Home Depot worker attacked by pet spider monkey

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (WPEC) - A Home Depot worker is recovering after being bitten by a pet spider monkey.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office says it happened Monday afternoon at the Home Depot on Highway 441.

A worker told investigators she saw the spider monkey walking down the parking lot when it suddenly climbed on her back and bit her twice. Once the monkey climbed down, the woman grabbed its leash again and walked the monkey to the front of the store to find its owner. The monkey apparently got scared by the sliding door and bit the woman again on her arm and hand, and scratched her on her face.

The owner of the spider monkey came forward and spoke to deputies. She said she had left her pet spider monkey in her pickup truck while she went shopping. She said the monkey had a leash but must've escaped the truck.

The case has been turned over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Authorities said the victim initially refused medical treatment but later said she'd go to the hospital for an evaluation.