Several rhesus monkeys escaped after a truck wreck on Interstate 59 in Mississippi, the Jasper County sheriff’s department said. The department said the animals came from Tulane University in New Orleans, weighed about 40 pounds, were aggressive toward humans, and carried viruses including hepatitis C and Covid-19, requiring protective gear to handle. Tulane spokesperson Andrew Yawn said the primates belong to another entity and are not infectious, and that the university is assisting authorities with animal care experts. Police said all but one were “destroyed” Tuesday; the search continues for the last.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.