ALBANY, Ga. (UPI) -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is warning residents to be on the lookout for an unusual non-native species -- a monkey on the loose.

The DNR released a statement Monday saying the monkey, possibly a Rhesus macaque, has been spotted on the loose in the Albany area numerous times in recent days.

One resident managed to snap a photo of the mystery primate and provided the picture to WALB-TV.

"As of this time, the origin of the animal is still unknown. No nearby facilities permitted for primates are missing any animals, and the closest known established population is located in Silver Springs, Fla.," the DNR statement reads. The Department continues to gather information and will evaluate reported sightings to determine if follow-up actions are warranted.

Officials warned residents to keep their distance and alert authorities if the monkey is spotted.

Ben Roberts, director of Animal Care at Chehaw Park, said Rhesus macaques are known to carry a version of herpes that can be dangerous to humans.

"An animal that has herpes [then] gets on attack and a person [ends up getting] infected with that herpes, it kills them. It tends to cause acute death," Roberts told WFXL-TV.

Roberts said the monkey may have been an illegal pet that was released or lost by its owner. He said it also may have come to Georgia from Florida or Alabama.

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