 Statue depicting the skunk ape | |
| Similar entities | Honey Island Swamp monster, Fouke Monster |
|---|---|
| Folklore | Cryptid |
| First attested | 1818 |
| Other name(s) | |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southeastern United States |
The skunk ape is a large and hairy human-like mythical creature purported to inhabit the forests and swamps in the southeastern United States, most notably in Florida.[5][6] It is often compared to, synonymous with, or called the "cousin" of Bigfoot, a prominent subject within North American popular culture.[7]
Many dubious articles have been presented in an attempt to prove the skunk ape's existence, including anecdotal sightings, disputed photographs, audio and video recordings, and casts of large footprints.[8] The majority of mainstream scientists have historically discounted the existence of the skunk ape, considering it to be the result of a combination of folklore, misidentification, and hoax, rather than a living animal.[9] The skunk ape has entered the popular culture of the southern United States, especially in Florida.[10]
- ^ Bertelli, Brad. "The Skunk Ape Lives… in the Florida Keys". FLKeys News. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
- ^ Perry, Catie (27 January 2021). "Florida's Bigfoot? Residents share their sightings of 'massive' Skunk Ape". foxnews.com. Fox News. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ Holland, Kaylee (16 October 2019). "Does Florida's Bigfoot really exist?". laltoday.6amcity.com. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ Chapman, Dan (28 October 2020). "Not even Swamp Ape legend deters hunters from flocking to Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge". fws.gov. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ "skunk ape". oed.com. Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- ^ Lennon, Vince (2003-10-22). "Is a Skunk Ape Loose in Campbell County?". WATE 6 News. WorldNow and WATE. Archived from the original on 2007-01-01. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
- ^ Desjarlais 2020, p.17
- ^ "'In The Everglades, Anything Is Possible': Legend Of Florida's Skunk Ape Lives On". miami.cbslocal.com. WFOR-TV. 17 June 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
- ^ Capozzi, Joe (27 June 2019). "South Florida's elusive Bigfoot: Does the Skunk Ape really exist?". palmbeachpost.com. The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
- ^ "BFRO Report 44837: Years of South Florida Skunk Ape stories supported by witness accounts and newspaper articles". www.bfro.net. Retrieved 2 October 2021.