Scientists say the animals probably get “drunk” on a regular basis.

They really go bananas.

Monkeys and other wild creatures can get drunk on fermented jungle fruit — and their inebriated state may explain their erratic behavior, new research suggests.

According to a study published in the journal Nature, scientists have found that the organic compound ethanol — a naturally occurring yeast in many fruits and nectars that wildlife “presumably” has easy access to — can give the beasts a serious high during fermentation. Trends in ecology and evolution.

“We’re moving away from this anthropocentric view that ethanol is just something people use,” said senior author Kimberly Hawkings.

“It’s much more abundant in nature than we previously thought, and most animals that eat sugary fruit will be exposed to some amount of ethanol,” she explained.

The data showed that treats from the tree contained up to 10.2 alcohol by volume in some cases — just below the average for wine, according to the data. Master Class.

Primatesalong with chipmunk-like chipmunks, “have adapted to efficiently metabolize ethanol,” according to the researchers, who also noted “anecdotal stories of wasp drinking.”

However, researcher Matthew Kerrigan says the animals aren’t trying to recreate Animal House just to party.

“It’s not ecologically beneficial to be drunk when you’re climbing trees or surrounded by predators at night — that’s a recipe for not passing on your genes,” he said.

“It’s the opposite of people who want to be high but don’t really want the calories—from a nonhuman perspective, animals want the calories but not the high.”

Not only is it a good source of calories, but it’s easy to find thanks to the pungent smell that accompanies fermentation.

Using the example of fruit flies that lay their eggs in ethanol-based substances, the researchers added that this could also serve medicinal purposes, such as warding off parasites.

Further research is also needed to determine whether wildlife is deliberately seeking out ethanol while fully understanding its potential side effects, says researcher and behaviorist Anna Bowland.

“On the cognitive side, it has been suggested that ethanol may trigger the endorphin and dopamine system, leading to a feeling of relaxation that may have benefits in terms of sociality,” she added.

“To test this, we really need to know if ethanol causes a physiological response in nature.”