Texas Border Patrol agents find seven spider monkeys hidden in a backpack
Texas Border Patrol agents were in for some monkey business early Thursday after they uncovered more than a handful of spider monkeys from a backpack.
The person in possession of the spider monkeys was arrested by Fort Brown Station agents, though the cause of the arrest was not immediately known.
Agents located the seven spider monkeys after the arrest, according to a Facebook post. The person arrested was suspected of smuggling the monkeys into the country.
“Extremely proud of our agents for stopping this wildlife smuggling attempt of these critically endangered animals,” the post stated.
In the 25 second video posted on Facebook early Thursday morning, agents were seen holding a black backpack with numerous holes filled to the brim with spider monkeys.
All seven spider monkeys were turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Spider monkeys are rare in the U.S.
Since spider monkeys typically live in more tropical environments, it should come as no surprise that they are indigenous to central Mexico and Bolivia, according to National Geographic.
There are about seven different species that can be found in these wetter environments. They get their name from the way their long limbs and tails resemble spider legs as they dangle from branches and make their way across treetops, National Geographic has reported.
Spider monkeys typically consume fruits, leaves, nuts, seeds, and sometimes arachnids and insects. They are important seed dispersers in their rainforest homes.
All known spider monkey populations are decreasing across the board, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Farming, ranching and road construction are responsible for the destruction of the spider monkey’s habitat, according to National Geographic.
Portions of the rainforest that are being cleared for cattle ranching, agriculture, logging, and human settlements are also part of the problem, according to National Geographic.