Like most things that come out of Florida, the skunk-ape is a one-of-a-kind Cryptid.

Akin to the most common lore of Bigfoot or Sasquatch, it is described as being a bipedal ape, but what makes it different is what is described as “a pungent smell” by Joseph Stromberg with the Smithsonian. Found in the Everglades of Florida, when this creature appeared seems to be somewhat up for debate, though most agree that the sightings spiked (or started at the very least) in the 1960s.

With its own research foundation based in Ochopee, Florida, the Skunk Ape has kicked up much news from the time of its supposed discovery and continues to be present in the local community with a plethora of themed events named after the creature. Events in the area include The Skunk Ape 100 Mile Endurance Run on April 27, The Skunk Ape Night Run on July 24 and The Great Florida Bigfoot Conference on June 8. What’s odd is that is seems the most common events surrounding the Skunk Ape are runs, 5Ks and other similar activities such as trail hiking.

Photo taken of the Skunk Ape statue. (Contributed/MikesMegapixels)


Finding information from credible sources often proves to be a difficult endeavor. However there is something that tends to have more study behind it, and that is when evidence has been observed and recorded by the current land-users. This instance is no different. While some sources claimed that the Skunk Ape existed for hundreds of years, they were in the minority, with almost all agreeing on the 1970s. The majority seems to be wrong with the inclusion on one article of one small phrase, “Esti Capcaki.” Esti Capcaki is a Seminole term meaning Tall Man and seems to have a long history of existence within the tribal culture. Described almost exactly as the modern Skunk-Ape, there is one major difference between the two versions of this creature, though those are more like parallels. The Esti Capcaki is cannibalistic, which could very well be true of the Skunk Ape, given that it is a carnivore.

Despite the cryptozoology community of Reddit (to whom I owe much of my article ideas) it is the most well known Floridian Cryptid, which seems odd given the lack of information about it within widespread media. That being said, the most clear and detailed description belongs to the website of WestPalmBeach.com, which details both the Seminole creature, current understanding and sightings throughout time.

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