A Calcutta policeman lost an ear during an encounter with a menacing monkey last week. Rathin Thakur noticed a number of monkeys on rooftops and trees while walking to work. Not having seen monkeys in his neighborhood before, Thakur gestured to the monkeys. One of them jumped down playfully, but then stole Thakur’s glasses. While trying to reclaim his glasses, the monkey jumped on to Thakur’s shoulder and became violent, biting off his left ear. Neighbors helped Thakur to the hospital where he underwent reconstructive surgery. Even though they ride around on unicycles and wear funny little hats, monkeys can be quite dangerous when agitated.
