Mother monkeys may exhibit aggressive behavior towards their babies for several reasons:
- Stress or Threat: If a mother feels threatened or stressed, she might lash out. This could be due to environmental factors, the presence of a predator, or disruptions in their habitat.
- Discipline: Some animal mothers may discipline their young to teach them survival skills or to curb unwanted behaviors. This could manifest as a form of tough love, although it can look harsh to human observers.
- Illness or Weakness: If a mother senses that her baby is ill or weak, she might exhibit aggressive behavior as a way to protect the rest of the group or to prevent the baby from becoming a burden.
- Bonding and Social Hierarchy: In some species, mother monkeys may reinforce their position in the social hierarchy through interactions with their young, which can sometimes appear aggressive.
- Human Interaction: If the mother has had negative or stressful interactions with humans, it can lead to unexpected behaviors, including aggression.
It’s important to observe these behaviors in a broader context, as animal behavior can be complex and influenced by many factors.
