All Episodes

February 18, 2025 65 mins
The Skunk Ape

Deep in the swamps and forests of the southeastern United States lurks the legendary florida cryptid known as the Skunk Ape, a close cousin to the more famous sasquatch of the Pacific Northwest.

Standing between 5 and 8 feet tall and weighing over 300 pounds, this florida bigfoot has earned its distinctive name from the powerful sulfuric odor it reportedly emits. Historical sightings of this swamp creature date back to 1818, with Native American Seminole tribes referring to it as the Esti Capcaki, or "Hairy Giant," believing it to be the mystical protector of the woods.

From the mysterious Myakka skunk ape photographs of 2000 to the numerous documented encounters in the Everglades, this southern bigfoot continues to captivate researchers and witnesses alike. The everglades monster has been the subject of multiple credible sightings by law enforcement officers, fire chiefs, and everyday citizens, with reports describing a massive, hair-covered humanoid that moves with surprising agility through the dense Florida wilderness.

The creature's most distinguishing characteristics, beyond its imposing size and reddish-brown fur, are its distinctive four-toed footprints and that unforgettable stench that often announces its presence before it's even seen.

Patreon: Support Believing the Bizarre and get tons of extra content by joining our Patreon.

For updates, news, and extra content, follow Believing the Bizarre on social media:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Discord

Shop Merch: You can rep Believing the Bizarre and buy some unique merch

Want to send BTB something? Ship it here: 3570 Executive Drive, Suite 218, Uniontown, Ohio 44685

Keywords: The Skunk Ape, nicknamed for its powerful sulfuric odor, is a mysterious cryptid that has captivated Florida residents and researchers for over two centuries. Standing 7-8 feet tall with reddish-brown fur and weighing over 300 pounds, this bipedal creature is often considered the southeastern United States' answer to the Pacific Northwest's Bigfoot. Historical records date back to 1818, including Native American Seminole tribes who called it "Esti Capcaki" (the Furry Tall Man) and believed it to be a mystical protector of the forests. Notable sightings have been documented by law enforcement officers, fire chiefs, and countless civilians, with significant clusters of activity in the Everglades, Ocala National Forest, and various swamplands throughout Florida. David Shealy, a prominent Skunk Ape researcher, has dedicated his life to studying the creature and operates the Skunk Ape Headquarters, housing photographs, footprint casts, and research materials. The creature is known for its distinctive characteristics, including four-toed footprints, long arms that hang past its knees, and an ability to move swiftly through dense swamp terrain despite its size. While skeptics suggest it might be misidentified black bears with mange or elaborate hoaxes, continued sightings by credible witnesses and consistent physical descriptions across decades have maintained the Skunk Ape's status as one of America's most intriguing cryptozoological mysteries.


Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.