The search for a wayward primate in South Carolina was in its second day Friday when the owner hired help to round up the animal in the town of Walterboro.
Authorities said Saturday that the monkey was kept as a pet. It is unclear exactly how the animal, possibly a baboon, escaped.
The pursuit of the rare animal began Thursday when someone reported a monkey trying to attack a dog in his yard in the Walterboro area, according to NBC affiliate WCBD of Charleston.
On the second day of the chase, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to remain vigilant, keep a close eye on pets and never approach a wild animal.
The owner has not been identified and authorities have not yet suggested any wrongdoing.
Although South Carolina generally prohibits ownership of an exotic animal such as a tiger, monkey or bear, it does allow owners to keep their pets if they maintain and update the animal’s registration.
Walterboro, about 50 miles west of Charleston, has a population of 5,544, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
