Woman Fires Fatal Shot at Escaped Research Monkey in Self-Defense

A Mississippi woman shot and killed an escaped research monkey early Sunday, citing concerns for the safety of her five children. Jessica Bond Ferguson, a resident of Heidelberg, Mississippi, fired her gun at the monkey after it was spotted in her yard, approximately 60 feet away. The incident occurred near the site where a truck carrying research monkeys overturned on October 29, 2025, releasing several animals into the wild. According to Ferguson, she was alerted by her 16-year-old son, who believed he had seen the monkey in their yard. Ferguson, who has five children ranging in age from 4 to 16, stated that she took immediate action to protect her family. "I did what any other mother would do to protect her children," Ferguson told The Associated Press. "I shot at it and it jumped away, but I was able to hit it and it died shortly after." Ferguson's actions were reportedly taken after being warned about the diseases carried by the escaped monkeys. The incident highlights concerns about the potential risks associated with the transportation of research animals. The monkeys, which were being transported from a research facility in Texas to a facility in Louisiana, were being used in studies related to infectious diseases. The truck carrying the animals overturned on a Mississippi highway, releasing several monkeys into the wild. Authorities have been working to capture the remaining animals, but the incident has raised questions about the safety protocols in place for transporting research animals. Experts note that the risks associated with escaped research animals can be significant, particularly when it comes to the transmission of diseases. "The potential for disease transmission is a major concern when it comes to escaped research animals," said Dr. Emily Chen, a leading expert in animal research safety. "It's essential that researchers and transporters take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of both humans and animals." As of now, the incident remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the truck's overturning. The remaining escaped monkeys are still at large, and efforts are being made to capture them safely. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing animal and human safety in research and transportation. In related news, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced plans to review its policies and procedures for transporting research animals. The NIH has stated that it takes the safety of both humans and animals seriously and is committed to ensuring that research is conducted in a responsible and safe manner. The review is expected to be completed in the coming months, and any necessary changes will be implemented accordingly.