Mexican heat wave is killing howler monkeys

Temperatures are so high, the monkeys are falling from the trees

A heat wave in Mexico is killing dozens if not hundreds of howler monkeys as rescuers attempt to treat the primates’ for heat-related symptoms.

The Associated Press reports that at least 138 howler monkeys have been found dead in the state of Tabasco in recent weeks. Veterinarians have worked to treat others that arrive in their clinics with signs of dehydration and fever.

“They were falling out of the trees like apples,” wildlife biologist Gilberto Pozo told the AP.

Unusually high temperatures have been hitting much of Mexico. About a third of the country recently topped 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

The high temperatures are also taking a toll on people. At least 26 deaths have been attributed to Mexico’s heat since March.

Read more from The Associated Press.

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Header Image: A Yucatan black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) climbs across a tree branch in the Mexican state of Tabasco. Credit: Jorge Ramos-Luna via iNaturalist