Truck Crash in Mississippi Unleashes Aggressive Lab Monkeys: Here’s What to Do If You Encounter One - News

10/29/2025

October 29, 2025

A quiet stretch of Mississippi interstate turned chaotic Tuesday afternoon after a truck carrying laboratory monkeys from Tulane University overturned, unleashing several aggressive primates onto the highway.

What to Do If You Encounter the Escaped Herpes Monkey in Mississippi

The bizarre incident near Heidelberg quickly drew emergency responders, wildlife officials, and a wave of concern after reports claimed the monkeys were infected with multiple illnesses, including hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID. Though Tulane later denied the infection claims, authorities warned drivers to stay alert and under no circumstances attempt to approach the animals — because these weren’t your average curious zoo monkeys.

Truck Crash in Mississippi Unleashes Aggressive Lab Monkeys — Here’s What to Do If You Encounter One

A Tuesday afternoon crash in Jasper County, Mississippi, turned into a scene straight out of a movie when a truck transporting laboratory monkeys overturned on Interstate 59 near the 117-mile marker north of Heidelberg.

According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department (JCSD), the vehicle was hauling Rhesus monkeys from Tulane University when it overturned, causing several of the primates to escape. The monkeys, each weighing around 40 pounds, were described as aggressive and dangerous to humans.

Confusion Over Infection Reports

Initial reports from law enforcement stated that the monkeys carried hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID, warning the public to avoid contact at all costs. However, Tulane University later denied that the monkeys were infected with any such illnesses. In a statement released the following morning, the university clarified that the monkeys were research animals but were not carriers of infectious diseases.

Despite the clarification, authorities emphasized that the animals were still dangerous and should not be approached.

Containment Efforts Underway

By late Tuesday, officials reported that all but one of the escaped monkeys had been “destroyed.” Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries remained on-site assisting in the search for the remaining animal, while Tulane University arranged to retrieve the surviving monkeys still contained within their cages.

Authorities urged motorists and residents in the area to stay alert and immediately call 911 if they spot the missing monkey.

Mississippi truck crash accidentally loses monkeys which escaped

What to Do If You Encounter One of These Monkeys

If you happen to come face-to-face with one of these lab monkeys, here’s what experts and wildlife officials recommend:

Do not approach.
These monkeys are not pets — they are wild, strong, and unpredictable. Even a small one can cause serious injury.
Back away slowly.
Sudden movements may provoke an attack. Keep your eyes on the animal without making direct eye contact, which it could perceive as a threat.
Do not attempt to capture or feed it.
Food will only encourage aggressive behavior and can increase the chance of being bitten or scratched.
Get to safety and call 911 immediately.
Provide the exact location and description of the animal to authorities.
Avoid touching anything the monkey has handled.
Even if Tulane’s denial is accurate, laboratory animals can carry other pathogens. Contact with their waste, saliva, or fur should be treated as a potential biohazard.

The Bottom Line

While Tulane University insists the monkeys are disease-free, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Mississippi Wildlife officials continue to treat the situation seriously. Whether infected or not, the remaining escaped monkey is still aggressive and unsafe for public contact.

Authorities urge everyone in the Heidelberg area to remain cautious, stay inside vehicles if traveling near the crash site, and immediately report any sightings of the animal.

Because the last thing you want on a Mississippi highway is a mad lab monkey charging at you before your morning coffee.