LOOK: Tutu-Wearing Pet Monkey Caught by Cops After Running Away from Missouri Home

A pink tutu-wearing spider monkey caused commotion on a rural Missouri highway as deputies worked to capture the escape artist. The bizarre scene unfolded Friday afternoon when officers coaxed the primate into custody after "careful negotiations" and soon reunited it with its owner.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office called it a "bananas situation," In a Facebook post.

The monkey had been living with a local family but bolted by opening a door, leading to an unexpected adventure for all involved.

"In all seriousness, this is a great example of law enforcement officers never knowing what they'll face on any given call, and having to be prepared to handle whatever the job throws at them," the sheriff's office said.

Folks on social media jumped in with reactions. "Grounded. No bananas for a week!" one commenter said.

Another asked, "With everyone talking about having monkeys, exactly how many and what kinds are there in Jefferson County??????"

It's estimated over 15,000 primates are kept as pets in the United States, although the exact number is unknown.

Animal welfare advocates contend having primates as pets poses safety risks and significant training challenges and is incompatible with typical household environments. They argue it often leads to aggression and stress for the animals and their owners.

Seventeen states—Washington, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina—currently allow residents to keep pet monkeys without restrictions.