In search of the skunk ape Callers say they’ve seen it

Dean Poling The Valdosta Daily Times

VALDOSTA — Referring to the Skunk Ape story in last week’s editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, the man’s voice paused on the recorded phone message.

“... I saw it.”

The Times received calls from readers who believe they have seen what may be a Skunk Ape in South Georgia. One reader account came from Brooks County, the other from Berrien County.

A Skunk Ape is reportedly a hairy humanoid creature that walks on two legs. It is described as being similar to the legendary Bigfoot, but of slighter build. Skunk Apes grow about seven-feet tall and weigh 200 to 300 pounds, according to witness accounts.

The creature is called a Skunk Ape because of the foul odor accompanying most sightings. The smell is described as being similar to rotten eggs. Skunk Apes reportedly love wooded, swampy areas, and the Skunk Ape legend comes primarily from the Florida Everglades.

While the Skunk Ape ranks among legendary creatures such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster, the Mothman, and others, numerous Internet sites report witness accounts. Several sites mentioned recent Skunk Ape sightings along the Withlacoochee River between Quitman and Valdosta in Brooks County. This repeated Internet mention to South Georgia led to The Times story last week.

The article led to these subsequent reader accounts. Both sightings occurred prior to the article’s publication, according to these readers. Both readers gave The Valdosta Daily Times their full names. One asked that we not publish his name. We use the first name of the other caller.

Did these folks see a Skunk Ape? We’ll share their stories and you decide.

• Between 10-10:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, Joy was driving along Highway 37 in Berrien County. She had a friend on her cell phone.

Outside of Ray City, she had her car’s bright lights on and she saw something hairy, walking away from the road, into the woods.

“I saw the back of something,” Joy says. “It was tall. ... I thought it was a bear but a bear don’t walk on its back legs. ... Honestly, it looked like an ape.”

Joy said her husband’s about six feet tall and she gauged what she saw to be about the same height as her husband. She didn’t smell anything driving by the creature.

She told her friend on the phone that she thought she saw something like a hairy man walking into the woods. Her friend laughed and asked if Joy had been drinking. “I told her I hadn’t been drinking and, sir, I don’t drink,” Joy told The Times.

Joy continued driving that night. She mentioned what she saw to a few people, but didn’t give it much more thought until her mother told her about the article in The Valdosta Daily Times.

During daylight, Thursday, April 29, the day after The Times story, Joy and her mother traveled to the same part of the road where she claimed to witness a creature. She said the area has numerous trees and is swampy.

Joy believes she saw a Skunk Ape or a creature like it.

— Last Friday, The Times received the phone message from the man in Brooks County who claimed “... I saw it.”

Calling him back, he said earlier this spring, before the leaves returned to the trees, he was smoking a cigar on the back porch of his Brooks County home, three miles outside of Quitman. It was between 10-11 a.m., when he “saw something walk out of the woods.”

He first thought it a deer but saw that it had no hind quarters. He then thought it “an idiot in a ghillie suit,” a type of camouflage clothing covered in loose strips of cloth or twine designed to look like foliage.

But even then he thought something wasn’t right.

He went inside his house and got a pair of binoculars. He saw a hairy humanoid, with the hair being red, fading to brown and grey. The creature was lean and at least over six-feet tall. The creature was probably about 500 yards away, too far away to smell, he said.

He watched the creature for about eight minutes through the binoculars. During that time, the creature leaned on one arm against a tree, looking around. It scratched its left calf with its right foot. Then it ran away.

“It didn’t walk like a human,” he said. “It’s joints don’t quite move like a human.”

He said if you throw a sheet over a man or a woman, you can tell the gender by the way the person walks despite the sheet. This creature had a strange walk that did not match the movements of a human, he said.

The man thinks the creature is an omnivore, an eater of meats and plants, rather than a vegetarian. A vegetarian has a bigger belly, like a cow, he said.

He believes this creature stays lean from eating meat. What kind of meat? The man says he’s taking no chances.

“If I go out in the woods now,” he says, “I make sure to carry something with me that goes bang.”

He believes he probably isn’t the only person to see the creature.

“If I’m calling, there’s probably nine other people who’ve seen it who haven’t said a word to anyone,” he says, “because they don’t want people thinking they’re crazy.”
http://valdostadailytimes.com/bigstory/x537291777/In-search-of-the-skunk-ape

Mothman – Real Story And The Movie

The Mothman is a creature that supposedly seen in Charleston and Point Pleasant areas of West Virginia from 12 November 1966 through December 1967. Most observers describe the Mothman as a winged man-sized
creature with large red eyes and large wings of thought. The creature
was sometimes reported as no, with his eyes on his chest.
See the sightings at:- www.mothman.avoidtemptation.org
You can watch “The Mothman prophecies” movie there too.
A number of hypotheses have been presented eyewitness reports of the errors of identification and coincidence to explain the paranormal and conspiracy theories.
The 15 of November 1966, two young married couples from Point Pleasant, and Linda Scarberry and Steve and Mary mallette, traveling at night in the parking lot of Scarberrys. West Virginia passed artifacts
Works, an abandoned World War II TNT factory, about seven kilometers
north of Point Pleasant, where 2500 hectares (10 square kilometers)
McClintic Wildlife Management Area, when they noticed two red lights at l
shade of an old generator plant near the factory gate. He stopped the
car and apparently discovered that the lights were bright red eyes, a
large animal, the shape of a man, but bigger, maybe six and a half years
to seven feet high, with large wings on their backs “crusaders, after
Roger Scarberry. Wow, headed on Route 62, where the animal was allegedly
chased at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. However, as indicated by
the keel Mothman Prophecies, which Scarberrys despite driving more than
100 kilometers per hour, chased by the creature and then have claimed
noticed a dead dog beside the road, and indeed makes a precise knowledge
of his situation that he said he had returned the next day and not see.
Explanation of how accurately they could make a mental note at a time
of such great distress, or where to find the dog dead are not included
in Keel’s book.
A plaque on the Mothman statue provides a version of the original legend: On a cold autumn night in November 1966, two young people went to the TNT area north of Point Pleasant, West Virginia when she realized
she was not alone. On the way to the exit, the creature was supposedly a
mountain around. He spread his wings and flew alongside the vehicle to
the city limits. We went to the Mason County Court warned Deputy Millard
Halstead, who later said: “I am to these kids of all known life. Do not
get into trouble, and was very scared that night. I took seriously.” He
followed Roger Scarberry car back to the former secret U.S. – Federal
bomb and missile factory, but found no trace of the strange creatures.
Based on the book of exotic animals, by Janet and Colin Bord, attacks on
the Poltergeist Scarberry came home later that night, when the creature
was seen several times.
The next night, 16 November, several people were armed comb the area around the TNT plant for signs of Mothman. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wamsley and Mrs. Marcella Bennett, with his daughter Teena in tow, were in a car
en route to visit his friends, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Thomas, who lived in a
bungalow at the Igloo (dome of concrete storage structures erected in
the form of dynamite during World War II), near the TNT plant. The igloo
now were empty, some owned by other companies in the municipality’s
intention to use it for storage. Were on the way back to his car when a
figure behind their parked car. Ms. Bennett said that as he had gone to
bed, slowly rises from the earth, seemed large and gray with bright red
eyes. While Wamsley phoned the police, the animal went to the terrace
and looked out the window.
On 24 November, four people who allegedly saw the animal is flying over the TNT area.
On the morning of November 25, Thomas Ury, transiting the Route 62 was north of the TNT, claimed to have seen the creature standing in a field, and then spread their wings and flew to his car when led to the
Point Pleasant sheriff’s office.
On 26 November to Mrs Ruth Foster of Charleston, West Virginia, allegedly saw Mothman on the lawn in front, but the creature was gone when her brother-in-law went to investigate. In addition, the morning of
November 27, the creature allegedly chasing a young woman near Mason,
West Virginia, and was reported again in St. Albans the same night, two
children.
Mothman was a point back to the Report 11 January 1967, and several other times in the same year. Fewer sightings of the Mothman were after the fall of the silver bridge, reported that when 46 people died. The
Silver Bridge, so named for its aluminum paint, was attached a string
eyebar bridge, the city of Point Pleasant, West Virginia and Gallipolis,
Ohio on the Ohio River. The bridge was built in 1928, and was broken on
December 15, 1967. Search for the remains of the bridge said the
inability of a single eye-bar suspension for a string of small
manufacturing error. There are rumors that the Mothman appears before
future disasters, or disasters that cause the Mothman.
The word “Mothman” was an invention of an editor of a newspaper in Ohio, having published the first news of the “Big Bird” sightings.
A large collection of firsthand material about Mothman is back in 1975, John Keel’s book “The Mothman Prophecies, which exposes the keel chronology of Mothman and that claims relating to psychic phenomena in
the region, including UFO activity, the man was found in Black
encounters, Poltergeist activity, Bigfoot and black panther sightings,
animal mutilations and human knowledge of witnesses and December 15,
1967 Silver Bridge collapse on Ohio River.
The keel of the first book was the basis for a 2002 movie, The Mothman Prophecies, starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Debra Messing and Will Patton Director: Mark Pellington. A book accompanying the
tower’s session, was also published in 1975, is derived from material
edited from The Mothman Prophecies by the publisher.
In the period from May to June 2002 in the Skeptical Inquirer, journalist John C. Sherwood, a former member of UFO counterfeiters Gray Barker, an analysis of private correspondence between the keel and
Barker in the course of the investigation keel. In the article “Gray
Barker’s book of bunk,” Sherwood documented substantial differences
between the keel wrote at the time of his research and write the keel on
his first book about the Mothman reports, raising doubts about the
‘accuracy of the book.
Criptozoòlegs Loren Coleman, in connection with Sony / Screen Gems Studio and as stated in the documentary by David Grab, “In Search Of The Mothman” was one of two fiction films spokesman advertising (other than
keel although the keel was limited commitment to health concerns).
Andy Colvin, a photographer and documentary director who claims to have seen the Mothman has two books and a series of Mothman in reality the photographer says of the producer of Mothman, John Keel and almost
50 witnesses. Sister Colvin shows a photograph of him in 1973,
supposedly a Garuda in the background.
There are various theories about the Mothman phenomenon.
Supernatural Theories
John Keel argued that Mothman for parapsicològics events in the region, including UFO activity, Men in Black encounters, Poltergeist activity, Bigfoot and black panther
sightings, animal mutilations and human knowledge is linked to previous
witnesses, 15 December 1967 and the collapse of the Silver Bridge over
the River Ohio.
Birds wrongly identified
One of the first theory is that evil Mothman identified a Sandhill Crane, who was in the 1960s has been a problem in the surrounding regions. Cranes have described an average
wingspan of 5.3 meters (up to 7 feet), the average length of 39 inches
and the overall look, glide over long distances without a break and have
an unusual cry. Other theories suggest the possibility that the Mothman
is an owl, an albino owl, white owl or maybe a couple (based on
impressions of the artists). Skeptics suggest that the Mothman’s eyes
bright red eye actually be caused by the reflection of light from
flashlights or other light sources, witnesses have gone with them.

Dangers in Venezuela---MORE PAST BLAST 1890

THE VARIED VERMIN OP VENEZUELA.

United States Consul Plumacher sends to Washington from Venezuela a very remarkable report, especially interesting to students of natural history.

HOW THB VAMPIRE ATTACKS HIS VICTIMS.

The fabled vampire bat is found in Venezuela. Ifc is classed among the carnivorous animals, and in some districts is very abundant. It is very fond of human blood, and attacks sleepers at night by making a small incision in the great toe. Much blood can be lost in one night, although the puncture is microscopic. Consul Plumacher says that while many may be sceptical respecting this fact, personal experience has convinced him of its truth. The popular impression of the vampire's habits is that it fastens itself upon the throat of the sleeping victim, and while fanning him with its wings, so that he may not awaken, sucks his life-blood away. According to Consul Plumacher's account the Venezuelan vampire only attacks a man's big toe, and while he may lose considerable blood the attack is not fatal nor especially serious. " OMELETTES AUK CEXJF9 DB CAIMAN." There are plenty of alligators in Venezuela, and Borne of them are 25ft long. They are about like the alligators of the United States, except that they are generally larger, and they often attack persons who venture into the water. Alligator eggs are considered delicacies by the natives, and are eagerly sought for along the river banks. They are usually served in the form of omelettes. " OF SNAKES; " AND THE SINGULAR HABIT

OF THB SOBADOBA.

There are many serpents, both venomous and harmless, but the former predominate. The boa constrictor, called herearagavenado or deer swallower,is very common and grows to an enormous size. The anaconda is of the same species as the boa, but is a water snake. The flesh of the anaconca is very white and tender, and in many parts of the country is much esteemed as food. Consul Plumacher says that many foreigners who have eaten it inform him that anaconda meat is very palatable. Neither the boa nor the anaconda is venomous, but their constrictive powers render them terrible adversaries. The rattlesnake abounds in the savannas, and has been known to reach a length of Bft. The macaurel, viejital, tiger snake, and mapanare are the chief poisonous snakes. The last-named is found in great numbers among the trees along the river banks. Canoes in passing through narrow openings, where the branches overlap above, are sometimes surrounded by these serpents. Although very venomous, they rarely attack if not molested. The sobadora is a very peouliar snake, in some respects similar to the mythical hoop-snake of the United States. It is not poisonous, but when enraged will give chase, and upon reaching the object of its anger, whether man or beast, places its head upon the ground, and with its long, whip-like body, inflicts a severe flagellation. SOFT-SHELL CRABS, AND A POISONOUS APPLE.

Consul Plumacher tells a fairy-like tale about a poisonous apple upon which the soft-shell crabs of Venezuela feed. It is called the manzanillo, and the crabs eat it with impunity, although it is rank poison. The flesh of the crab becomes thoroughly impregnated with the poison, and is thus rendered a fatal diet. The manzanillo, or " little apple," is found along the coast. It is about an inch in diameter, and grows upon a tree similar in appearance to an apple tree. It is very pleasant to the eye and has a sweet, insipid taste. It is usually found where there is no fresh water, and may easily tempt a thirsty, inexperienced voyager. It is, however, a deadly poison, primarily

causing intense burning pains in the throat and stomach. Unless remedies are promptly applied death is inevitable. It is even dangerous to remain in the shade of one of those trees, and a person taking shelter under it during rain will suffer from painful blisters wherever a drop of water falling from the leaves touches his Derson.

THE DANGERS OF A MORNING DIP.

The gymnotus or torpedo eel abounds in the rivers and lagoons of the lowlands. It is much feared by travellers, for the reason, that it communicates an electric shock which is quite severe. It is not necessarily fatal except to a swimmer. The shock often paralyses him to such an extent as to render him hopeless and cause his death by diowning. The caribe is a most voracious little fish, seldom exceeding Gin in length, armed with a double row of needle-like teeth. It is found in many of the interior rivers, and is more dreaded than the alligator. A single scratch on the body of a swimmer exuding adrop of blood will instantly attract thousands of these fish, and their attack is so fierce and persistent that only a few minutes are necessary to disable the strongest man. SOME SPLENDID SPECIMENS OF SPIDERS.

There are venomous reptiles in abundance in Venezuela. Scorpions and centipedes are found in all sections. Some of the centipedes are 15in long. There are various classes of spiders, the tarantula being the largest and most hideous. Its body is about 3in in diameter, and its spread of claws is nearly a foot. The animal has a faculty of flattening itself on the ground until it can scarcely be distinguished, and thus it awaits its prey. When disturbed or attacked, ifc suddenly springs to an upright position, standing sin or 6in in height. It is then able to leap a distance of sft or Gft, and capture small birds with the agility of a cat. Its repugnant appearance is heightened by a. growth of hair on its body and legs, whence the native name of "hairy spider." The bite of one of these spiders is poisonous, often fatal. It is a common amusement in some sections of the interior to place, in a box half-filled with sand a tarantula and a centipede. A fierce combat ensues, in which, as a rule, the tarantula is victorious.

THE CHARMS OF THE CHASE.

There are many rodents in Venezuela, among which are squirrels, rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, and three animals called by the natives acurito, aguiti, and lappa. All are used for food. The acurito is exceedingly prolific, and it is estimated that a single pair will produce at least 500 descendants in the course of a year. The wild hogs known in the United States and Mexico as peccaries are found in this country in large bands, and the chase is dangerous. They are utterly without fear, and many a hunter has been obliged to seek 'shelter in a tree and remain until nightfall, for so long as day lasts the peccaries will not withdraw. This animal when young can be easily domesticated, and will follow his master or mistress like a dog. In some interior districts a woman who is obliged to travel alone and on foot is very often accompanied by a peccary for protection. She thus feels secure from assault or ill-treatment, the peccary being an even more zealous defender than is the dog in other countries.

THE ZOOLOGY OP THE SECTION ZULIA.

Then Consul Plumacher proceeds to tell wonderful tales about the animals of the Section Zulia. There are monkeys without limit in this region, the most common being the araguate. It is a large monkey about 4ft in height. Thfe araguatos are always found in troops under the command of a chief. They are very vociferous, and the forests at sundown and sunrise are filled with their noise. There appears to be a certain system in their chants, which commence always with a solo performance, and afterwards all join in the chorus, thus alternating for hours. Then there are other monkeys of queer habits, the mono nocturno being rather remarkable. It sleeps during the entire day, and spends the night seeking food. As long as daylight lasts it remains drowsy, and will not even resist capture. The common monkey of Buffon is found in great numbers, and does much damage to corn and other crops. It is very difficult for the farmer to defend himself, as the depredators always have pickets on the watch, who give the alarm in time to ensure the escape of the entire band. All of the Venezuelan monkeys are easily domesticated and become much attached to their masters. The Venezuelan tiger, or properly the jaguar, is the principal carniverous animal. It is hardly so large as the InsHan or African tiger, but is of amazing strength, and can easily drag off the largest ox. It is not usually a man-eater, like the Indian tiger. It rarely attacks a man except when instigated by extreme hunger, and is not much feared by those familiar with its habits. The panther, ounce, puma, wild cat, and an animal similar to the latter called the guanaipe, are the principal members of the cat tribe. All are very ferocious and bloodthirsty. The puma especially is detructive, and will continue to kill from mere wantonness after his appetite is satisfied. — Brooklyn Eagle. 
 

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=OW18900123.2.128.5&cl=&srpos=0&e=-------10--1----0-all&st=1 

Men Living in Trees---PAST BLAST

I have expanded this somewhat to make it easier to read.

---TG

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/imageserver/imageserver.pl?oid=HBH18850204.1.4&crop=91,500,2218,881&width=441&color=32&ext=gif&key=