"Border Patrol Discovers 7 Baby Spider Monkeys Smuggled in Backpack"

Texas border patrol agents arrested an individual suspected of smuggling seven baby spider monkeys into the US. The monkeys, a critically endangered species, were found huddled together in a backpack with multiple holes. They were later turned over to the US fish and wildlife department. Spider monkeys play a crucial role in seed dispersal and are facing a high risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. This incident follows a previous case where individuals were charged with smuggling another endangered monkey species.