Bigfoot seems to have so many brothers, sisters—even cousins three times removed—that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Still, the local lore about these different creatures usually includes some distinct differences from the world’s most famous sasquatch. The Skunk Ape legend is no different.

The Skunk Ape originated in the southeastern United States and is known by many names including Swamp Cabbage Man, the Swamp Ape, Stink Ape, and the Florida Bigfoot. Sightings have most commonly been reported in the state of Florida, although they haven’t been confined to the Sunshine State. The first official reports of a large, man-sized monkey were reported in 1818 when locals claimed they saw the creature raiding food stores and stalking fishermen.

The Skunk Ape is approximately 5 to 7 feet tall and covered with mottled reddish-brown hair, except around its face where the hair is a lighter color. As one can imagine from its name, the Skunk Ape has a reputation for being . . . well . . . stinky. It is said to have an overpowering stench like that of skunk musk.

Skunk Ape sightings long predate Juan Ponce de Leon when he claimed Florida for Spain. Folklore from the Seminole tribes of Florida includes stories of a strong, foul-smelling, secretive creature they call the “cannibal giant.” More recent sightings have come from many sources, including in 1997 when a full tour bus containing between 30-40 people witnessed the creature. It is said that all of the tourists saw the Skunk Ape, which they described as a “seven-foot, red-haired ape.

Concerning the various humanoid cryptid legends that dot the planet, one must wonder if the sightings are the strangest coincidence ever, if different regions are seeking for their own notoriety through their claims, or if there is actually truth to the existence of Bigfoot and his worldwide family. For many, the truth has yet to come forward. For others, though, the facts that have come forth are plenty convincing.