Waiting for the Monkeys

Several months ago, a howler monkey unfortunately turned itself into a crispy critter by attempting to utilize the power grid as a transit route here in Surfside. This happens all too frequently as development inevitably leads to denudation of the rain forest. It is particularly saddening to watch these wild denizens of the jungle in the throes of death with presumably no idea what hit them. Many orphans are created and even with the best intended care, probably do not successfully return to the wild.

One hope is the Monkey Bridge, a strip of plastic netting and rope that reaches across roads and allows the animals an opportunity to avoid going to ground or being tempted to use the power lines to cross thoroughfares. The one I have was installed by the local power company using their cherry picker and hopefully will save a few monkeys.

But where are the monkeys? Oh they're here right enough. If you have ever heard a howler monkey, there's no way to mistake it. I have been told that, pound for pound, the howler is the loudest animal in the world. Around 4 am today it sounded as though I was surrounded and I thought this morning I might witness the first crossing.

Well, it didn't happen but some one of these days it will and I can't wait to get teh video to post. In the meanwhile, I'd settle for a squirrel.