GROUP OF MONKEYS ATTACKS MAN AT SPA

TOKYO, SEPTEMBER 21 /SRNA/ - Around a dozen monkeys attacked a man in the Japanese city of Yugawara, in Kanagawa Prefecture, biting him several times on the arms.

The incident occurred early in the morning when the man was walking past the entrance to a hotel in the city, which is known for its natural hot springs and therapeutic mineral waters, Japan Today reported.

The monkeys surrounded and attacked him, after which he was taken to hospital for treatment.

The monkeys belong to a group known as Te-Ichi, which has been a problem for residents of Yugawara for some time.

More than 900 cases were reported last year in which monkeys behaved aggressively or threateningly toward people.

Since last year, local authorities have been seeking permission from Kanagawa Prefecture to capture the entire group, but approval has not yet been granted. The reason for the monkeys’ increasingly aggressive behavior is unknown.

Local authorities have warned residents and tourists not to feed or provoke the monkeys and to notify police if they spot the group in the city.