What should I do if I encounter baboons when in a vehicle?

When you are in an area baboons frequent, always lock your doors and close your windows – whether or not you’re inside the vehicle. Baboons know that cars are often stuffed with goodies, and they know how to open car doors. The easiest thing is to prevent them from accessing your vehicle in the first place. 

If a baboon gets into your empty vehicle, ensure there is a clear escape route, move away, and wait for them to exit by themselves. 

If you are in the car when a baboon gets in, remain calm and quiet, and slowly get out of the car if possible. Leave the door open behind you, and wait for the baboon to exit when they are ready. If you can’t exit the vehicle, open as many doors and windows as you can, let the baboon complete its search for food, and wait for it to leave of its own accord. 

Do not corner, threaten or confront the baboon – this may provoke an aggressive response, or a mess in your car.