Bradley, the South Carolina monkey, dies

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. — Bradley the monkey, whose disappearance in South Carolina last week garnered state and national attention, has died.

The Japanese macaque monkey “was not captured alive,” according to Colleton County Deputy Administrator Meagan Utsey.

She added in an email: “Coleton County initially assisted the owner in his search for the missing animal; however, no Colleton County personnel or resources were involved in this incident. We have no information about what happened except what the owner said. shared with us.”

On Thursday, May 23, Bradley escaped from his habitat near Walterboro, Colleton County. The animal had lived in this habitat for six years.

RELATED: Bradley the Monkey Found in South Carolina After Missing for Days

Colleton County Animal Services Director Laura Clark said the monkey's owner immediately contacted her office to report the animal was missing. Clark said Saturday that professionals were hired to help bring the animal home. She said that because of all the media coverage of the animal's disappearance on social media and in the media, the owners' efforts to find the animal on their own were being hampered.

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The animal was not considered dangerous or aggressive, but as it was wild there was a slight concern towards other small animals. The Colleton County Sheriff's Office reported that Bradley attempted to attack a resident's dog and urged residents to be vigilant when letting their pets out as a precaution.

Japanese macaques move back and forth between living on the ground and in trees. They are also known for jumping, are good swimmers, and are noted for their intelligence.