Macaques Attack Tourists at Cambodia's Angkor Wat

Wild monkeys at Cambodia's Angkor Wat complex, reportedly encouraged by YouTube creators, have increasingly attacked tourists and damaged historical monuments. The Apsara National Authority has warned visitors to avoid the growing gangs of aggressive macaques, which have been observed biting tourists and vandalizing temple stonework and information boards. Human interaction, particularly feeding the monkeys for online content, has altered their behavior from wild to more aggressive and domestic-like, leading to injuries among visitors. Officials express concerns not only for tourist safety but also for the preservation of the ancient site, which attracts over a million tourists annually. The agency is exploring solutions to manage the monkey population and mitigate these issues while urging visitors to refrain from interacting with the monkeys. The presence of YouTubers has raised alarms about the long-term impacts on both the wildlife and the cultural heritage of Angkor Wat.