Japanese Snow Monkeys
The Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata), also known as the Snow Monkey, is a terrestrial Old World monkey species native to northern Japan, although an introduced free-ranging population has been living near Laredo, Texas since 1972. It is the most northern-living non-human primate. Individuals have brown-gray fur, a red face, hands and bottom, and a short tail. There are two subspecies of this macaque:
* Macaca fuscata fuscata
* Yakushima Macaque, Macaca fuscata yakui
Anyway, enough of the monkey lessons, next question would be Where can we find these monkeys? These wild monkeys can be found in Jigokudani Yaen-koen, which is located in the mountains in Nagano. They are literally all over the place. In fact, people living near the park have grown accustomed to the presence of these monkeys; it is as though these monkeys are a part of their daily lives. There are hot springs around the park and this where the monkeys go to and relax during the cold winter months. In fact, it is the main attraction to watch these monkeys frolick around the hot springs while snowflakes fall on their heads.
Here’s a little trivia about these Snow Monkeys, they are very smart. It is the only animal other than humans and raccoons that is known to wash its food before eating it. Researchers studying this species left sweet potatoes out on the beach for them to feed on, then witnessed one female taking the food down to the sea to wash the sand off it. After a while, others started to copy her behavior. This trait was then passed on from generation to generation, until eventually, all except the very oldest members of the troop were washing their food in the sea. A somewhat altered account of this incident was the basis for the “Hundredth Monkey” meme. You should read up about that meme by clicking on this link, if you’re interested in deepening your worldly knowledge :)
Anyway, do take a trip up the Nagano mountains before winter is over and take a peek at these bizarre looking but cute monkeys taking their annual baths at the hotsprings!
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