Are the Barbary macaques in Gibraltar dangerous, and what should I do if one bites me?
Short answer
The macaques are wild animals that are generally not aggressive, but they can bite if startled, cornered or protecting food or young. If bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention. Gibraltar is rabies-free.
Detailed answer
The macaques are wild but generally not aggressive. Most bites happen when people get too close or carry visible food.
Staying safe
- Keep your distance and never touch or feed them.
- Keep food and plastic bags out of sight.
- Carry bags on the front of your body.
- Avoid cornering them on narrow steps or paths.
If you are bitten
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Seek medical attention, even if it looks minor.
Gibraltar is rabies-free, and the macaques are regularly tested for transmissible diseases.
Do the macaques have rabies?
No. The Gibraltar Health Authority says Gibraltar is rabies-free and there is no risk of rabies from a macaque bite. The macaques are a closed population with no new monkeys introduced, and strict controls on dog vaccination and animal imports keep Gibraltar's animals free of rabies. Periodic blood tests have never found zoonotic diseases, and 2025 sampling by the Government vet found them negative for herpes B virus. The main risk from a bite is infection, so call 111 or go to A&E for advice and keep your tetanus vaccination up to date.