| Among many Louisiana legends and myths lies the Skunk Ape, a large ape-like creature that is said to be along the same blood line as Bigfoot or Sasquatch. The difference seems to lie in its odor, with the Skunk Ape said to have a smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. The Ape is said to resemble a large orangnutan or gorilla. Like Sasquatch, they walk upright like a human and can stand in excess of 6 to 7 feet tall. As featured on The History Channel's Monsterquest, sightings have been reported of the Skunk Ape in Central Louisiana, in the town of Cotton Island in Rapides Parish. Tracks were found and hair samples were taken, but it seemed that nothing ever came of the sighting. Another sighting was also reported in Trout, Louisiana, which is not far from Cotton Island. A man was said to have been driving when he hit a large creature, which then got up and ran into the woods. Sightings of the Skunk Ape have been reported all over the Southeastern U.S., with Florida reporting the most sightings. Although sightings continue to be reported of the Skunk Ape, no actual evidence of the beast have been found. |
| Myakka Skunk Ape photo, taken in 2000 |
