Baboons are clearly considered a nuisance creature here in South Africa. They will pilfer camp sites and even homes if left open and unattended. Fortunately, they are not present in our village although they have been reported to be living in the mountains nearby. Yesterday, for the first time, I saw one about 10 km outside of our village. Other PCVs have reported seeing them in their village and on their school grounds.
At popular camp sites the baboons are like American bears in that they have learned to attract the attention of campers and tourists. Also like bears, it is not a good idea to feed them as it encourages such behaviors as aggression and dependence (thus the angst of local park service workers — see pic below).
We spotted the baboon pictured above while driving through Golden Gate Park. He (she?) Was clearly not afraid of us. Except to snap a couple of pictures, we stayed in the car with windows rolled up. Not taking any chances.
Warning inside Amphitheater Park
Great shots of the baboon, Susan. Your comparison to our bears is apt—he/she looks so appealing, but, as they say, looks are deceiving.