One monkey that fled following a truck accident in Mississippi last week was fatally shot by a homeowner early Sunday due to concerns for her children’s safety. Jessica Bond Ferguson recounted being alerted by her son about a monkey in their yard near Heidelberg, prompting her to arm herself and confront the animal. Bond, aware of the potential diseases carried by the monkeys, took action to protect her family.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident, stating that the monkey was discovered on a homeowner’s property and subsequently taken into custody by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The truck transporting the monkeys had overturned on Interstate 59, resulting in the death of most of the monkeys and the escape of three.
Although initial reports raised concerns about the monkeys carrying diseases, Tulane University indicated that the animals were pathogen-free. However, Sheriff Randy Johnson emphasized the need to “neutralize” the monkeys due to their aggressive behavior. The search for the escaped monkeys involved collaboration between wildlife officials and law enforcement.
Rhesus macaques, a species commonly used in medical research, are known for their aggressive nature. Authorities are investigating the cause of the truck crash, which occurred north of Heidelberg. The incident echoes a similar escape of Rhesus macaques in South Carolina the previous year.