A wild monkey bit a mainland worshipper after failing to snatch her handbag yesterday as she was walking up to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin. The attack took place at the slope off Pai Tau Street at about 3pm when the 66-year-old was with several other mainland tourists. The monkey first tried to snatch the woman's handbag. As she moved away, still holding the bag, the frustrated monkey bit her arm. The group sought help from an employee at the monastery before the woman dialled 999. She was taken to Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department advises people to hide plastic bags, which monkeys often associate with food, when the animals are near. If the animals approach, the correct response is to slowly but immediately move away and keep a safe distance. Other tips include not feeding monkeys, not eating when they are watching and not making loud noises which may confuse them. Staring at monkeys is a sign of aggression that may provoke them.
