No legend is more well-known across the United States than that of Bigfoot. Described as ape-like and humanoid, this hulking, hairy creature has been most commonly spotted in the west, in areas such as Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. In other regions, similar creatures have varying names, such as Sasquatch, Grassman, and Momo. In Florida, this variation—or the "cousin" of Bigfoot—is known as the Skunk Ape.
Said to be a bit smaller than the traditional Bigfoot sightings, the Skunk Ape reportedly measures anywhere from five to seven feet tall. Its fur is said to be a reddish brown, and as one might imagine with its name, it is described as having a deeply foul odor. The first sightings were dated back to the early European settlers in the 19th century, but the Skunk Ape was most highly spotted from the 1950s to the 1970s. Sightings are often explained away as misidentifying a black bear suffering from mange, or most commonly attributed to a hoax.
The new documentary series available now across cable VOD and several streaming platforms, The Skunk Ape Experiments, aims to get to the truth about this cryptid once and for all.
Produced by Outkast Paranormal, this trilogy of films takes viewers to Myakka City, Florida on a determined hunt for "the Bigfoot of the swamp." Cryptid investigator Stacy Brown Jr. and his bearded posse of Ryan Golembeske and James Brost explore the dangerous, gator-ridden area of the Myakka River State Park. Of all the beasts that lurk in the swamp, is one of them truly the Skunk Ape? Has a local been "cursed" for seeing too much? And what of the Crowley House, a manor cited with multiple sightings of ghost activity, UFOs, and strange creatures?
Related: 16 Hair-Raising Cryptid Books That Will Have You Questioning Every Little Creak
Offered up in three segments, the docuseries is divided into "To Catch A Skunk Ape," "Mr. Roger’s Paranormal Neighborhood", and "Thinning the Veil." A bit edgier than paranormal investigations of its ilk, Outkast Paranormal claims to be sneaking into the state park, rather than acquiring permission.
While The Skunk Ape Experiments has not yet become available on Amazon Prime or iTunes, it's waiting for you now on Vudu. Before you dive in, check out the exciting trailer below!
For more information on this and other infamous cryptids, check out The Legend of Bigfoot by T. S. Mart and Mel Cabre and Abominable Science! by Daniel Loxton and Donald R. Prothero.
