Mississippi Woman Takes Deadly Action Against Escaped Research Monkey

A Mississippi woman shot and killed an escaped research monkey on Sunday, citing concerns for her children's safety. Jessica Bond Ferguson, a resident of Heidelberg, Mississippi, said she was alerted by her 16-year-old son who believed he had seen a monkey running in their yard. Ferguson, who has five children ranging in age from 4 to 16, grabbed her firearm and stepped outside, where she saw the monkey approximately 60 feet away. She fired her gun, killing the animal. According to Ferguson, she and other residents had been warned about the diseases carried by the escaped monkeys. "I did what any other mother would do to protect her children," Ferguson told The Associated Press. "I shot at it and it worked." The incident occurred early Sunday morning, following a truck accident on a Mississippi roadway last week that resulted in several research monkeys escaping. The escaped monkeys, which were being transported to a research facility, were carrying diseases such as Herpes B and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). These diseases are known to be contagious to humans and can cause serious health issues. The Mississippi Department of Health had issued a warning to residents in the area, advising them to exercise caution and avoid contact with the escaped animals. Ferguson's actions have sparked debate about the handling of escaped animals and the responsibility of researchers and facility owners to ensure public safety. "This incident highlights the importance of proper containment and safety protocols when transporting animals," said Dr. Emily Chen, a leading expert in animal welfare and biosecurity. "While we understand the concerns of the community, we also recognize the need for responsible and humane treatment of animals in research settings." The incident is currently under investigation by local authorities, who are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the truck accident and the subsequent escape of the monkeys. The research facility involved has issued a statement apologizing for the incident and assuring the public that they are taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the investigation continues, residents in the area are being advised to remain vigilant and report any further sightings of the escaped monkeys. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for responsible handling of animals in research settings.