Several monkeys are still roaming parts of St Louis, Missouri, after a search that has now stretched into its fourth day. City officials say the animals appeared suddenly and no one knows where they came from, which has raised both concern and curiosity across the area.
The first sightings happened on Thursday, when residents reported seeing small monkeys moving through yards and streets. Since then, animal control officers and health officials have tried to locate them, but by Sunday evening, the monkeys were still missing.
People living nearby have been told to stay away from the animals. Officials warned that although they look small and harmless, monkeys can become aggressive when they feel scared or trapped.
What Kind of Monkeys Are They
A primate expert from the St Louis Zoo examined photos and confirmed that the animals are vervet monkeys. These monkeys come from Africa and are known for their light colored fur and dark faces.
Vervets are highly social and smart, which helps them survive in groups. However, when they are stressed, they can bite or scratch, making them a risk to people who try to get close.
Where They Were Last Seen
Most reports came from the O Fallon Park area in north St Louis. Health officials believe the monkeys are still in that neighborhood, likely hiding in trees, abandoned spaces, or places where they can find food.
At first, people thought there were four monkeys. Now, officials say they can only confirm that more than one is still on the loose.
Local residents have shared photos online showing the animals sitting on porch walls and standing near parked cars. These images helped experts identify the species.
Why Their Origin Is a Mystery
Keeping exotic animals like monkeys is illegal in St Louis. Because of that, city officials have no record of anyone in the area who should have primates. This makes it unclear how the monkeys ended up loose in the city.
Missouri, however, has a high number of primate owners. Reports from last year showed that dozens of monkeys are bought and sold in the state each year. Many of these animals are kept illegally.
What Residents Should Do
Animal control officers are continuing their search. They are also trying to figure out where the monkeys might be finding food or shelter.
Officials are urging residents not to chase, touch, or try to trap the animals. Anyone who spots a monkey should call the St Louis Health Department so trained staff can handle the situation safely.
Once captured, the monkeys will be taken to a licensed facility that can properly care for exotic animals.
Vervet Monkeys in the US
Vervet monkeys are not native to the United States. Still, a wild group does live in Florida. These monkeys are believed to be the descendants of animals that escaped from a research center in the 1940s.
Experts say that escaped primates can survive in warm areas, which explains how vervets managed to form a colony there.
