Most of 21 Monkeys Killed in Mississippi Crash

A truck hauling 21 Rhesus monkeys overturned on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg in Jasper County, Mississippi; most of the animals were killed in the crash and three initially escaped. Early Sunday, homeowner Jessica Bond Ferguson shot and killed one escaped monkey near her yard because she feared for her five children, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks took possession of that animal; another escaped monkey was later captured. Initial on-scene reports that the animals carried infectious diseases prompted public alarm, but Tulane University officials and local law enforcement later said the monkeys were not infectious. Tulane and state wildlife crews, along with capture teams using personal protective equipment, are assisting law enforcement and urging the public not to approach any remaining animals.