Dozens of rhesus macaques are currently at large after escaping from a South Carolina research facility, causing concern among residents and authorities.

According to the New York Post, Forty-three monkeys escaped from an Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee on Wednesday night, sparking a large-scale search effort.

The escape occurred at a bio-research facility operated by Alpha Genesis, which is known for providing primate research and development support to the scientific community. The incident has drawn the involvement of local police and Alpha Genesis personnel, who are utilizing advanced methods such as traps and thermal imaging technology to locate the escaped animals.

As of Thursday morning, efforts to recapture the monkeys had not yet been successful. The local police, along with Alpha Genesis staff, are coordinating a comprehensive search around the clock in hopes of safely capturing the animals.

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, along with state agricultural and wildlife officials, are also heavily involved, providing additional resources and expertise to manage the situation. The escape has prompted a significant response due to the potential risks posed by the free-roaming primates.

Authorities have issued warnings to residents of Yemassee and the surrounding areas to keep their doors and windows securely closed and to avoid any interaction with the escaped monkeys. Sightings should be reported immediately to 911 to assist in the recapture efforts.

"We want to assure the community that there is no health risk associated with these animals," stated the Yemassee Police Department, attempting to mitigate any panic among the local population.

Rhesus macaques, the species of the escaped animals, are originally from India and China. They are noted for their high intelligence and are often used in medical and scientific research, which explains their presence at the Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina.

Yemassee, where the facility is located, is a small town situated in both Beaufort and Hampton counties, with a population of approximately 1,000 residents. The town is now the focus of attention due to this unusual situation.

Details on how exactly the monkeys managed to escape from the Alpha Genesis facility remain unclear. The incident has raised questions about security and containment measures at research facilities handling such intelligent and potentially unpredictable animals.

Moreover, this escape highlights the importance of stringent security measures and protocols to prevent similar occurrences, which could pose safety and environmental risks. For now, the primary focus remains on recapturing the escaped monkeys safely and determining the cause of the incident to prevent future breaches.

While the search is underway, local schools and community centers have been advised to maintain vigilance and report any unusual activity. This event has prompted a review of the local emergency response strategies to wildlife incidents.

Furthermore, the community of Yemassee is working together to aid in the speedy recapture of the monkeys, ensuring all residents and the escaped animals remain safe. The incident has united the townspeople and local authorities in a common goal, reflecting the tight-knit nature of this small community.

The ongoing situation in Yemassee serves as a reminder of the complexities associated with wildlife research and the unforeseen challenges that can arise. It also underscores the need for preparedness in handling such unique emergencies.

In the upcoming days, Alpha Genesis is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the breach while continuing efforts to safely recapture the escaped subjects. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available and progress is made in resolving this unusual incident.