Police in New Jersey said reports of monkeys on the loose in Newark are a social media hoax perpetuated by photos and videos that appear to be AI-generated.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said police received a report of wild monkeys on the loose at Georgia King Village on Thursday morning, one day after local animal control received similar reports of monkeys on the streets of Newark.
Police searched the area of the reported sighting but found no signs of non-human primate activity.
Miranda said the reports are now believed to be the results of a hoax.
“Officers have not located any monkeys,” Miranda told WPIX-TV. “Any photos or videos posted on social media regarding this incident are likely AI-generated.”
