Florida Skunk Ape is in the Everglades!
The Florida Skunk Ape is an elusive cryptid, often described as a very tall ape-like creature with a terribly pungent odor. He is a legend in the Everglades, and only a few people have ever been lucky enough to experience the rare sighting or see his big footprints left behind, or… smell his recent presence.
Legend of the Florida Skunk Ape goes back decades, and was originally Native American folklore. Footprints, sightings and television shows have fed the desire to uncover the truth about this elusive swamp creature.
And at the heart of the quest to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic beast stands one man: Dave Shealy, the founder of the Skunk Ape Research Center in Ochopee, Florida.
That’s right, the Florida Skunk Ape is so popular, there’s a research center in the heart of the Florida Everglades tracking it! Read on!
Eski Capcaki, as named by the Indians dating back decades and longer
The earliest known account of a Skunk Ape was in 1818 in southwest Florida.
But there is some evidence to believe these creatures were in the Everglades even before Columbus arrived in 1492.
Hunters have also spotted Skunk Ape with the most well-known encounter happening in 1957.
Native Indians have many stories of these large primate-looking creatures in the Everglades that have been handed down for generations.
Eski Capcaki is one of the names for the Skunk Ape if you’d like to do more research on your own! But where’s the best place to start?
Dave Shealy is the Foremost Expert on the Skunk Ape
Dave Shealy’s fascination with the Skunk Ape began in his youth, growing up amidst the untamed landscapes of the Florida Everglades. Hearing tales of strange encounters from his family and neighbors, Shealy became determined to unravel the truth behind these sightings.
He’s searched for, studied, collected and analyzed over decades and it’s earned him some spots on TV over the years! And in 1994, Shealy founded the Skunk Ape Research Center, a modest outpost nestled in the heart of the Everglades.
This humble headquarters center has served as a hub for researchers, enthusiasts, and curious visitors for decades andis the focal point for all things Skunk Ape-related.
Skunk Ape Research Center
The Skunk Ape Research Center is located on the main road US41 Tamiami Trail (or SW 8th Street coming from Miami).
The Skunk Ape Research Center is home to Florida’s most prolific search for this elusive legend. There are airboat rides and Everglades tours available.
There’s also a gift shop open to the public every day, where you can buy a legendary Skunk Ape t-shirt!
There’s also a small zoo and a campground on site.
Here’s more information on the elusive Florida Skunk Ape, the research center, and buying a legendary t-shirt from the gift shop: Shealy’s Official Skunkape Research Center in Ochopee Florida
Florida Skunk Ape is at the Trail Lakes Campgrounds!
The town is Ochopee, Florida and located in Big Cypress, part of the Everglades. It’s in the heart of the south end of Florida, between Miami and Naples (closer to the west coast).
This area is fantastic if you want to experience real Florida! It’s a great area for kayaking and canoeing and camping. And of course, you can sign up for an airboat ride and search for Skunk Ape!
The Trail Lakes Campground is nice and windy with a small lake in the center. It has lots of tent sites, and also some cabins set around the lake.
The bathrooms and facilities are great and were always very clean when we were there.
There’s plenty of outdoor activities to do when you stay or visit here. BUT BE PREPARED FOR MOSQUITOES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bring light clothing that will cover your skin, and mosquito spray. This is the Everglades, and the mosquitoes have ruled this land for thousands of years.
Visit the official Trail Lakes Campgrounds website for more information on camping: Trail Lakes Campgrounds in Ochopee
