http://www.volunteertv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1487325&nav=4QcHIbKB
Killer Primate Terrorizes Pets
From WVLT-TV
Some people in Campbell County said a monkey or chimpanzee is roaming the area, terrorizing neighborhood pets and striking fear in the hearts of residents.
"Teeth as big as a silverback." "Bottom teeth about two and a half inches long." "Long arms, but they flop." "Got a lot of hair." "Grey-looking front, and the rest of his body looks dark brown." "If he stands up, he's about three foot."
Witnesses have plenty of descriptions of the creature, but they aren't quite sure if it's a monkey or a chimpanzee. Whatever it is, people said it is terrorizing small animals. One resident told WVLT VOLUNTEER TV News that the primate has killed cats and dogs. "If they say monkeys aren't meat eaters, they're lying," said Donna Keathley, who said she had a close encounter with the creature.
She called 911 after coming face to face with it. "It came through the air at me, and when it did, I just rushed down and picked [my kitten] up," she said. "I smelled that smell and saw that monkey. I went across the yard into my house and called 911 and told them it was here. [My kitten] has some dry blood still left on it. It's still shaking."
Brenda Overby is afraid that her cat might be next. She's concerned for her family, too. "We don't let our children out to play anymore," she said.
"We've had reports that it came from a local carnival that they set up at Woodson's Mall," said 911 dispatcher Kamille Barnes. "It was one pet that apparently escaped, and they didn't report it until they started seeing it in the area."
But wherever the elusive, pet-killing primate came from, many residents hope it's captured soon.
LaFollette Police Chief Ben Baird said that if you see the creature, do not approach it. "They should call animal control, because it's always dangerous to approach any wild animal," he said.
10/17/2003 19:15
