Mississippi mother shoots escaped monkey after a transport truck overturned on Interstate 59, releasing more than twenty primates across Jasper County. The unexpected highway crash caused alarm among residents near Heidelberg as wildlife officials rushed to contain the animals.
The truck accident occurred on October 28, scattering 21 monkeys from their crates. Thirteen were recovered at the scene, five were found dead, and three were missing as the weekend began.
Jessica Bond Ferguson, a 35-year-old chef and mother of five, said her 16-year-old son spotted one of the escaped monkeys in their yard. She told The Associated Press she grabbed her firearm and went outside, where she saw the animal about sixty feet away.
“I did what any other mother would do to protect her children,” Ferguson said. “I fired once, it didn’t move, so I fired again. That’s when it fell.”
Initial reports from the truck’s crew suggested the monkeys might have been carrying infectious diseases. This caused widespread concern across the area. However, Tulane University and the primate supplier later confirmed that the animals were pathogen-free.
Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson stated that even though the monkeys were not infected, officers still needed to “neutralize” them because of their aggressive behavior and potential threat to residents.
Local law enforcement and wildlife officers confirmed that Jessica Ferguson will not face any criminal charges. They emphasized that she acted out of fear for her children’s safety and that her actions were legally justified.
Community members have also expressed support, saying any parent would have done the same in her situation.
One monkey remains unaccounted for as officials continue to search the wooded areas around Heidelberg. Residents are being asked to stay alert and contact authorities if they spot unusual movement in the area.
Local leaders have said the incident highlights the importance of safer animal transport procedures and better emergency response systems in rural Mississippi.
