A large number of monkeys are currently roaming free in South Carolina. Residents in Yemassee and nearby regions are being urged to secure their doors and windows to keep the monkeys out of their homes.

On Wednesday, forty monkeys broke free from Alpha Genesis, a primate research facility located in Yemassee, about 26 miles from Beaufort, according to a Facebook post from the Yemassee Police Department. The specific types of monkeys that escaped were not identified. According to the company’s website, it conducts research with cynomolgus, rhesus, and capuchin monkeys for various clients, including government and private industries.

“Traps have been established in the vicinity, and the Yemassee Police Department is on-site using thermal imaging technology to find the monkeys,” an update from the police department noted around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, emphasizing their cooperation with Alpha Genesis staff to handle the situation.

Authorities are advising locals to avoid approaching the monkeys and to call 911 immediately if they spot any of the escaped animals.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office mentioned in an alert that it is collaborating with local authorities to track down the escaped primates and appreciates any help from the public in returning the animals to their enclosures.

Currently, the circumstances surrounding the monkeys’ escape remain unclear, and Alpha Genesis has not yet responded to inquiries from YSL News regarding the event.