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Spider monkey killed on federal highway of central Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — A lone spider monkey that ended up in Playa del Carmen traffic was killed Thursday. The monkey died after being hit by a car on the federal highway.

The incident was reported along the city’s main artery outside an auto dealership. Municipal authorities arrived to find the female spider monkey had died. Spider monkey’s are listed in NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 as being in danger of extinction.

Over the years as the wild group of monkeys has grown considerably. Spider monkeys are frequently seen roaming residential areas and urban highways, however, it is not as common to see them in roadway traffic in central Playa del Carmen.

Local conservationist Mario Buil says in Mexico it is prohibited to keep them as pets, buy, sell, import and export them. He also says when motorists encounter them on the roads, they should let them pass.