Yemassee locals react to escaped monkeys

YEMASSEE, S.C. (WTOC) - UPDATE: According to Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, three more monkeys were caught Wednesday. Westergaard said all of the monkeys are doing well.

ORIGNAL STORY: Monkeys are still on the loose in Beaufort County Tuesday afternoon, as Alpha Genesis crews work to capture the remaining monkeys that are in the woods.

Based on the last update we received, they do believe the monkeys are still in the woods just outside of the facility. Two more monkeys were caught Tuesday, bringing the total to 32.

Locals say they’re somewhat used to monkeys escaping from the facility because its happened before, but say this time was a bit more shocking because of how many got out.

As Alpha Genesis works to bring the remaining monkeys back, using bated traps inside the facility in the hopes of enticing them, the story remains to grip national attention.

In the small town of Yemassee, locals said it’s crazy to see something going on in their backyard all over the news and social media.

And as the recovery efforts continue, they hope the monkeys are captured soon, for the primate’s safety and their own.

“I actually was scared because I don’t want them climbing in my house and getting into bed with me,” said Yemassee local, Jonathan Moore. “If you’ve got 30-40 monkeys running around and I try to cook on the grill in the backyard, I mean it’s kind of freaky.”

After the escape, the incident quickly grabbed the attention of people on social media and news outlets across the country.

“It’s still unbelievable. I mean just looking on social media, seeing everything, the news,” said Yemassee resident, Tyger Snell.

In the small town of Yemassee, with a population of only about 1,500, that kind of attention is unheard of.

“Here being a small town, you don’t look to get a national presence,” said Yemassee resident, Adonis Riley.

Since news of the incident spread, locals say they’ve even seen out-of-towers driving through.

“I’ve seen a lot more people coming around, asking questions,” said Snell. “A lot of people coming through thinking they’re actually going to catch the monkeys.”

With some of the monkeys still on the loose after about a week in the woods, community members are hopeful and confident the rest will be caught soon.

“Previous times they’ve gotten out, the company has always been able to capture them back,” said Riley.

Of the 30 monkeys captured so far, officials say they are all in good health.

And as recovery efforts continue, you’re asked to call 911 if you see any monkeys.