Columbia Residents Encounters Wild Monkeys, Giant Lizards, and Even Bigfoot!

Columbia, South Carolina: A Wildlife Wonderland!

Hey there, Columbia! Are you ready for some wild news that’ll make you look twice at your backyard? If you’re not keeping your eyes peeled, you might just miss some fascinating sightings that are reminiscent of a nature documentary, right in your own neighborhood!

Is That a Monkey in Your Yard?

First up on our surprise list: monkeys! Yes, you read that right! A group of rhesus macaques recently escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee. It’s a rollercoaster ride of events, and it’s not what you’d typically expect in the Palmetto State. A total of 43 monkeys made a break for it, but thankfully, teams have already rounded up 30 of them.

While 13 little adventurers are still on the loose, you might want to keep an eye on your trees and rooftops. You never know when you might encounter one of these playful escapees swinging about! And no, you’re not dreaming—just look outside!

Dog-Sized Lizards on the Loose!

If monkeys aren’t enough, let’s chat about another incredible sighting: Argentine black and white tegus. These non-native lizards can grow up to a whopping 4 feet long! They’re absolutely stunning but can appear a little intimidating when spotted lounging in your backyard, looking like they wandered off the set of a blockbuster film. Just picture a lizard the size of a dog — talk about unusual visitors!

One such tegu was spotted in Lexington back in 2020, measuring a solid 2.5 feet and identifying as a female. These creatures have made homes in various places across the state, and you can never be too sure when you’ll cross paths with one. So, if you see something scaly blending in with the grass, don’t hesitate to snap a pic and report it!

Bigfoot Sighting Sparks Excitement!

Bigfoot! Yes, just west of Columbia along the Palmetto Trail, an encounter was reported that has the local buzzin’. A hunter, known to us as “J.M.,” claimed to have spotted the iconic creature, stating, “We watched each other for probably 30 seconds but felt like forever before it turned and walked off.” Can you imagine? Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

As social media exploded with theories and excitement, one TikTok user aptly commented, “Even Bigfoot is moving to SC.” It’s hard not to get a little giddy at the thought of something so elusive making an appearance right in our neck of the woods!

Keeping Track of our Wild Friends

So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Columbia is really turning into a hub for some fantastic wildlife. Whether you’re spotting monkeys, massive lizards, or perhaps even Bigfoot himself, we can truly say that living here has its perks — not to mention a little bit of adventure!

Remember, if you come across any of these unusual sights, reach out to the appropriate state authorities. They are waiting for your calls to help keep track of our wild neighbors and ensure everyone stays safe (including those escape artist monkeys!). Happy wildlife spotting, Columbia!