Monkeys Running Wild in Jasper County

Table of Contents

A Bizarre Eight-Day Stretch in the Pine Belt

In late October, the Pine Belt region of Mississippi found itself in the midst of an unusual and chaotic event that would last for eight days. The incident began when a truck carrying 21 rhesus monkeys overturned in Jasper County. Out of the 21 monkeys, eight managed to escape from the wreckage, setting off a chain of events that would capture the attention of local residents and authorities alike.

The situation was made more alarming when it was reported that the monkeys were believed to be aggressive and potentially carrying diseases such as Hepatitis C, COVID-19, and herpes. This concern significantly influenced the decisions made by local law enforcement regarding the recapture or neutralization of the escaped animals.

Initial Response and Escalation

Upon arriving at the scene, deputies from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office gathered information and were instructed to take action against the eight loose monkeys. Five of them were killed at the site, while the remaining three managed to escape into the woods. This development led to widespread anxiety among residents in Jasper County and surrounding areas, who feared that three aggressive, disease-ridden monkeys were now roaming their neighborhoods.

The first sign of the monkeys’ presence came on November 2, when a mother in Jasper County reported that her teenager had spotted a monkey in their yard. Although one monkey was located, two others remained at large, adding to the growing sense of unease.

Continued Search and Public Concern

On the evening of November 3, George and Kerri Barnett claimed to have seen the second monkey crossing Interstate 59, approximately a mile away from the crash site. The first two monkeys that were spotted were subsequently shot and killed by residents. However, the third monkey presented a different challenge.

Before the final monkey was captured, additional information about the animals emerged. On November 4, PreLabs, LLC, a biomedical company, released a statement taking ownership of the monkeys. They denied any claims that the animals carried diseases, which raised questions about the initial concerns.

Resolution and New Beginnings

By November 5, the final monkey on the loose was spotted in the Vossburg community. Resident Brandy Smith reported being alerted after hearing her dog bark, and neighbors called 9-1-1. The third monkey was eventually tranquilized and captured, marking the end of the eight-day ordeal.

The captured monkey has since been relocated to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge in New Jersey, where it will find a new home. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of clear communication between authorities and the public during such events.