Wildlife officers work to capture monkey

UNDATED (NBC) -- Sanford police warned residents that a pet monkey was on the loose and acting aggressively toward people.

Sanford Police Department Lt. Willie Harden said the monkey bit or scratched a man Sunday afternoon in the Hidden Lakes Subdivision near Live Oak Boulevard and Sugar Maple Court.

The injury barely broke the man's skin, and he did not require a trip to a hospital.

Police and agents from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission set up a perimeter in the area to try to corral the monkey and keep people away from it. Neighborhood residents were told to stay inside.

A relative of the monkey's owner was trying to help capture the creature. It was described as small, brown or tan in color and of an unknown species.

The monkey fled into the woods and has not been seen for a while.

Harden said anyone who has seen the monkey should stay away from it and notify the Sanford Police Department immediately of its location.