JASPER COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – Officials in Mississippi announced that two of the three monkeys that escaped after a crash are dead.
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), one Rhesus Macaque remains unaccounted for as of November 4, 2025. The second monkey was recovered deceased in Jasper County near mile marker 118.
One of the monkeys that escaped was killed by Jessica Bond Ferguson, a Jasper County homeowner, on November 2, 2025, after it was discovered on her property.
“I did what any other mother would do to protect her children,” Bond Ferguson, who has five children ranging in age from 4 to 16, said. “I shot at it and it just stood there, and I shot again, and he backed up and that’s when he fell.”
The crash occurred in Jasper County on October 28, 2025, on Interstate 59 north of Heidelberg. Bait and traps have been placed along the wreck site. The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) has said it was investigating the cause of the crash.
According to MDWFP, the truck was transported Rhesus Macaques from Tulane National Biomedical Research Center. The crash led to the escape of eight of the 21 monkeys on board. Five of the eight were killed at the crash site, and three escaped.
Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson said the driver of the truck initially told his deputies the monkeys were carrying infectious diseases, including hepatitis. Tulane University, which originally housed the animals, stated the monkeys were free of pathogens.
Officials with PreLabs, LLC, confirmed that the monkeys belonged to the company.
“We are cooperating with authorities and reviewing all safety procedures to ensure the continued wellbeing of both the animals and the community,” the company said in a statement to WJTV 12 News.
MDWFP officials said Rhesus Macaques are known to be aggressive, and the public is advised to avoid any contact and should not attempt to approach them. Residents are asked to report any credible sightings to 1-800-BE-SMART.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.