerns about how residents should respond when monkeys enter their properties. Attempts to chase away or physically confront the animals have contributed to several reported injuries.
With residents increasingly worried about their safety, local officials are facing growing pressure to find a solution.
Nepalgunj Mayor Prashant Bista said the local government is developing a plan to address the problem and protect people from further attacks.
However, authorities have not publicly detailed what measures will be introduced or when they will take effect.
For now, residents are being urged to avoid direct contact with the monkeys and seek immediate medical attention if injured.
The rising number of attacks has left the community facing an unusual challenge: how to protect families, homes, and businesses while safely managing wild animals that are increasingly coming into contact with people.
Leave a Reply