Many species of unusual wildlife have been spotted on Cannock Chase over the years but one more is causing visitors to do a double take.

Dozens of walkers have taken a second glance up one of the trees on the beauty spot after seeing the unlikely creature.

The remnants of a banana have also been left partway up the silver birch tree, helping to puzzle passers-by. But wildlife lovers need not worry about the animal’s welfare – it is little more than a bit of monkey business.

The ape-like creature sitting 15ft up the tree is actually a cuddly toy.

Read the full story in the Express & Star.

Many species of unusual wildlife have been spotted on Cannock Chase over the years but one more is causing visitors to do a double take.

Dozens of walkers have taken a second glance up one of the trees on the beauty spot after seeing the unlikely creature.

The remnants of a banana have also been left partway up the silver birch tree, helping to puzzle passers-by. But wildlife lovers need not worry about the animal’s welfare – it is little more than a bit of monkey business.

The ape-like creature sitting 15ft up the tree is actually a cuddly toy.

But it is the talk of the Chase among walkers and cyclists who have been telling passers-by to keep their eyes peeled for the animal, suspiciously like an orang utan, in a bid to see what all the fuss is about.

It is thought jokers have been moving the toy around Cannock Chase and visitors have been left wondering where it will next appear.

Cannock North Councillor Gordon Alcott said: “The monkey has caused a stir. You say to people, ‘Have you seen the monkey?’ and they go rushing off to look for it. Everyone’s looking up trees trying to find it. It’s brought a smile to a lot of faces and given people something to talk about.”

The toy is currently up a tree in the conservation area near the old parade ground, off Brindley Heath Road.

Ranger Doug Stanley, of the Forestry Commission, said he did not know who is behind the cuddly monkey fun.