The animals were first reported near a park on the city\u2019s north side on Thursday, Department of Health spokesperson Willie Springer told The Associated Press.<\/p>\n
The monkeys are believed to be vervet monkeys.<\/p>\n
WILD BEAR MAKES \u2018VERY POLITE\u2019 SURPRISE VISIT TO CALIFORNIA ZOO BEFORE RETURNING TO FOREST<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Vervet monkeys are medium-sized primates native to Africa.<\/p>\n They’re known for their grayish-green fur and dark facial features, according to the African Wildlife Foundation.<\/p>\n An unknown number of vervet monkeys, such as the one shown here, are said to be on the loose in St. Louis, Missouri.\u00a0 (iStock)<\/p>\n Vervet monkeys that live near human populations are sometimes considered pests \u2014 as they may steal food<\/a>, raid crops, and take other items, often leading to lethal control measures, the foundation noted.<\/p>\n At this time, it is unclear exactly how many monkeys are on the loose \u2014 and who owns them.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Springer said the largest number of monkeys reported together so far is four, suggesting there is not a large group roaming the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ownership claims are also unlikely, as residents are not legally permitted to own monkeys in St. Louis.<\/p>\n There is no clear information yet about how many monkeys are loose or who they belong to, officials said. \u00a0 (iStock)<\/p>\n Officials, including primate experts at the St. Louis Zoo,<\/a> had been working to locate the animals.<\/p>\n As residents are keeping an eye out for the monkeys, some AI-generated images<\/a> and false reports have complicated efforts to track and capture the monkeys, officials said.<\/p>\n Primate experts from the St. Louis Zoo had been assisting in the search for the animals. As of Monday, the city’s Department of Health called off its search for the roaming animals. (Raymond Boyd\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n “It\u2019s been a lot in regard to AI and what\u2019s genuine and what\u2019s not,” Springer said. “People are just having fun \u2026 I don\u2019t think anyone means harm.”<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The city\u2019s health department said in a Facebook post that residents with firsthand information or sightings should report them directly to the City of St. Louis Citizens\u2019 Service Bureau.\u00a0<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n City officials have urged residents not to approach the monkeys<\/a> and to contact authorities instead.<\/p>\n Fox News Digital reached out to St. Louis Animal Control and the St. Louis Zoo for further comment.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"Vervet](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/vervet-monkey-sitting-on-branch.jpg\")
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