EVERGLADES SKUNK APE

RESEARCH FIELD GUIDE

WRITTEN BY: DAVID SHEALY

 CONTENTS

SKUNK APE EXPERT 1

THE ARTIST 2

RESEARCH TIPS & GENERAL INFO 3-9

PLANNING AN EXPEDITION 10-13

EXPEDITION CHECK LIST 12

BAITING METHODS 14-16

FIELD NOTES.. -.17

.
 DAVE SHEALY
SKUNK APE EXPERT
Dave Shealy was born September 28, 1963. He has spent his entire life
living in the Everglades. His family history in the Everglades can be traced
back to 1891. As far back as Dave can remember rumors circulated around
town of a creature covered with hair, standing upright; like a man and smelling
like a skunk. At the age of 10 while hunting with his brother Jack, Dave had his
first encounter with what the locals referred to as a Skunk Ape.
Dave has spent the last 30 years investigating sightings, collecting data
and researching these elusive creatures. To date, Dave has had a total of three
confirmed Skunk Ape sightings and collected valuable information in regards to
Skunk Ape habitat and density. He estimates that between 7 & 9 Skunk Apes
exist in the Florida Everglades. Dave's research takes him to some of the most
remote areas in South Florida. The Everglades is a very harsh environment and
difficult to traverse. He often spends weeks at a time conducting research in
these remote areas.
Dave's hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. His research
has gained the attention of most all major news broadcast organizations,
including broadcast organizations abroad. He has appeared on the Travel
Channel and the Learning Channel, Unsolved Mysteries. In addition he has
done numerous radio broadcast worldwide and has been the feature story on
• many publications such as Readers Digest, Roadside America, Florida Living
and several highly publicized magazines. He also participated in filming a
documentary for Florida International University, which gained worldwide
attention. In 2007, Dave was featured across Europe on a very well known
public television show entitled "My America" bringing attention to the
Everglades and it's fragile eco system and the few remaining Skunk Apes that
exist there.

1

THE ARTIST
KELLY CHESSER
Kelly Chesser is a Florida native, born February 3,
1961. Although Kelly has never seen a Skunk Ape, his
illustrations are based on eyewitness accounts. As far
back as elementary school in Fruitville, Florida, he can
vividly recall countless stories and descriptions of
what the local children called the "Bogey Man". Kelly
has spent years honing his skills as a sketch artist. The
illustrations in this book give valuable insight into
Skunk Ape behavior and anatomy. Kelly is also an
accomplished sculptor whose life like, one of a kind
creations have appeared on network television and
several news publications.
•-"". "!;
RESEARCH TIPS & GENERAL
INFORMATION
It is estimated between 7 to 9 Skunk Apes live in
the Everglades area. Skunk Apes are bi-pedal; meaning
they walk on two legs. Castings of their tracks confirm
they have four toes. Male Skunk Apes stand up to 7 feet
tall and can weigh more than 350 pounds. Females are
considerably smaller, standing 5 - 6 feet tall and weigh
180 - 250 pounds. Both male and female are covered
with reddish-black fur.
Skunk Apes are omnivorous. This means their
diet consists of both meat and plants. Due to analysis
of Skunk Ape droppings it is well documented during
the months of March - May that Skunk Apes frequent
wading bird nesting areas; known as rookeries feeding
on flightless nestlings. Skunk Apes also capture and
eat fish, reptiles and large mammals, including deer
and wild hog.
A variety of edible plants also grow in the
Everglades, such as the giant leather fern, cabbage
palm, pond apple, acorn, and hog plum, just to name a
few. During the months of September and October ,
Skunk Apes can be located in saw palmetto hammocks,
feeding on their bountiful berries. During the months
of November and December , Skunk Apes frequent oak
forest in search of acorns. During the months of
January and February Skunk Apes are on the move
searching for whatever is available during these colder
months. If you are planning an expedition it is helpful
to know what food sources are in season as this will
increase your chances of an encounter.
 Summer rains flood the Everglades during the
months of June , July and August, which is also
believed to be the mating season. In order to increase
your chances of a sighting, an elevated platform or
ladder staid is recommended. Concentrate your search
efforts in open grass prairies pine lands.
Skunk Ape sightings are reported throughout
Florida. These sightings suggest the highest
concentration inhabit the Florida Everglades. Big
Cypress National Preserve offers the best opportunity
for researchers to locate Skunk Apes.

IN THE ILLUSTRATION ABOVE A SKUNK APE USES A

STICK TO KNOCK WADING BIRD FLEDGELINGS FROM
THEIR NEST.
 .
Skunk Ape bedding areas are a good source of
information. These bedding areas often provide
researchers with hair samples, tracks and droppings.
These beds can be located in dry, shady areas. Look for
leaves and twigs piled approximately one foot tall and
six foot in diameter. You can estimate the population of
Skunk Apes in an area by the number of fresh beds in
close proximity of each other. If the leafy branches that
make up the bed are green, this means the bed is fresh.
In times of extremely high water Skunk Ape bedding can
be found in the boughs of trees.

In this illustration a Skunk Ape emerges from

an alligator cave. Evidence suggests that Skunk Apes
spend a great deal of time in these underground
caverns. Many people believe that methane gas,
emitted by decaying matter in these low lying areas
are what gives the Skunk Ape it's unique
skunky/rotten egg odor. Alligator caves are easily
located in times of low water in the Everglades.
Search cypress swamps and willow outcrops in the
grasslands and marsh. IN THE ILLUSTRATION ABOVE THE SKUNK APE PREPARES
ABED
 Skunk Apes are very elusive. They also have
exceptional hearing as well as the ability to climb
trees and swim, in order to evade detection or capture.
To increase your chances for spotting a Skunk
Ape, search in an upwind direction moving slowly
using trees and bushes for cover. Stop frequently and
carefully scan the area with binoculars before moving
forward. It is common, however, for sightings to
occur on rural roads. In most of these cases the
animal is caught off guard and quickly clambers off
into the roadside swamp. Numerous sightings have
been reported on Turner River Road, located in the
Big Cypress National Preserve. Your plans should
include searching this area.
If planning a search in Everglades National
Park, explore the mangrove coast of the Ten
Thousand Islands, which stretches approximately 70
miles, from Everglades City to Key Largo. Over the
years, many Skunk Apes have been spotted at the
waters edge. Skunk Apes that inhabit these coastal
islands aie opportunists, taking advantage of the low
tide to capture fish and crustaceans trapped in the
remaining pools of water. Low tide is the best time to
search for tracks along this deserted coast line.
Skunk Apes lead a nomadic, hunter/gatherer
existence. Often times Skunk Apes are sighted in
close prodmity of large cities. In one instance, a
Skunk Ape reportedly ran across 1-75 in broad
daylight. If you choose to concentrate your search
efforts near metropolitan areas , golf courses, state IN THE ILLUSTRATION ABOVE A SKUNK APE STEPS
and city parks offer your best opportunities, although BEHIND A TREE TO AVOID BEING SEEN BY A PASSING
AIRBOAT
these sighting are rare.
 PLANNING AN EXPEDITION
The Everglades Skunk Ape has gained world
wide attention. Researchers from around the globe visit
the Everglades hoping to get a glimpse of these
magnificent creatures. If you are traveling to south
Florida by air, both Miami International and Fort Myers
International Airport are in close proximity to the
Everglades region and prime Skunk Ape habitat. Plan
to explore rural roads. U. S. 41 crosses directly through
the Everglades from east to west. This paved highway
is recommended as there are multiple rural gravel roads
that allow access into the interior of the Big Cypress
National Preserve. Back country camping is allowed
through the Preserve, however certain regulations do
apply.
Everglades City is also in close proximity to
Skunk Ape habitat. There are several small
hotels/motels for those seeking more modern
accommodations. If your plans include exploring the
10,000 Islands of Everglades National Park, canoe and
boat rentals are available in Everglades City. Back
country camping is permitted in the National Park at
designated sites only, reservations are required.
Take every opportunity to speak with the "locals"
as this can be a good source of information. There are
two tribes of Indians that live in the Everglades:
Seminole and Miccosukee. These Indians consider
Skunk Apes to be sacred animals. You may find these
Indians reluctant to speak about Skunk Apes. In order
to obtain any information from the Indians you must
first gain their trust, this may be difficult.
10
Another source of information can be found at
the National Park Visitors Center. A map of the area
can be obtained over the counter. The importance of a
good map can not be over emphasized. In recent
years, many roads and trails that criss-cross the
Everglades have been closed to vehicular traffic.
Make sure your maps are current to avoid confusion.
Many potential dangers exist in the Everglades.
Poisonous insects, plants and snakes are indigenous to
the area. Loose fitting clothing is your best protection
against poisonous plants and insects. Snake boots are
a good idea but not essential. Your best defense
against snakes is to keep a sharp eye. Summer months
are wet, hot muggy and buggy. Winter months are
drier cooler and breezy.
The Everglades is also home to the Florida
panther, black bear and both the American alligator
and the Florida crocodile. All of these species are
protected. Alligators, although protected are by no
means endangered. Approximately one million
alligators inhabit Florida swamplands. Alligators have
accounted for many human deaths throughout Florida
in recent years. Never enter an alligator's cave in
search of Skunk Apes. Not only could you be trapped
by submerged roots and drown, you could also be
bitten and possibly dismembered or killed. The best
method for determining if Skunk Apes are frequenting
an alligator cave is to look for tracks and droppings at
the cave's entrance. IMPORTANT NOTE: Poisonous
snakes are frequently found in the vicinity of these
watery depressions: USE CAUTION.
u
 SKUNK APE EXPEDITION
CHECK LIST
Map of the Area
Ladder Stand
Lima Beans ( 1 Ib. dry)
Leaf Rake
Rope (30f)
Plaster (5 Ib.bag)
Bucket (5 gal.w/handle)
Binoculars
Pocket Knife
Ladder stands come in many varieties and can
be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Be
aware, comfort is very important. Ladder stands not
only give an advantage of a better view, they also keep
human scent up and away from wildlife. These stands
are useful in keeping your feet dry and offer some pro-
tection from insects due to their height. In order to
prevent injury, always wear a safety harness. Most
modern ladder stands come equipped with this device.
If not included, purchase separately. Plan on spending
many hours or days in your ladder stand using field
glasses to scan the Everglades' vast horizon.
12
Locating tracks in standing water is virtually
impossible. The majority of the Everglades is flooded
with water during the summer months. Under these
conditions look for trails through parted grass. Fresh
trails can be identified two ways. If a Skunk Ape has
recently moved through, the water in the trail will
appear muddy. The second way would be to scan the
surface of the water for bubbles. For researchers
arriving during these summer months, locating high
ground is difficult but not impossible. Pine lands and
palmetto hammocks are slightly more elevated than
the flat grasslands. The remainder of the year is
considerably drier and allows for more opportunity to
locate tracks.
As mentioned in the expedition check list, it
takes approximately five pounds of plaster in order to
cast a single track. Once you have located the tracks
of a Skunk Ape, they can be easily identified by their
prominent four toes and rounded heel. Tracks range in
size from 7-18 inches. Clear away any leaves that
have fallen into the tracks. A stick border should be
built around the tracks to prevent plaster run off.
Using the five gallon bucket, mix plaster according to
directions. It is very important to use fresh, clean
water. Never use brackish or salt water as this could
cause the track to disintegrate over time. Allow plaster
to harden for at least two hours. Use caution when
lifting your cast. Suction occurs under certain
conditions. Using a pocket knife, clean the dirt out
from around and beneath the track. This should cause
the suction to break, allowing easy removal.
 BAITING METHODS
The use of bait is highly controversial and is
illegal in National Parks and stated owned preserves.
Baiting should only take place on private property
with the property owner's permission. Excessive
baiting over an extended period of time can cause
Skunk Apes to ignore natural food sources. It is
important for these animals to eat a variety of food in
order to maintain a healthy population. Excessive
baiting is not recommended.
Never bait near roads or highways as this could
place Skunk Apes in danger. Skunk Apes have a good
memory and will repeatedly return to a bait site for
days after the bait has been removed from the area.
Most researchers have good intentions and would
never think of harming these animals. Unfortunately,
there are people who would like nothing better than to
shoot one of these magnificent creatures. If your
attempts at baiting are successful, wait at least five
days before telling anyone. This will allow enough
time for the Skunk Ape to leave the area.
There are many baits to choose from. If you
plan to use deer liver, remember this should be kept on
ice until your site is chosen. Important note: Buzzards
are also attracted to this bait. Deer liver should only
be used immediately following an actual sighting.
Some success has been reported with the use of grain;
such as whole kernel corn, rice, even dog food.
Unmistakably the best baits available are dry beans.
Black eye peas, pinto and kidney beans all work well,
however large lima beans are the recommended bait
and should be considered your first choice.
14
There are three different methods that can be
used in preparing a bean set. The first method is the
dry bean set. This type bean set is the longest lasting
and should be applied in areas where Skunk Apes
occasionally frequent. Depending upon weather
conditions, dry lima beans can be effective up to one
month. Make sure the ground you have chosen is high
and dry to prevent spoiling of the bean. Clear an area
10' x 10' square. Remove all dead leaves, limbs and
grass. Using the rake mentioned in the expedition
check list, rake the area to loosen the soil. Remove
any remaining debris such as roots. Spread
approximately 1 pound of large dry lima beans evenly
while standing outside the 10 x 10 cleared area.
The second method is a wet bean set. In this
method, soak 1 pound of lima beans in 8 cups of water,
overnight, using the 5 gallon bucket again mentioned
in the expedition check list. Some researchers opt to
carry metal cooking pots in order to heat the beans
over a fire to speed up this process. Never add salt
pork or bacon, as this can draw buzzards, which could
destroy your bait set. The Wet bean set is proven to be
more effective. The reason for this is the beans sour,
giving off an odor which is appealing to Skunk Apes.
Site preparation is the same as in the dry bean set
except that wet beans should be dumped in a single
pile directly in the center of the cleared area. Using a
rake, cover any footprints you have made after setting
the bait. Wet bean sets seem to lose their appeal after
5 days.
In the third method, the hanging bean set, the
bait is left in the bucket or pot and is hung from a tree
limb.
15
 The hanging bean set should be used on windy
days. Position the bucket directly over the center of FIELD NOTES
the area that has been properly prepared for track
collection. Using the tree limb as a hoist, lift bucket
to approximately 6 feet. This added height allows
scent to be carried over great distances and also
prevents consumption by buzzards. If you choose to
use a hanging bean set, salt pork or bacon is optional.
Baiting should only take place as a method of
collecting tracks, hair samples and a possible
photograph. Leg traps are strictly prohibited. Snare
methods should never be used as they to could cause
injury to Skunk Apes. The use of tranquilizer guns is
not recommended and is subject to regulations.
Hopefully, the information contained in this
book has given some insight into Skunk Apes. At this
time it appears a colony capable of reproducing
inhabits South Florida woodlands. It is important that
these animals be protected for future generations.
Any evidence collected should be considered valuable
and reported to the local authorities, immediately.

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