Elusive small primate spotted in Lee County this week

ALBANY — There have been more sightings of Southwest Georgia’s “fugitive” primate, and late Friday the Georgia Department of Natural Resources released images of the animal.

Brent Howze with the DNR said Friday the department received some reports of the animal, believed to be a Rhesus macaque, in the Kinchafoonee Creek and Lake Chehaw area this week. The monkey has been spotted as far south as the Bainbridge area.

“The last sightings we had were Lee County,” Howze said.

He said the photos of the animal were provided to DNR by a private citizen.

Authorities still aren’t sure where the Rhesus macaque came from or whether there is more than one that is being seen along the riverbanks of Southwest Georgia. Some have speculated that one or a group may have migrated north from Silver Springs, Fla., but that has not been confirmed or discounted.

“All we really know is that’s the closest established population,” Howze said.

DNR officials are continuing to gather information and will evaluate reported sightings to determine if follow-up actions are warranted. They say they want the public to be aware of the animal because it can carry the Herpes B virus, harmless to the animal, but potentially lethal if contracted by humans.

DNR officials say people should also be cognizant that this is a wild animal that should not be approached, fed or handled in any way. Rhesus macaques have the ability to spit or throw fecal matter, and can potentially be aggressive regarding food.

Because of these public safety and health concerns, if anyone sees the animal, they are asked to call the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game Management Office in Albany at (229) 430-4254. After 4:30 p.m. weekdays and on weekends, call the State Operations Center at 1 (800) 241-4113.