COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus police were up to some monkey business Tuesday afternoon.

The department’s mounted unit joined the search for Minerva Park’s elusive howler monkey.

It started Thursday when a witness called to report a monkey sighting. Officers used pictures to determine which sort of out of place primate they were trying to track down.

Monday night a second monkey sighting was reported, only this one was caught in a cell phone photo.

Tuesday afternoon four members of the mounted unit combed a two- to three-mile stretch near Stonehenge Drive.

“Searched all the woods, ravines, golf course looking for this monkey and not coming up with anything,” says CPD Mounted Officer Ron Zaleski. “Never thought I’d be looking for a monkey.”

Officers may search the area again Wednesday.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture says there are only 10 licensed monkeys in the area and none are missing.

Police say howler monkeys can be aggressive and territorial. If you see the missing monkey, call 911 immediately.