What The Truck?

Macaque monkeys escape a truck.

Again, why do white people always treat wild animals like they're domesticated? 

I would never touch a wild animal. 

Alas, some people think that animals are timid when you're petting them. Nope.

A truck crash and four experimental primates escape, sounds like a movie script, right?

A truck carrying about 100 monkeys was involved in a crash Friday in Pennsylvania, state police said as authorities searched for at least three of the monkeys that appeared to have escaped the vehicle.

The truck carrying the animals crashed with a dump truck in the afternoon in Montour County, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Andrea Pelachick told the Daily Item.

The two drivers involved in the crash were not injured but a passenger in one of the vehicles was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, according to the police report from the crash. The police report noted that officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were at the scene to assist with the response.

State troopers said Saturday that three of the monkeys had been found with the help of multiple agencies, but one of the monkeys remained on the loose. The troopers urged members of the public to keep their distance and immediately call 911 if spotting the monkey.

Pennsylvania State Troopers warn residents to not engage with the primates.

"We are asking that no one attempt to look for or capture the animal. Anyone who sees or locates the monkey is asked not to approach, attempt to catch, or come in contact with the monkey. Please call 911 immediately," the troopers tweeted.

The truck had been on its way to a lab, Pelachick said.

Authorities have asked residents who might see the monkeys to call state police at 570-524-2662.

It was unclear if any people or animals were injured in the crash.

The troopers did not explain what dangers the monkeys pose if encountered by the public.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an organization that advocates for animal rights, released a statement after the crash noting that the long-tailed macaque monkeys were on their way to a CDC-approved quarantine facility in Florida after arriving in the United States from Mauritius.

"Because these 100 long-tailed macaque monkeys were headed to a laboratory to be caged, tormented, and killed, they were already in danger-but now the public is, too," the statement from PETA reads.

"The four who got away -- including one who is still missing -- are undoubtedly terrified and likely injured, and they may be harboring viruses that are transmissible to humans. There is no way to ensure that monkeys are virus-free."

The long-tailed macaque monkeys, also known as cynomolgus monkeys, are often used in scientific research, The New York Times noted, and were in high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic for researching vaccines.

Danville sits on the Susquehanna River and is located 40 miles from Scranton.

I've said it before and I stand by what I say: "Wild animals are......well you know!"

If you want to be a thrill seeker, you might want to get life insurance.

Be warned, there will be disturbing video and images.