The Skunk Ape
Credit: Cassie Tucker
Origins:
Ochopee, Florida
Legend:
The Skunk Ape is similar in visage to Bigfoot, albeit much stinkier and more primate-like. It gets its smell — its most distinguishing characteristic — from the swamp gases that cling to its abundant body hair, which are made even more potent by the Florida heat and humidity. They haven’t been known to harm anyone, but that may just be because no one has ever lived to tell the tale, as quite a few have gone into the Everglades and never come out. In 2003, two European women were photographing plants in the area when they spotted “a huge male Skunk Ape with an erection.”
Visit:
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
Ochopee, Florida
A small display here contains a plaster cast of a Skunk Ape footprint, photos of supposedly real Skunk Apes, and ample reading material. They also have a gift shop where you can buy Skunk Ape merch and a fiberglass statue out front.
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