Dozens of monkeys are on the loose in South Carolina after escaping from a research facility.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Yemassee Police Department confirmed in a Facebook post that as of 21:45 local time, 40 primates – who escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility located on Castle Hall Road – had still not been found.

“Traps have been set up in the area and the Yemassee Police Department is currently on scene using thermal imaging in an attempt to locate the animals,” police said.

“Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes,” the post added.

Police urged anyone to contact 911 immediately if they see any of the animals, telling the public to “refrain from approaching” the primates.

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation, new updates will be released as they become available,” the post concluded.

According to Alpha Genesis websitethe primate research company “provides non-human primate products and biological research services worldwide.”

The website states that the company “is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of monkeys and all other living creatures” and “is one of the largest and most comprehensive non-human primate facilities designed specifically for monkeys in the United States.”

The police station did not provide details on what research the animals released at the facility were involved in, or the breed of primates that broke free.

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Alpha Genesis and Yemassee Police Department Chief Gregory Alexander did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.

On local point of sale The Post and Courier Beaufort Countythe latest monkey incident comes after 19 of the animals escaped from the same research facility in 2016.

The publication stated that the primates were returned to the site six hours after freeing themselves.