Last week, I shared some strange urban legends with you about Florida. I left off sharing two things, first, Florida has more than its share of cryptids! And second, my daughter that got me curious about the spooky side of this state, told me an urban legend you've got to hear.
Let's get into it!
Florida Cryptids
If you were to attend some supernatural trivia night at the local pub, then I've no doubt if asked what the most famous Florida cryptid was, you'd know the answer. Skunk Ape. Cousin to Sasquatch, this guy is said smell really ripe. I found an interesting story about the Skunk Ape in a book titled, Freaky Florida written by Mark Muncy and Kari Schultz. Find links to purchase it in the show notes. I hope it sets the senses into the swampy, humid Florida landscape.
Mark Muncy writes;
"Look at any map of Florida and you will see a very large block in the middle of the state with no major roads. The largest area stretches from Lakeland to the north beyond Leesburg. This empty area once saw rival railroads trying to reach Tampa Bay. It once housed numerous little towns and homesteads trying to make their way in teh early Florida land booms." From the passage of time, the swamp is reclaiming the last vestiges of man's attempts to colonize the area. Now in state control, it's called the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.
Show Sources and Materials
Freaky Florida, Mark Muncy and Kari Schultz
Wampus Cat Legend and Lore, WBIR - 10 News
The Child-Eating Wampus Cat, Atlas Obscura
Mahaba, the giant crocodile, Cryptid Archives Fandom
The Trident-Tailed Water Monster of Florida, source: East Tennessean
Sicklefin Devil Ray of Florida, MarineMegafauna.org, Jessica Pate
Sea Monster Museum in Iceland, Atlas Obscura
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