Skunk Ape
The term "skunk ape" is used to describe a foul smelling bipedal (sometimes quadrupedal) swamp and forest dwelling primate said to exist exclusively in the Southeastern United States, most frequently in Florida.
In 2000 a report was filed with the Sarasota police department about a skunk ape living in the vicinity of Myakka State Park. The much debated Myakka photos (there are two) show an orangutan-like figure standing on two feet with an open mouth behind some palmetto bushes.
There is an entire chapter in John Green's book Sasquatch: The Apes Among Us devoted to sightings of the creature in Florida. Most of the sightings Green describes are from the 60's and 70's and occurred on the central west coast of the state. The skunk ape has been seen nearly everywhere in the state, but most frequently in the Everglades. Sometimes it is described as a small, gorilla-like, quadrupedal primate, and sometimes more like a traditional bigfoot type creature, tall and bipedal.
There are a variety of internet sites devoted to the skunk ape, and one museum. One of the most well know attractions in the state of Florida is a camp ground in Ochopee owned by David Shealy and his brother, which has a small museum and gift shop. There are many in the Bigfoot Community who believe that David Shealy is a hoaxer who creates evidence to bring tourists to his attraction.
