Wild monkeys egged on by YouTubers have been rampaging at Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat complex, attacking tourists, wrecking temple stonework and damaging information boards, officials said Wednesday.

Angkor Wat is among the most stunning religious monuments in the world located in Cambodia. The temple is noted for its grand size and architectural beauty as it covers an area of over 162 hectares. The temple was built in the early 12th century during the Khmer Empire,

Angkor Wat, the UNESCO world heritage site in Cambodia is facing an unexpected threat from YouTubers. In a bid to create viral content, some creators have been feeding and provoking the temple’s resident monkeys.

Tourists visit the Angkor Wat Temple at the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua) Tourists visit the Angkor Wat Temple at the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua)

Wild macaques at Cambodia's Angkor Wat have become aggressive due to being fed by YouTubers making viral videos. These actions have led to attacks on tourists and damage to the temple's ancient structures.

At Angkor Wat and other temple ruins nearby, macaque monkeys fed by YouTubers creating videos are stealing visitors’ food and injuring them.

The agency that runs the UNESCO-listed site warned visitors to steer clear of the growing gangs of "aggressive" macaques that live around the sprawling complex of ruins and have been biting tourists.