Authorities in Mississippi are dealing with an unusual incident involving a truck accident that resulted in the escape of a group of “aggressive” rhesus monkeys. As of this morning, reports indicate that three monkeys are still at large following the crash.
On Tuesday, the Jasper County Sheriff”s Department detailed the incident on its Facebook page. The truck, which was transporting rhesus monkeys from Tulane University, overturned on I-59 near mile marker 117, close to the town of Heidelberg, leading to the monkeys escaping.
Since the accident, the situation has been complicated by inconsistent reports from local authorities and the university regarding the level of threat posed by the escaped monkeys. Some of the monkeys have been “destroyed,” according to officials, but three remain unaccounted for.
In light of the escape, the sheriff”s department has advised residents to keep their distance from any monkeys they may encounter, noting that these animals weigh approximately 40 pounds, similar to a medium-sized dog, and can be aggressive. “Do not approach the monkeys if you see one. Call 911. They do pose potential health threats,” the department stated.
Authorities quickly began coordinating with Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries to recapture some of the monkeys by the end of the day. Additionally, the sheriff”s department is reportedly working with an animal disposal company regarding the monkeys that were killed in the incident.
Initially, it was reported that only one monkey had escaped, but after a team from Tulane arrived to assess the situation, officials later confirmed that three monkeys were actually unaccounted for. There were also initial claims that the monkeys were carriers of various diseases, including hepatitis C and herpes. However, a representative from Tulane University clarified in a statement to Gizmodo that the monkeys were not infected with any diseases.
The spokesperson emphasized that the non-human primates at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are used for research purposes and that the monkeys involved belong to another entity and are not infectious. The university is working closely with local officials and plans to send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed.
The sheriff”s department stated that their warnings were based on information from the truck driver, who indicated that the monkeys were potentially dangerous. “The driver told local law enforcement that the monkeys were dangerous and posed a threat to humans,” they noted. As a precaution, the driver also mentioned the necessity of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling the monkeys.
Given the circumstances, it is wise to avoid interacting with escaped lab animals, regardless of their health status. Residents in central eastern Mississippi are strongly advised against attempting to approach any monkeys they may encounter.
