NEWARK (1010 WINS) -- Reports in recent days that “wild monkeys” are on the loose in Newark are likely a hoax, and any "sightings" may be AI-generated, police said Thursday.
“Responding Officers have not located any monkeys” at Georgia King Village in the Fairmount neighborhood, police said.
A Facebook photo of monkeys climbing around a dumpster at the housing complex near University Hospital sparked the response.
Police have “preliminarily determined that this incident is a hoax.”
Any photos or videos posted to social media are “likely AI-generated,” according to cops.
Newark Animal Control responded to a similar report Wednesday and also didn’t find any monkeys, “loose or caged,” police said.
Police are searching for whoever posted the photo, as it's a crime to create false alarm in New Jersey.