BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office needs help finding 43 rhesus macaque primates that escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center on Wednesday.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, they are working with Yemassee police, Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center staff and state agriculture and wildlife agencies to locate these primates.

According to an Alpha Genesis spokesperson, the young female primates weigh about six to seven pounds. They were never used for testing purposes. They are also too young to transmit disease.

As of 12 p.m. Thursday, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said they were monitoring the primates and working to attract them with food.

The Sheriff’s Office asks that you avoid the area around Alpha Genesis as any noise or movement could impede a safe capture.

Yemassee police say they have set up traps in the area and are using thermal imaging cameras to help locate the primates.

Yemassee police are advising all residents to keep doors and windows closed to prevent primates from entering homes.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating these primates and returning them safely to their enclosures.

If you encounter any of the animals, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to interact with them.

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