No matter what area of Florida you live in, it’s almost certain that at one point or another you’ve heard about the exotic wildlife that lives within Ocala’s Silver Springs State Park. Over time we’ve managed to have a harmonious relationship with the animals that call this place home, viewing them safely from the gorgeous trails and boardwalks here as well as the dreamy glass-bottomed boat tours. But recently things have gotten a bit too wild at Silver Springs, causing areas of this state park to be closed until further notice.

A popular outdoor attraction within the city of Ocala, Silver Springs State Park has been taken over by monkeys.
Rain0975/Flickr
While the Rhesus Macaques monkeys have long been known to call the state park home, as of late they've become more aggressive and present within Silver Springs.
Rain0975/Flickr
For now, the park has closed off two walking areas and the boardwalk and observation deck are now off-limits.
636jeff/TripAdvisor

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It's now estimated that roughly 200 monkeys are calling Silver Springs State Park home, leaving officials wondering how they can manage and keep this species under control.
aumphress/TripAdvisor
Each morning, rangers are inspecting the park to evaluate the latest status of the monkeys, deciding whether or not certain areas of the park will remain closed.
aumphress14/TripAdvisor
With four to five groups of monkeys living in the park, it would appear that these guys won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Rain0975/Flickr
Usually with these Rhesus Macaques monkeys, if you don't bother them they won't bother you. Throughout the park's history they've even sold food to feed to the monkeys and have maintained a friendly relationship.

Also to be noted? If you're living in the area you might want to keep your eye out for these guys! Groups of the monkeys have also been known to live outside of the park and wander. This week an Ocala local living just five miles from Silver Springs State Park woke up to find a swarm of 50 monkeys in his yard, feasting on the deer food he had put out.

Have you ever had a run in with a monkey at Silver Springs State Park? Share with us your pictures and experiences in the comments section!

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