Why do baby Japanese macaques make snowballs?

The Japanese macaque is a primate species that makes snowballs as a means of enjoyment and play. In other words, these monkeys make snowballs for fun in a way that is very similar to the reasons humans make snowballs.

Also known as the snow monkey, the Japanese macaque lives in areas where snow frequently falls, and they are the only non-human primates to live in such a cold climate. In addition to playing, these monkeys are also known to dip their food into salt water prior to consumption as a means of not only cleansing the food but also enhancing its flavor.