Although they attract many tourists, a growing population of macaques is becoming a headache for the Lushan Scenic Spot in Xichang city, Southwest China's Sichuan province, the Chengdu Economic Daily reported on Wednesday.

The number of macaques has increased from several dozen a decade ago to about 800, according to a staff member at the spot.

"Macaques multiply quickly, because they have no natural enemies here and the feed is good," the employee added.

Among the difficulties caused by having so many of the monkeys, the scenic spot must get liability insurance for every visitor in case the macaques cause harm.

The monkeys are also known for dislodging roof tiles, destroying plants and stealing crops from residents, as well as grabbing food and bags from tourists.

In 2008 and 2009, to control the population of macaques, Lushan Scenic Spot tried feeding them corn mixed with a contraceptive, but the move was unsuccessful.

Many mountain scenic spots in China, including Qianling Mountain in Guizhou province and Lushan Mountain in Jiangxi province, face the same problems with monkeys.