A Mississippi resident took drastic measures early Sunday to protect her children from a monkey that escaped after a truck accident. The incident occurred in Heidelberg, Mississippi, where Jessica Bond Ferguson responded to a sighting of the animal by her son.
Details of the Incident
Ferguson learned from her 16-year-old son that he had spotted a monkey in their yard. Alarmed for her children’s safety, she retrieved her firearm and went outside to investigate. The monkey was approximately 60 feet away from her location.
Action Taken for Child Safety
Given prior warnings about diseases associated with the escaped monkeys, Ferguson felt compelled to act. “I did what any mother would do to protect her children,” she stated. She fired her weapon twice, and the monkey fell after backing away from the initial shot.
Background on the Escaped Monkeys
These Rhesus monkeys had escaped after a truck overturned on Interstate 59, just north of Heidelberg, on Tuesday. The severe accident claimed the lives of most of the 21 monkeys that were being transported. Initial reports indicated that three of the monkeys had escaped.
- Overturned truck incident occurred on Tuesday.
- Location: About 100 miles from Jackson, Mississippi.
- Most of the 21 monkeys were killed in the accident.
Authorities’ Response
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the monkey involved in Ferguson’s encounter was discovered on her property. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks subsequently took custody of the animal.
Monkeys’ Origin and Health Status
The escaped Rhesus monkeys were housed at the Tulane University National Biomedical Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The university clarified that they did not own the monkeys and were not responsible for their transportation.
After the incident, authorities stated that the monkeys were not infectious, countering earlier fears about potential diseases. Despite this, Sheriff Randy Johnson emphasized the need to neutralize the monkeys due to their aggressive nature.
Comparative Incidents
This event echoes a previous incident where 43 Rhesus macaques escaped from a facility in South Carolina due to a security lapse. Those monkeys were eventually captured with the help of traps set up by the facility’s employees.
Rhesus monkeys are known for their aggressive behavior and typically weigh around 16 pounds. They are one of the most widely studied animals in medical research, highlighting the importance of monitoring their wellbeing during such transport.
In summary, the incidents surrounding the escape of Rhesus monkeys highlight the ongoing concerns about animal transport and public safety. Residents like Ferguson are driven by the instinct to protect their families, prompting critical decisions in potentially dangerous situations.
