What You Need to Know About Monkeys

Monkeys are the only non-human primates that can bare their teeth and use them to bite.

Monkeys are omnivorous, eating nuts, fruit, vegetables, bark, leaves, flowers, insects and rodents, and even tree roots. In some species, monkeys have specialized anatomy to exploit certain foods. For example, howler monkeys have long digestive tracts to break down tough leaf matter and colobus monkeys have multi-chambered stomachs similar to those of ruminants.

These primates typically live in groups called a troop and have a very complex social structure. Monkeys display a wide range of emotions, including love, fear, anger and sadness. They also communicate using vocalizations, body language and facial expressions. For example, a monkey that displays its front teeth may seem like it’s smiling, but it can actually mean aggression or fear, Live Science reports.

Some monkeys exhibit a high degree of intelligence, and have been shown to solve problems in their environments. They have been known to use tools, such as rocks or sticks to reach food or water. Monkeys have a keen sense of smell, and can detect odors on other animals or even humans.

However, despite these impressive qualities, monkeys are not suitable for people as pets. They are too unpredictable, aggressive and can bite and scratch to assert their dominance in a household. They also require a vast amount of space that most traditional houses cannot accommodate. Furthermore, bringing monkeys into your home fuels the exotic pet trade and encourages monkey breeders and poachers to continue their illicit activities. If you really want a monkey, make sure you buy it from a reputable breeder who is USDA-licensed and check your state’s regulations on primate ownership.