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00:00:01,168 --> 00:00:02,801
[josh gates] on the episode
of expedition x.
2
00:00:02,803 --> 00:00:08,240
I saw something
large, black just walking
on the road.
3
00:00:08,309 --> 00:00:12,411
[josh] my team is heading
deep into the wild forests
of the ozarks...
4
00:00:13,447 --> 00:00:15,280
[jessica chobot]
that's scaring me.
5
00:00:15,282 --> 00:00:19,318
[josh] ...Where terrified
witnesses are reporting seei
a monstrous creature
6
00:00:19,320 --> 00:00:21,653
And hearing
its horrific scream.
7
00:00:21,755 --> 00:00:22,654
[animal howling]
8
00:00:22,723 --> 00:00:24,023
Oh, my gosh.
9
00:00:24,025 --> 00:00:25,524
-Well, I stood there
with a shotgun.
-Yeah.
10
00:00:25,526 --> 00:00:28,293
[josh] some believe
it's on a killing rampage.
11
00:00:28,295 --> 00:00:31,230
Had a piece of it eaten
out of its side.
12
00:00:31,232 --> 00:00:34,400
Holy [beep]!
There's a big chunk
of meat over here.
13
00:00:34,402 --> 00:00:36,035
[phil torres]
that is so fresh.
14
00:00:36,037 --> 00:00:39,605
[josh] phil and jess hunt
for evidence
of this mysterious predator
15
00:00:39,607 --> 00:00:40,506
[phil speaking]
16
00:00:42,810 --> 00:00:44,043
[jess]
it's terrifying actually.
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00:00:44,045 --> 00:00:46,545
[josh] or are they
the ones being hunted?
18
00:00:46,614 --> 00:00:47,646
[jess] I just saw something.
19
00:00:47,648 --> 00:00:48,747
[phil whispers] all right,
let's get closer.
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00:00:51,752 --> 00:00:52,951
[phll] ooh! [beep]
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00:00:53,754 --> 00:00:55,454
[josh reading]
22
00:00:56,791 --> 00:00:59,324
My name is josh gates.
23
00:00:59,326 --> 00:01:02,661
In my travels,
I've experienced
strange things
24
00:01:02,730 --> 00:01:06,298
That defy logic and made me
question everything.
25
00:01:06,300 --> 00:01:07,833
Oh, my god.
26
00:01:07,935 --> 00:01:10,602
Now, I've put together
a team to investigate
27
00:01:10,604 --> 00:01:13,038
The stranger side
of the unknown.
28
00:01:13,140 --> 00:01:15,207
Let's go.
29
00:01:15,209 --> 00:01:19,411
[josh] phil torres
is a scientist who hunts
for rational explanations.
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00:01:19,413 --> 00:01:21,279
[phil speaking]
31
00:01:23,150 --> 00:01:27,753
[josh] jessica chobot's
paranormal research
has made her a true believer
32
00:01:27,822 --> 00:01:29,922
If you're here with us,
knock again.
33
00:01:29,924 --> 00:01:32,224
[josh] together we're
searching for answers...
34
00:01:32,226 --> 00:01:33,592
[phil] what is happening
here, jess?
35
00:01:33,594 --> 00:01:36,361
...To the world's
most extraordinary mysteries
36
00:01:37,331 --> 00:01:40,132
This is expedition x.
37
00:01:43,938 --> 00:01:45,304
All right, guys,
I wanna start today
38
00:01:45,306 --> 00:01:47,306
By playing
an audio recording for you.
39
00:01:47,308 --> 00:01:48,907
Phil,
as our resident biologist,
40
00:01:48,909 --> 00:01:50,109
I'm very eager
for your take on this.
41
00:01:50,111 --> 00:01:51,110
Give a listen.
42
00:01:53,514 --> 00:01:54,513
[animal howling]
43
00:01:54,515 --> 00:01:55,848
[phil] oh, wow.
44
00:01:56,851 --> 00:01:59,551
Sounds almost like a wolf,
but not quite.
45
00:01:59,620 --> 00:02:01,320
It's weird, right?
One more time.
46
00:02:01,322 --> 00:02:02,121
Listen.
47
00:02:04,258 --> 00:02:05,624
[animal howling]
48
00:02:07,261 --> 00:02:08,060
I mean, that's freaky.
49
00:02:08,062 --> 00:02:08,861
It is freaky.
50
00:02:08,929 --> 00:02:09,828
What is it?
51
00:02:09,830 --> 00:02:10,862
That's a great question.
52
00:02:10,864 --> 00:02:12,297
That's what people
in the ozarks wanna know,
53
00:02:12,299 --> 00:02:13,799
Which is where
this was recorded,
54
00:02:13,801 --> 00:02:17,236
And it's what they refer to
as the ozark howler.
55
00:02:17,337 --> 00:02:19,004
Okay, I have heard of this.
56
00:02:19,006 --> 00:02:21,006
It's kind of
like a hell hound
sort of thing.
57
00:02:21,008 --> 00:02:24,109
Yes. It's a hell hound.
It's a mutant cat, bear, wolf.
58
00:02:24,111 --> 00:02:25,677
No one knows what it is.
59
00:02:25,679 --> 00:02:28,714
But people have been seeing
and especially hearing it
in the ozarks
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00:02:28,716 --> 00:02:30,249
For 100s of years
61
00:02:30,317 --> 00:02:32,050
And one
of the alleged witnesses
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00:02:32,152 --> 00:02:34,620
Is an iconic hero
from american history.
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00:02:38,792 --> 00:02:40,359
[josh] the ozarks,
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00:02:40,427 --> 00:02:44,963
47,000 square miles
of ancient mountains
and plateau,
65
00:02:44,965 --> 00:02:48,534
Carved by time
into a labyrinth
of rugged cliffs.
66
00:02:48,602 --> 00:02:50,402
Much of it is unexplored,
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00:02:50,404 --> 00:02:55,207
Riddled with dangerous
sink holes and over 300 cave
68
00:02:55,209 --> 00:02:57,643
And if the legends
are to be believed,
69
00:02:57,744 --> 00:03:01,547
There's a large and dangerou
predator prowling these wood
70
00:03:04,051 --> 00:03:08,287
1810, as the story goes,
one famous explorer had see
71
00:03:08,289 --> 00:03:11,590
Pretty much every
native animal
on the american frontier.
72
00:03:11,592 --> 00:03:13,725
But a run-in
with the so-called howler
73
00:03:13,727 --> 00:03:15,961
Made him flip
his coonskin cap.
74
00:03:16,029 --> 00:03:19,398
It is said that none other
than daniel boone
75
00:03:19,400 --> 00:03:22,034
Wrote a letter
to his sister-in-law
about his encounter
76
00:03:22,102 --> 00:03:27,306
With a creature that was quo
"black and swarthy with horn
a top his scalp.
77
00:03:27,308 --> 00:03:29,608
I am told of the sound
that it makes,
78
00:03:29,610 --> 00:03:32,344
A terrible howling
in the middle of the night.
79
00:03:32,446 --> 00:03:36,114
Warnings of this for settler
should be passed along."
80
00:03:37,418 --> 00:03:39,918
By the late 1800s,
reports of violent
81
00:03:39,920 --> 00:03:44,156
And sometimes
fatal confrontations
with the beast increase.
82
00:03:44,224 --> 00:03:46,124
Survivor descriptions
are similar.
83
00:03:46,126 --> 00:03:52,030
A large, agile, dark,
and horrifying creature
with a blood curtailing cry
84
00:03:52,032 --> 00:03:56,301
Described as a cross
between a wolf's howl
and an elk's call.
85
00:04:01,041 --> 00:04:05,410
In the last decade,
claims of run-ins
with the beast have exploded
86
00:04:05,412 --> 00:04:09,615
Farmers, hunters, hikers,
all recount terrifying brush
87
00:04:09,617 --> 00:04:11,817
With this mysterious
apex predator.
88
00:04:13,721 --> 00:04:17,889
Some say that as more and mo
people build homes
at the edge of the forest
89
00:04:17,891 --> 00:04:21,760
Perhaps these creatures
are emerging
to protect their territory.
90
00:04:21,828 --> 00:04:23,462
Now, there's a sudden rise
91
00:04:23,563 --> 00:04:26,598
In the number
of livestock and pets
that have gone missing.
92
00:04:26,600 --> 00:04:29,601
Or even worse have been foun
chewed to pieces.
93
00:04:30,504 --> 00:04:32,838
Some fear it's only
a matter of time
94
00:04:32,939 --> 00:04:34,706
Before there's
a deadly confrontation
95
00:04:34,708 --> 00:04:38,043
Between a human
and the ozark howler.
96
00:04:42,349 --> 00:04:43,749
So what do you think?
97
00:04:43,850 --> 00:04:45,517
You know, josh,
when you mentioned the ozarks,
98
00:04:45,519 --> 00:04:48,553
I thought you were talking
about the new season
of the jason batemon show.
99
00:04:48,655 --> 00:04:50,689
-Ooh!
-A pop cultural reference
100
00:04:50,691 --> 00:04:52,057
-From phil. What?
-I did it!
101
00:04:52,059 --> 00:04:53,258
Did I do it right?
102
00:04:53,360 --> 00:04:54,760
Yeah, but there's no way
you watch ozark.
103
00:04:54,828 --> 00:04:56,161
[phil] no, I watch some shows.
104
00:04:56,263 --> 00:04:57,162
Yeah, bugs.
105
00:04:57,231 --> 00:04:59,197
Yeah, the 24-hour
bug news network.
106
00:04:59,199 --> 00:05:00,299
-Is that real?
-[josh] no.
107
00:05:00,301 --> 00:05:01,833
-'cause I would watch that.
-I know you would!
108
00:05:01,902 --> 00:05:04,636
Listen, with the ozark howler,
I kind of love the story
109
00:05:04,705 --> 00:05:07,506
Because there's clearly
a lot of eyewitnesses,
110
00:05:07,508 --> 00:05:09,041
And we have this recording.
111
00:05:09,109 --> 00:05:12,811
So if we figure out
what known animal
made that noise,
112
00:05:12,813 --> 00:05:14,245
We solve the case.
113
00:05:14,247 --> 00:05:16,448
And in this area,
there are black bears,
there's mountain lions.
114
00:05:16,550 --> 00:05:18,617
A lot of large predators.
115
00:05:18,619 --> 00:05:22,054
And any big animal's gonna
leave behind some
biological evidence.
116
00:05:22,056 --> 00:05:25,924
So I wanna get out there,
look for dna, for hairs,
for scat.
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00:05:25,926 --> 00:05:27,492
I mean,
my only issue with this
118
00:05:27,494 --> 00:05:31,596
Is that none
of the descriptions match
anything that's out there.
119
00:05:31,598 --> 00:05:34,199
But if you run across
a black bear in the middle
of the night,
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00:05:34,201 --> 00:05:36,702
That's enough to scare
the scat out of anyone.
121
00:05:36,704 --> 00:05:38,136
That's pretty good.
122
00:05:38,205 --> 00:05:40,038
However, black bears
don't have horns.
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00:05:40,040 --> 00:05:41,440
Yeah, and they don't howl.
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00:05:41,541 --> 00:05:42,941
I'll admit
I'm a little baffled,
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00:05:42,943 --> 00:05:45,310
But that's why I think
we should try to get
our own recording
126
00:05:45,312 --> 00:05:47,312
And try to find
some physical evidence
out there.
127
00:05:47,314 --> 00:05:48,413
So that's your mission?
128
00:05:48,415 --> 00:05:50,048
I've connected
with the witnesses
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00:05:50,117 --> 00:05:51,316
That recorded this audio.
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00:05:51,318 --> 00:05:52,718
I want you to go meat them.
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00:05:52,720 --> 00:05:54,720
Go to the place
where they heard this.
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00:05:54,722 --> 00:05:55,954
See if you can hear
the same thing.
133
00:05:56,022 --> 00:05:58,924
See if you can find
that elusive
physical evidence.
134
00:05:58,926 --> 00:06:01,626
Is this
a mis-identified animal?
135
00:06:01,628 --> 00:06:03,762
Or is this ozark
mystery beast?
136
00:06:03,831 --> 00:06:05,564
-Mystery beast.
-Mis-identification.
137
00:06:05,632 --> 00:06:08,233
Oh, boy. Good luck, guys.
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00:06:11,505 --> 00:06:14,206
[josh] phil and jess fly
just over a 1,000 miles
139
00:06:14,208 --> 00:06:16,908
From new york city
to springfield, missouri
140
00:06:16,910 --> 00:06:20,512
And then drive straight
into the heart
of ozark country.
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00:06:24,118 --> 00:06:25,850
Wow, that's pretty.
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00:06:25,852 --> 00:06:30,055
[josh] the cliffs, rivers,
and remote forests
of this land lost in time
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00:06:30,057 --> 00:06:32,491
Hide rare
and unusual wildlife,
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00:06:32,493 --> 00:06:35,060
Like a giant
nocturnal salamander,
145
00:06:35,162 --> 00:06:37,362
Known as
the ozark hell bender,
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00:06:37,464 --> 00:06:43,301
And a blind subterranean fis
that lives deep in caves
and dines on bat guano.
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00:06:43,303 --> 00:06:45,270
It's enough to make you wond
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00:06:45,272 --> 00:06:47,339
What else could be hiding
out here.
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00:06:48,942 --> 00:06:52,144
Wonder why they call missouri
the show-me state.
150
00:06:52,245 --> 00:06:55,714
No idea, but I hope it shows
me the ozark howler.
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00:06:55,716 --> 00:06:58,216
[chuckles] that's
such a stupid joke.
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00:06:58,218 --> 00:07:00,752
-[jess laughs]
-it's what I'm here for, jess.
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00:07:00,821 --> 00:07:02,053
Stupid jokes.
154
00:07:03,657 --> 00:07:04,990
But they also it
the cave state.
155
00:07:04,992 --> 00:07:09,795
Well, they know that's where
the ozark howler is hiding.
156
00:07:09,797 --> 00:07:11,730
[josh] I've arranged
for phil and jess to meet
157
00:07:11,732 --> 00:07:14,900
With the witnesses
who recorded
those eerie howls.
158
00:07:14,902 --> 00:07:18,937
They say they captured
more strange sounds
just a few nights ago.
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00:07:19,006 --> 00:07:21,072
[sharon robinson]
welcome to the hot ozarks.
160
00:07:21,074 --> 00:07:23,842
[josh] steve robinson
is a former navy seal,
161
00:07:23,911 --> 00:07:26,945
And his wife sharon
was a professional
animal trainer.
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00:07:27,014 --> 00:07:31,149
They have lived at the edge
of the ozark forest
for over 20 years.
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00:07:31,251 --> 00:07:33,752
We gotta hear this thing.
What recording do you have?
164
00:07:33,821 --> 00:07:35,053
[steve robinson] got him
in a rainstorm.
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00:07:35,122 --> 00:07:36,154
Let me see here.
166
00:07:41,028 --> 00:07:42,427
[animal howling]
167
00:07:48,602 --> 00:07:50,235
[phil] you can hear it
over the rain?
168
00:07:50,337 --> 00:07:52,804
-[jess] yeah.
-That tells you
that must've been loud.
169
00:07:52,806 --> 00:07:53,905
Let me try the other one.
170
00:07:57,044 --> 00:07:58,043
[animal howling]
171
00:08:01,048 --> 00:08:02,714
Oh, my gosh.
172
00:08:02,716 --> 00:08:04,850
This went on for 45 minutes.
173
00:08:04,918 --> 00:08:07,419
That's scary sounding.
174
00:08:07,421 --> 00:08:09,521
-Yeah, he was-- yeah.
-Well, I stood there
with a shotgun.
175
00:08:09,523 --> 00:08:11,556
-[jess] yeah!
-That does not sound
like a happy animal.
176
00:08:11,658 --> 00:08:12,690
[sharon] he was not.
177
00:08:12,692 --> 00:08:14,693
So I have to ask.
You guys live near the woods.
178
00:08:14,695 --> 00:08:16,361
You must hear all sorts
of wild animals calling.
179
00:08:16,463 --> 00:08:17,195
-[steve] oh, yeah, yeah.
-[sharon] and that's
the thing.
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00:08:17,197 --> 00:08:18,697
You hear coyote packs running
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00:08:18,699 --> 00:08:21,099
-And [imitating a coyote]
and running or howling.
-[phil] sure.
182
00:08:21,101 --> 00:08:23,902
-You hear of the neighborhood
dogs and foxes.
-[jess] yeah.
183
00:08:23,904 --> 00:08:25,103
So odd sounds.
184
00:08:25,105 --> 00:08:26,738
-[sharon] so all
of those things...
-Oh, yeah.
185
00:08:26,773 --> 00:08:29,841
-...That are natural we hear
over and over again.
-[jess] yeah.
186
00:08:29,943 --> 00:08:31,376
-You know,
nighttime, daytime. Nothing.
-[steve] and this does not.
187
00:08:31,378 --> 00:08:33,345
-[steve] it's not something
we can identify.
-[sharon] yeah.
188
00:08:33,446 --> 00:08:34,713
[phil] you know,
I can't either.
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00:08:34,715 --> 00:08:37,148
[jess] steve gives us
a copy of his audio files
190
00:08:37,217 --> 00:08:38,850
So we can have
the sounds analyzed.
191
00:08:38,919 --> 00:08:41,052
-Awesome!
I'll take care of this.
-Yep.
192
00:08:41,154 --> 00:08:43,889
[jess] then they share
a suggestion for where
to look next.
193
00:08:43,891 --> 00:08:45,423
Prey animals need water.
194
00:08:45,425 --> 00:08:47,259
If this thing is hunting
prey animals,
195
00:08:47,327 --> 00:08:48,727
It's gonna be near water.
196
00:08:48,729 --> 00:08:49,828
-Okay.
-Perfect.
197
00:08:49,830 --> 00:08:51,463
[phil] I like your logic.
198
00:08:52,733 --> 00:08:55,634
[jess] steve and sharon
claim the howling happens
only after dark.
199
00:08:57,104 --> 00:08:58,469
It's getting close to sunset
200
00:08:58,471 --> 00:09:01,206
So we head out
to a remote area
along the water.
201
00:09:04,912 --> 00:09:05,810
[jess] all right, you ready?
202
00:09:05,812 --> 00:09:07,512
[phil] yeah,
let's get out there.
203
00:09:16,390 --> 00:09:18,056
[phil] this will take
us deeper, more remote
204
00:09:28,702 --> 00:09:31,303
[jess] I mean,
there's just nothing
around here.
205
00:09:33,240 --> 00:09:36,207
Trees as far as
the eye can see.
206
00:09:50,257 --> 00:09:53,658
[phil] I'm not sure
what animal made those sound
steve and sharon recorded,
207
00:09:53,727 --> 00:09:58,163
But I still think
that most eye witnesses
in a moment of intense fear
208
00:09:58,231 --> 00:10:01,099
Simply mis-identified
a black bear in the distance
209
00:10:01,101 --> 00:10:02,601
Before it gets dark,
210
00:10:02,603 --> 00:10:05,403
I want to look for hair,
prints, scat,
211
00:10:05,405 --> 00:10:07,105
Anything that backs up
my theory.
212
00:10:11,545 --> 00:10:13,745
[jess] see any tracks
or anything like that?
213
00:10:13,814 --> 00:10:16,047
[phil] I'm gonna check
this out, jess.
214
00:10:16,049 --> 00:10:17,282
That's a cave!
215
00:10:18,852 --> 00:10:21,620
Many animals, including bear
and mountain lions,
216
00:10:21,622 --> 00:10:23,822
Will seek shelter
from the elements
217
00:10:23,824 --> 00:10:27,225
Or a place to hide their you
from predators or humans.
218
00:10:29,029 --> 00:10:32,397
Any animal living here
would leave some
physical evidence behind,
219
00:10:32,399 --> 00:10:35,834
Like hair, paw prints,
or bones from its prey.
220
00:10:35,935 --> 00:10:39,938
And of course, jess is hopin
to find some howler dna
in here.
221
00:10:39,940 --> 00:10:41,406
Look at that.
222
00:10:41,408 --> 00:10:42,640
Oh, yeah, you could see
223
00:10:42,642 --> 00:10:44,509
Where it's, like,
the water starting
to eat away at it.
224
00:10:44,511 --> 00:10:46,678
[phil] oh, yeah.
225
00:10:46,680 --> 00:10:50,315
Well, I'm not seeing
any signs right now
that this thing is inhabited.
226
00:10:50,317 --> 00:10:52,217
What's that smell though?
227
00:10:52,219 --> 00:10:53,818
-[phil] you smell it?
-I mean, it just stinks.
228
00:10:53,820 --> 00:10:54,919
I don't know
what I'm smelling.
229
00:10:54,921 --> 00:10:57,455
[phil] smells kind of
like urine.
230
00:10:57,557 --> 00:10:59,357
There are different types
of animal pee.
231
00:10:59,459 --> 00:11:02,127
Some is just
to, you know,
process urine,
232
00:11:02,129 --> 00:11:06,498
But others is more musky
that would mark its territory,
maybe mark this cave.
233
00:11:06,500 --> 00:11:07,665
-Yeah.
-[whispers] here, come feel.
234
00:11:09,503 --> 00:11:11,403
[jess] for decades,
witnesses have reported
235
00:11:11,405 --> 00:11:13,838
Seeing and hearing
the howler at night.
236
00:11:13,907 --> 00:11:16,307
So our senses
are now on high alert.
237
00:11:19,279 --> 00:11:20,745
[phil] check this out, jess.
238
00:11:21,948 --> 00:11:24,516
These are the native
black cap raspberries here,
239
00:11:24,518 --> 00:11:25,817
Also known as bear food.
240
00:11:28,255 --> 00:11:29,921
[phil] bears are omnivores,
241
00:11:29,923 --> 00:11:33,725
Meaning that they eat meat,
and also plants, roots,
and fruit.
242
00:11:34,461 --> 00:11:35,894
Bears do have a sweet tooth
243
00:11:35,896 --> 00:11:39,130
So where there are berries,
good chance there are bears
244
00:11:41,401 --> 00:11:43,134
[phil] holy [beep]!
245
00:11:48,642 --> 00:11:49,941
[phil] oh, my god.
246
00:11:52,145 --> 00:11:54,245
Holy [beep]!
247
00:11:54,314 --> 00:11:56,448
I see a big pad there.
248
00:11:56,549 --> 00:11:58,216
-[jess] oh, what is that?
-[phil] it's hard to tell.
249
00:11:58,218 --> 00:11:59,417
[phil] this is not
a bear track.
250
00:11:59,419 --> 00:12:01,820
They have five toes, not fou
251
00:12:01,822 --> 00:12:04,622
And they have strong nails
at the tip of each toe,
252
00:12:04,624 --> 00:12:07,358
Useful for fighting
or foraging.
253
00:12:07,394 --> 00:12:10,361
So we might see claw marks
here if it was a bear.
254
00:12:10,463 --> 00:12:13,198
If it was a wolf track,
we'd also see claw in prints
255
00:12:13,200 --> 00:12:15,600
But I'm not making out
any here.
256
00:12:15,602 --> 00:12:18,403
I don't see claw marks there.
257
00:12:18,405 --> 00:12:22,040
So there's a chance [whispers]
that could be a big cat print.
258
00:12:22,109 --> 00:12:27,045
Retractable claws are a trai
that is almost exclusive
to felines.
259
00:12:27,147 --> 00:12:31,049
While bobcats are known
to roam these forests,
mountain lions seldom do.
260
00:12:31,051 --> 00:12:34,018
Once plentiful here,
they were pushed out
by humans
261
00:12:34,020 --> 00:12:35,920
And now
are just rare visitors.
262
00:12:35,922 --> 00:12:38,656
And I'm not aware
of any breeding
populations here.
263
00:12:38,758 --> 00:12:41,559
-So I'm gonna try to get
the 3d scan of them.
-Okay.
264
00:12:43,463 --> 00:12:47,198
[phil] I'll need a better vi
in order to identify
what animal left this print
265
00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:50,034
I'll make an impression of I
with lidar scan.
266
00:12:50,103 --> 00:12:53,304
Lidar means
light detection and ranging
267
00:12:53,306 --> 00:12:55,039
Okay.
268
00:12:55,041 --> 00:12:58,543
A pulse laser scans a surfac
and creates a detailed
3d rendering.
269
00:12:58,645 --> 00:13:00,444
[jess] oh, that's pretty goo
270
00:13:00,446 --> 00:13:03,014
[phil] I can compare
those images to known print
from different species.
271
00:13:03,950 --> 00:13:04,749
That's really cool.
272
00:13:04,785 --> 00:13:06,317
[phil] let's keep going.
273
00:13:08,655 --> 00:13:10,955
The track seemed
to head in this direction.
274
00:13:10,957 --> 00:13:12,357
[jess] all right,
let's put the camera traps up.
275
00:13:12,425 --> 00:13:13,424
Okay.
276
00:13:15,328 --> 00:13:16,594
I'll hit the far end
of the spring.
277
00:13:16,596 --> 00:13:18,930
-You run and go closer
to along creek bed.
-Okay.
278
00:13:22,602 --> 00:13:24,636
[jess] we spread out
over a half-mile wide area
279
00:13:24,704 --> 00:13:27,038
And set up
the motion activated cameras
280
00:13:28,041 --> 00:13:29,407
[phil] oh, boy.
281
00:13:29,409 --> 00:13:31,142
[jess] or at least, I do.
282
00:13:31,211 --> 00:13:33,011
Phil's easily distracted.
283
00:13:34,014 --> 00:13:35,613
That's a big spider.
284
00:13:35,615 --> 00:13:37,415
And for scale,
that thing is big.
285
00:13:38,952 --> 00:13:39,951
Whoo.
286
00:13:41,221 --> 00:13:42,821
I love these woods.
287
00:13:44,724 --> 00:13:47,258
Let's set up the camera trap.
288
00:13:55,402 --> 00:13:57,735
Pointing right
at that game trail.
289
00:13:57,804 --> 00:13:59,504
See that right up there.
290
00:14:05,111 --> 00:14:08,246
Anything would cross
right here actually.
291
00:14:08,315 --> 00:14:10,415
Let me check
if there's any hair on this.
292
00:14:13,320 --> 00:14:14,252
Holy [beep].
293
00:14:15,322 --> 00:14:16,321
Look at that.
294
00:14:16,323 --> 00:14:17,822
We got hair.
295
00:14:17,824 --> 00:14:20,959
And it even has the root
of the hair on it,
296
00:14:21,027 --> 00:14:23,061
Which means good chance
we can get dna out of it.
297
00:14:25,532 --> 00:14:26,431
Two of these.
298
00:14:28,201 --> 00:14:31,202
Okay, we got hair.
299
00:14:34,140 --> 00:14:37,141
Looking at that,
it definitely doesn't look
like deer.
300
00:14:39,579 --> 00:14:41,512
Way too thick, way too dark.
301
00:14:42,449 --> 00:14:44,215
Oh, man, this could be a bear.
302
00:14:45,318 --> 00:14:47,218
Or it could be the howler.
303
00:14:47,220 --> 00:14:48,219
It's probably bear.
304
00:14:50,624 --> 00:14:51,556
Amazing.
305
00:14:54,661 --> 00:14:56,261
I won't have
a definitive answer
306
00:14:56,362 --> 00:14:58,429
Until I have it analyzed
at a lab.
307
00:14:58,431 --> 00:15:00,765
So for now, jess and I have
something planned
308
00:15:00,833 --> 00:15:03,101
That may bring
whatever animal left this ha
309
00:15:03,103 --> 00:15:06,204
Running back toward us
along this trail.
310
00:15:06,206 --> 00:15:08,339
[jess] I set up
my camera trap
right down there,
311
00:15:08,408 --> 00:15:09,307
Closer to the prints.
312
00:15:09,309 --> 00:15:11,409
Why don't we set up
around here
313
00:15:11,411 --> 00:15:12,810
And do our calls from here
and see what we can get.
314
00:15:12,812 --> 00:15:14,612
-[phil] okay.
-Maybe we can
lure something in.
315
00:15:16,082 --> 00:15:18,917
[jess] no one can identify
the creature making
the eerie howls
316
00:15:18,919 --> 00:15:21,052
That witnesses
have heard and recorded.
317
00:15:23,623 --> 00:15:27,825
Maybe if we amplify
its unique cry out
into the forest...
318
00:15:27,827 --> 00:15:30,662
...The howls will attract
more of its kind.
319
00:15:30,763 --> 00:15:32,964
Whatever that is.
320
00:15:32,966 --> 00:15:35,199
We can use this limestone
to our advantage too.
321
00:15:36,202 --> 00:15:38,536
Just blast sounds
out this way.
322
00:15:38,638 --> 00:15:40,405
-Mmm-hmm.
-And it'll echo off here
323
00:15:40,407 --> 00:15:42,540
And just really resonate
through this part
of the forest
324
00:15:42,642 --> 00:15:46,110
And will also help us
basically retrieve
any sounds back
325
00:15:46,112 --> 00:15:49,180
-If anything calls back to us.
-Okay.
326
00:15:49,182 --> 00:15:53,151
[phil] many large animals
like wolves, coyotes,
and even some big cats
327
00:15:53,219 --> 00:15:57,956
Communicate with each other
over long distances
by howling or roaring.
328
00:15:59,526 --> 00:16:01,960
Animals do this to identify
their location
329
00:16:02,028 --> 00:16:03,328
For their pack or pride,
330
00:16:03,330 --> 00:16:05,096
To find a mate,
331
00:16:05,098 --> 00:16:08,700
Or as a warning
to others to stay out
of their territory.
332
00:16:11,705 --> 00:16:14,939
Let's hope the message
we're about to send out
is friendly.
333
00:16:20,113 --> 00:16:21,746
I'm gonna play
the howler noise.
334
00:16:21,781 --> 00:16:23,247
Got it ready.
335
00:16:24,751 --> 00:16:27,852
[jess] I break out the flir
to detect any heat signature
336
00:16:29,055 --> 00:16:32,256
Now, we have eyes and ears
ready for any responses.
337
00:16:32,325 --> 00:16:34,425
[phil] now, the noise.
338
00:16:34,427 --> 00:16:35,727
Shh.
339
00:16:43,003 --> 00:16:44,201
I thought I heard something,
340
00:16:44,203 --> 00:16:46,104
But I think it might just be
the water from the spring.
341
00:16:47,107 --> 00:16:49,040
Okay, the howler noise.
342
00:16:49,142 --> 00:16:51,409
-Okay, ready?
-Yeah, I'm ready.
343
00:16:51,411 --> 00:16:52,944
[animal howling over recorder]
344
00:17:26,513 --> 00:17:28,946
It is dead silent out there.
345
00:17:29,048 --> 00:17:30,481
[jess] I'm
not getting anything.
346
00:17:30,483 --> 00:17:31,448
Zero.
347
00:17:31,518 --> 00:17:33,051
Well, hey, he sent you
two files, right?
348
00:17:33,152 --> 00:17:34,419
So why don't we just play
the second one
349
00:17:34,421 --> 00:17:36,020
-And see if we get lucky.
-Okay.
350
00:17:37,957 --> 00:17:39,824
[animal howling over recorder]
351
00:17:51,538 --> 00:17:53,704
Was that an echo? I thought
I heard it immediately--
352
00:17:53,706 --> 00:17:54,739
-[animal growls]
-[gasps]
353
00:17:54,808 --> 00:17:56,140
Right there, right there.
354
00:17:56,242 --> 00:17:58,609
I did hear it.
It was over here to the left.
355
00:18:03,049 --> 00:18:04,849
[phil] why don't we use
the parabolic mic.
356
00:18:04,951 --> 00:18:07,418
If we can isolate that audio
357
00:18:07,420 --> 00:18:08,853
-And compare it to this...
-Mmm-hmm.
358
00:18:08,955 --> 00:18:10,254
...We'll see if it's a match.
359
00:18:10,323 --> 00:18:11,722
-Okay, go grab the mic.
-Yeah.
360
00:18:14,060 --> 00:18:16,227
[phil] parabolic microphone
have a reflector
361
00:18:16,229 --> 00:18:17,762
That concentrates soundwaves
362
00:18:17,864 --> 00:18:19,430
-Look at that guy.
-Yeah.
363
00:18:19,432 --> 00:18:21,732
[phil] the device amplifies
distant noises
364
00:18:21,801 --> 00:18:23,601
And helps us track
their direction.
365
00:18:23,603 --> 00:18:24,702
[jess] okay.
366
00:18:26,940 --> 00:18:28,005
I can play it one more time.
367
00:18:30,043 --> 00:18:31,609
[animal howling over recorder]
368
00:18:51,064 --> 00:18:52,063
We had it.
369
00:18:53,333 --> 00:18:55,700
We absolutely had something
call back to us.
370
00:18:55,702 --> 00:18:57,235
Maybe the 360 might got it
371
00:18:57,303 --> 00:18:58,503
'cause it is running
right now.
372
00:18:58,505 --> 00:18:59,303
Better have.
373
00:18:59,305 --> 00:19:01,405
-But I gotta say--
-shh.
374
00:19:31,838 --> 00:19:33,404
[phil] something's moving
toward us.
375
00:19:35,041 --> 00:19:36,207
[jess] play it
one more time just to see
376
00:19:36,209 --> 00:19:37,708
If it's coming over here.
Maybe it's getting closer.
377
00:19:39,712 --> 00:19:42,213
I'm gonna play a clip and then
pause it immediately after.
378
00:19:42,215 --> 00:19:43,214
-[jess] okay.
-Ready?
379
00:19:43,216 --> 00:19:44,015
[jess] yeah.
380
00:19:44,017 --> 00:19:45,550
[howl recording plays]
381
00:19:50,857 --> 00:19:52,523
[howl recording plays]
382
00:19:55,728 --> 00:19:57,929
[jess] I'm not
hearing it anymore.
383
00:19:57,931 --> 00:19:59,430
[phil] maybe it
caught our scent?
384
00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:03,501
If that is what people
call the howler here,
385
00:20:03,503 --> 00:20:04,802
We got it on tape.
386
00:20:04,804 --> 00:20:06,670
Oh, yeah.
387
00:20:09,175 --> 00:20:13,711
[phil] I still can't
identify what animal it is
from the howls we captured.
388
00:20:13,713 --> 00:20:17,315
So, the next morning,
we connect with josh
to figure out our next steps
389
00:20:18,051 --> 00:20:19,717
-Hi.
-Hey, josh.
390
00:20:19,719 --> 00:20:22,520
Hey, how are you? Have you
found the, uh, ozark howler?
391
00:20:22,522 --> 00:20:24,121
Daniel boone and I
are dying to know.
392
00:20:24,123 --> 00:20:25,556
[jess] well, we definitely
found something.
393
00:20:25,625 --> 00:20:29,260
We played howler noises
out into the woods last night
394
00:20:29,362 --> 00:20:32,063
And we actually got
a real-time response.
395
00:20:32,164 --> 00:20:33,497
Yeah, josh,
take a listen to this.
396
00:20:33,499 --> 00:20:35,633
I'm gonna play you
what steve gave us
397
00:20:35,735 --> 00:20:37,435
That he's been hearing
around his property.
398
00:20:37,503 --> 00:20:39,136
[howling on recording]
399
00:20:42,208 --> 00:20:44,242
And this is
what we heard back.
400
00:20:45,411 --> 00:20:48,112
[howling on recording]
401
00:20:48,114 --> 00:20:49,513
That is insane.
402
00:20:49,515 --> 00:20:51,281
You got that as a response?
403
00:20:51,283 --> 00:20:54,518
Yeah, it happened
immediately after we
played out steve's recording
404
00:20:54,520 --> 00:20:55,553
Wow. Play it again?
405
00:20:56,322 --> 00:20:58,522
[howling on recording]
406
00:20:58,524 --> 00:21:00,057
[jess] that is not
the sound of a bear.
407
00:21:00,159 --> 00:21:01,359
No, it is not.
408
00:21:01,427 --> 00:21:02,760
Phil, what do you think it is?
409
00:21:03,229 --> 00:21:05,062
It's a howler.
410
00:21:05,064 --> 00:21:09,233
I'll be honest, I'm starting
to lean a little bit more
away from this bear theory.
411
00:21:09,302 --> 00:21:11,202
I'm just not sure
where I'm leaning towards.
412
00:21:11,204 --> 00:21:13,938
We did find some large
animal tracks last night
413
00:21:14,040 --> 00:21:15,006
That we were able to scan.
414
00:21:15,008 --> 00:21:16,807
And I collected a hair sampl
415
00:21:16,809 --> 00:21:19,210
[josh] send all of it my way
we will get it analyzed.
416
00:21:19,212 --> 00:21:20,611
In the meantime,
417
00:21:20,613 --> 00:21:23,714
Word of your investigation I
traveling fast in the ozarks
418
00:21:23,716 --> 00:21:26,050
I just got an email
from a woman and her son
419
00:21:26,052 --> 00:21:28,919
Who say they actually have
a photo of the howler
420
00:21:28,921 --> 00:21:30,421
That they want
to show you in person.
421
00:21:30,423 --> 00:21:32,089
[jess] oh, wow.
I can't wait to see that.
422
00:21:32,091 --> 00:21:34,959
Perfect. Yeah, text us
the address and we'll
head there now.
423
00:21:35,028 --> 00:21:37,028
Good luck, you guys.
Stay safe.
424
00:21:37,030 --> 00:21:38,229
-Awesome, bye.
-You got it.
425
00:21:38,231 --> 00:21:40,965
[jess] a photograph is huge
426
00:21:41,033 --> 00:21:42,933
People in the ozarks
have reported seeing
427
00:21:43,035 --> 00:21:45,503
An unknown beast
for more than a century.
428
00:21:45,505 --> 00:21:48,706
But this could be the first
photographic evidence of it
429
00:21:51,311 --> 00:21:54,211
Phil and I drive half an hou
to highlandville missouri,
430
00:21:54,213 --> 00:21:56,213
A small town nestled
in the ozarks
431
00:21:56,215 --> 00:21:59,617
With a population of only
about 1,000 people.
432
00:21:59,619 --> 00:22:02,153
Josh has connected us
with stephanie wigger,
433
00:22:02,254 --> 00:22:03,821
And her son, kendall nakato
434
00:22:03,823 --> 00:22:06,023
You have pigs back here?
435
00:22:06,025 --> 00:22:07,325
[wigger] just these four guys.
436
00:22:07,327 --> 00:22:10,127
Stephanie has lived in
the area for over 25 years.
437
00:22:10,129 --> 00:22:12,530
And raises livestock
on her farm.
438
00:22:12,532 --> 00:22:14,198
So you guys have
a lot of property out here?
439
00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:15,333
[wigger] 55 acers.
440
00:22:15,335 --> 00:22:17,034
[jess] her son kendall
is a college student
441
00:22:17,103 --> 00:22:20,137
Pursuing a degree related
to wildlife and agriculture
442
00:22:20,239 --> 00:22:22,807
Well, just right around where
we're standing I've seen
443
00:22:22,809 --> 00:22:26,410
Wild boars and coyotes
as well as other wildlife.
444
00:22:26,412 --> 00:22:28,212
So we're interested
in that "other wildlife."
445
00:22:28,214 --> 00:22:30,314
[jess] so you believe
you've seen the ozark howler?
446
00:22:30,316 --> 00:22:34,352
Yeah. The first time
I saw it was just about
five months ago.
447
00:22:34,420 --> 00:22:36,654
When you come up the driveway,
it was in that tree.
448
00:22:38,224 --> 00:22:40,491
-[phil] really?
-[wigger] yeah.
449
00:22:40,493 --> 00:22:41,926
When I turned around
and looked back,
450
00:22:41,928 --> 00:22:44,762
I saw it come down
the tree and go around
the side of the barn.
451
00:22:44,831 --> 00:22:47,298
[phil] an animal in a tree
is a big clue.
452
00:22:47,300 --> 00:22:49,500
Canines are lousy
tree climbers,
453
00:22:49,502 --> 00:22:54,038
So whatever stephanie saw
wouldn't have been
a coyote or a wolf.
454
00:22:54,040 --> 00:22:55,606
[kendall] I didn't
believe her at first.
455
00:22:55,608 --> 00:22:57,975
And had just thought
she must have seen, you know,
456
00:22:57,977 --> 00:23:00,511
The normal black bear
or something in the tree.
457
00:23:00,513 --> 00:23:03,814
Until I was driving
to the gym less than
a quarter mile from here.
458
00:23:07,920 --> 00:23:11,522
And I saw something large,
black, with brown rings.
459
00:23:11,524 --> 00:23:14,959
And it was very skinny
like it was emaciated, almos
460
00:23:17,130 --> 00:23:18,295
[phil] how big
are we talking about?
461
00:23:18,297 --> 00:23:19,463
150 pounds.
462
00:23:19,532 --> 00:23:20,998
[jess] oh, my gosh.
463
00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:23,601
I'm just wondering why
it wouldn't come after
one of your hogs out here.
464
00:23:23,603 --> 00:23:27,405
We have had livestock go up
missing and had some of them--
465
00:23:27,407 --> 00:23:28,939
-[phil] like what?
-[kendall] there was a time
466
00:23:28,941 --> 00:23:30,441
When our sheep
was actually attacked.
467
00:23:30,476 --> 00:23:32,810
My sheep was
on the ground, screaming.
468
00:23:32,812 --> 00:23:34,979
And it had a piece of it
eaten out of its side
469
00:23:34,981 --> 00:23:36,414
-While it was alive.
-[jess] oh, my gosh.
470
00:23:36,416 --> 00:23:37,814
And it was sitting
in the middle of the pen.
471
00:23:37,817 --> 00:23:40,217
Something had
jumped in there and pinned
it down and eaten it
472
00:23:40,219 --> 00:23:43,954
And jumped out of the pen when
it heard me run out the door.
473
00:23:43,956 --> 00:23:47,958
[jess] stephanie shows us
the photo of the predator
captured on a game camera.
474
00:23:48,060 --> 00:23:50,428
[wigger] that's from
one of the driveway cams.
475
00:23:54,033 --> 00:23:57,835
[jess] that does look
really suspicious.
476
00:23:57,937 --> 00:23:59,904
I mean, the body
looks like a big cat,
477
00:23:59,906 --> 00:24:01,739
But I can't see the head.
478
00:24:01,841 --> 00:24:03,541
So, that doesn't
rule out the howler.
479
00:24:04,410 --> 00:24:07,011
The only big cat
that should be out here
480
00:24:07,013 --> 00:24:08,813
Would be a cougar
or a mountain lion.
481
00:24:08,815 --> 00:24:12,817
And I've never heard of
a black mountain lion
or one with ring markings.
482
00:24:12,819 --> 00:24:16,520
[josh] there are no
black big cats native
to the united states.
483
00:24:16,522 --> 00:24:19,056
But what about
escaped exotic pets?
484
00:24:19,926 --> 00:24:21,325
It is estimated that there a
485
00:24:21,327 --> 00:24:25,463
As many as 10,000 privately
owned big cats in the us.
486
00:24:25,564 --> 00:24:28,065
More tigers are kept
in private collections
487
00:24:28,133 --> 00:24:31,302
Then there are in accredite
zoos or in the wild.
488
00:24:32,405 --> 00:24:35,339
Ownership of these animals
is a serious issue.
489
00:24:35,441 --> 00:24:37,441
Brought into the spotlight
by media attention
490
00:24:37,510 --> 00:24:41,612
On a controversial breeder
of tigers and other big cats
491
00:24:41,614 --> 00:24:44,315
...Real name is joseph
maldonado-passage
492
00:24:44,317 --> 00:24:46,650
And everybody knows me
as joe exotic.
493
00:24:47,720 --> 00:24:50,821
We are a zoo
open to the public
494
00:24:50,823 --> 00:24:52,423
That takes unwanted animals.
495
00:24:52,425 --> 00:24:54,058
It's a circus, let me tell ya.
496
00:24:55,228 --> 00:24:57,328
[josh] there's also
a booming black market.
497
00:24:57,330 --> 00:24:59,129
And since it's off the radar
498
00:24:59,131 --> 00:25:02,700
No one is monitoring
the safety of the situation
499
00:25:02,702 --> 00:25:06,003
Every year, some big cats
escape captivity,
500
00:25:06,005 --> 00:25:08,806
Making headlines
across the nation.
501
00:25:08,808 --> 00:25:11,609
And those are just the ones
that are reported.
502
00:25:11,611 --> 00:25:13,277
What about sounds?
Have you guys noticed
503
00:25:13,279 --> 00:25:15,045
Any strange sounds coming
from this thing? Or at night?
504
00:25:15,047 --> 00:25:16,113
-[wigger] yeah.
-[kendall] definitely.
505
00:25:16,115 --> 00:25:19,016
Howls, screams,
guttural sounds.
506
00:25:19,018 --> 00:25:20,818
A little after dusk and stuff.
507
00:25:20,820 --> 00:25:23,420
You know, like, it makes
the hair on my arms stand up.
508
00:25:23,422 --> 00:25:25,356
Okay, well, crazy.
509
00:25:25,424 --> 00:25:28,225
I feel like we are in
ground zero for something
510
00:25:28,227 --> 00:25:30,160
Very big and wild out there.
511
00:25:30,229 --> 00:25:33,931
Would you mind if we
try to kinda take on
your property tonight?
512
00:25:33,933 --> 00:25:35,733
-Maybe we could set up
some trail cams--
-yeah.
513
00:25:35,801 --> 00:25:38,702
...And things like that to try
to document what you guys
have been seeing?
514
00:25:38,704 --> 00:25:40,237
-Sure, go ahead.
-[kendall] yeah.
515
00:25:40,339 --> 00:25:41,338
[jess] perfect. Thanks guys.
516
00:25:44,210 --> 00:25:45,542
Whoo-hoo.
517
00:25:50,016 --> 00:25:52,716
We head out into the forest
on stephanie's property
518
00:25:52,718 --> 00:25:54,251
Just before nightfall.
519
00:25:58,724 --> 00:26:01,325
[phil] big cats are mostly
nocturnal hunters.
520
00:26:01,327 --> 00:26:02,726
We're going to set up camera
521
00:26:02,728 --> 00:26:06,263
Designed to capture full col
images in low light
522
00:26:06,332 --> 00:26:09,300
So there will be no questio
what creature we're seeing.
523
00:26:09,302 --> 00:26:11,835
I definitely think
we should set up some
game traps along here.
524
00:26:11,937 --> 00:26:13,504
'cause not only does that
give us a chance
525
00:26:13,506 --> 00:26:15,606
Of getting a photograph of
whatever she's talking about,
526
00:26:15,608 --> 00:26:17,408
But also what it's
eating out here.
527
00:26:17,410 --> 00:26:19,009
Let's go a little bit deeper.
528
00:26:19,011 --> 00:26:20,778
[jess] yeah, I would agree.
529
00:26:25,051 --> 00:26:29,653
Phil wonders if people
are seeing either a wildcat
or an escaped big cat,
530
00:26:29,722 --> 00:26:32,723
But I don't believe 200 year
of ozark howler sightings
531
00:26:32,725 --> 00:26:36,160
Can be written off
as mere misidentifications.
532
00:26:36,261 --> 00:26:38,395
-This seems like
a good location, right?
-[phil] yeah.
533
00:26:38,397 --> 00:26:40,297
We're looking for game trial
534
00:26:40,299 --> 00:26:43,634
If what stephanie saw
running off in this directio
was a large cat,
535
00:26:43,736 --> 00:26:46,503
This trail would lead it
to water, shelter,
536
00:26:46,505 --> 00:26:50,007
And the food source that is
unfortunately, their barn.
537
00:26:50,009 --> 00:26:51,942
-Looks like the path
goes that way.
-[jess] yeah.
538
00:26:52,011 --> 00:26:52,843
[phil] goes that way.
539
00:26:53,446 --> 00:26:54,645
And that way.
540
00:26:54,714 --> 00:26:56,313
So, why don't we
set it up right there?
541
00:26:56,315 --> 00:26:57,348
[jess] yeah.
542
00:27:03,055 --> 00:27:04,154
Okay.
543
00:27:16,335 --> 00:27:17,901
[jess] wait, I thought
I just saw something.
544
00:27:17,903 --> 00:27:19,503
I thought I just saw
eyeshine over there.
545
00:27:22,942 --> 00:27:24,108
Oh, I just saw it too.
546
00:27:24,110 --> 00:27:25,409
-[jess] right? Yeah?
-I just saw it too.
547
00:27:25,411 --> 00:27:27,444
Definitely eyeshine.
It was right...
548
00:27:27,513 --> 00:27:28,746
All right, let's get close.
549
00:27:35,254 --> 00:27:37,354
-Oh, [bleep].
-[jess] what is it?
550
00:27:38,624 --> 00:27:39,657
[phil] oh, [bleep].
551
00:27:40,726 --> 00:27:41,558
What was that?
552
00:27:43,029 --> 00:27:44,061
Do we have bear spray?
553
00:27:50,803 --> 00:27:53,037
-[phil] oh, [bleep].
-[jess] what is it?
554
00:27:54,140 --> 00:27:55,305
[phil] oh, [bleep].
555
00:27:56,208 --> 00:27:57,207
What was that?
556
00:27:58,644 --> 00:27:59,810
Do we have bear spray?
557
00:27:59,812 --> 00:28:02,012
Yeah, I've got it.
558
00:28:02,014 --> 00:28:04,415
[jess] when the biologist
asks for bear spray,
559
00:28:04,417 --> 00:28:06,617
It's really time to worry.
560
00:28:07,253 --> 00:28:08,218
[phil] holy [bleep].
561
00:28:10,556 --> 00:28:11,855
Shh, shh, shh, shh.
562
00:28:27,807 --> 00:28:30,641
[phil] we're at a serious
disadvantage in these woods
563
00:28:30,743 --> 00:28:34,111
There are plenty of large an
dangerous animals out here,
564
00:28:34,113 --> 00:28:36,714
Including bears
and maybe mountain lions,
565
00:28:36,716 --> 00:28:40,017
Which have much better nigh
vision than we humans do.
566
00:28:43,522 --> 00:28:45,622
Bears tend to attack head on
567
00:28:45,624 --> 00:28:47,825
But large cats
are ambush predators,
568
00:28:47,827 --> 00:28:51,261
Striking from behind or abov
569
00:28:51,330 --> 00:28:54,565
Victims seldom know what
hits them until it's too lat
570
00:28:54,633 --> 00:28:57,801
And the large animal
stephanie spotted,
it was up in a tree.
571
00:28:57,803 --> 00:29:01,305
So while we scan
the forest floor for prints
scat, or other evidence,
572
00:29:01,307 --> 00:29:04,108
We need to remember
to look up as well.
573
00:29:06,312 --> 00:29:07,344
[distant howl]
574
00:29:07,446 --> 00:29:08,512
Wait, shh.
575
00:29:09,115 --> 00:29:10,447
[distant howl]
576
00:29:12,017 --> 00:29:13,150
That sounds like the howl.
577
00:29:18,124 --> 00:29:19,957
[jess] let's set up
that camera trap.
578
00:29:20,626 --> 00:29:21,625
[phil] yeah.
579
00:29:36,809 --> 00:29:40,110
So, check out what I got.
580
00:29:40,112 --> 00:29:42,112
Did you bring pot
out to the woods?
581
00:29:42,114 --> 00:29:43,914
-[laughing] it's not pot.
-What's you bring?
582
00:29:44,617 --> 00:29:45,616
Oh, is that...
583
00:29:45,618 --> 00:29:46,950
Did you bring catnip?
584
00:29:47,019 --> 00:29:49,720
-[phil] I brought catnip.
-[jess] no way.
585
00:29:49,722 --> 00:29:51,989
[phil] catnip is an herb
in the mint family.
586
00:29:51,991 --> 00:29:55,325
Cats role around in it,
releasing the oil
from the leaves.
587
00:29:55,327 --> 00:29:57,661
As they inhale it,
they essentially get a high
588
00:29:58,330 --> 00:29:59,262
You got a cat at home,
589
00:29:59,331 --> 00:30:00,731
What happens when
you put out catnip?
590
00:30:00,733 --> 00:30:04,434
They get all rub-y and weird
and real squirrely and...
591
00:30:04,503 --> 00:30:05,803
-Right?
-Yeah.
592
00:30:05,805 --> 00:30:07,604
The same thing
happens with big cats.
593
00:30:07,606 --> 00:30:09,306
-Really?
-And the rub-y part,
594
00:30:09,308 --> 00:30:10,607
That's what we
can take advantage of.
595
00:30:10,609 --> 00:30:11,842
We got some tape.
596
00:30:11,944 --> 00:30:14,444
So, what we're gonna do
is put the sticky side out--
597
00:30:14,513 --> 00:30:16,313
-Uh-huh.
-...And wrap it
around this tree.
598
00:30:16,315 --> 00:30:19,550
With the hopes that
if a cat does come by,
599
00:30:19,651 --> 00:30:22,019
We'll get a photo of it
and it'll leave us behind
600
00:30:22,021 --> 00:30:24,388
Some of its hairs
so we can analyze the dna
601
00:30:24,390 --> 00:30:25,956
And figure out
who this thing is.
602
00:30:25,958 --> 00:30:30,060
That is
a great "trap", per se.
603
00:30:30,129 --> 00:30:32,429
[phil] gotta give it
a good little spread.
604
00:30:32,431 --> 00:30:35,799
And now, what we need
is some tape.
605
00:30:38,204 --> 00:30:40,571
So, I think if we use
the foxpro
606
00:30:40,573 --> 00:30:43,707
And sent out some
animal-in-distress sound,
607
00:30:43,709 --> 00:30:47,010
Maybe there's a chance
it'll get curious enough
608
00:30:47,012 --> 00:30:48,745
To come take a look.
609
00:30:50,950 --> 00:30:53,116
[jess] the foxpro can
mimic the cries of animals
610
00:30:53,118 --> 00:30:55,352
And it features
some selections we suspect
611
00:30:55,454 --> 00:30:57,120
Are on the howler's
dinner menu.
612
00:30:58,958 --> 00:31:02,326
I'll have my flir cam
ready to detect
any incoming creatures.
613
00:31:02,328 --> 00:31:04,428
-We got some options here.
-[jess] uh-huh.
614
00:31:04,430 --> 00:31:07,064
One option is "lost sheep."
615
00:31:07,066 --> 00:31:08,131
Oh.
616
00:31:08,133 --> 00:31:10,133
It bit a giant chunk
out of one of their sheep.
617
00:31:10,235 --> 00:31:11,602
Mmm-hmm. Totally do it.
618
00:31:11,604 --> 00:31:13,136
-[phil] ready?
-[jess] uh-huh.
619
00:31:13,772 --> 00:31:16,106
[sheep bleating]
620
00:31:26,051 --> 00:31:28,051
I'm not picking anything up
on the flir.
621
00:31:28,053 --> 00:31:30,087
With no reaction
to the prey animal,
622
00:31:30,089 --> 00:31:33,657
We queue up the sound
that did seem to stir
something up last night.
623
00:31:33,759 --> 00:31:35,325
The howler recording.
624
00:31:35,327 --> 00:31:37,261
[howling on recording]
625
00:31:46,105 --> 00:31:47,237
[low distant growl]
626
00:31:47,339 --> 00:31:48,605
Shh. You hear that?
You hear that?
627
00:31:48,607 --> 00:31:49,706
Was that coyotes?
628
00:31:49,708 --> 00:31:50,607
[phil] I don't know.
629
00:31:55,414 --> 00:31:56,446
Hear the movement?
630
00:32:08,627 --> 00:32:11,094
[jess] that sound was
coming from over there.
631
00:32:11,096 --> 00:32:12,329
Let's head that way.
632
00:32:14,133 --> 00:32:15,832
-Ready?
-[phil] yeah.
633
00:32:21,707 --> 00:32:24,041
[jess loudly] holy [bleep].
Check this out.
634
00:32:26,145 --> 00:32:27,511
I mean,
that [bleep] fresh, too.
635
00:32:27,513 --> 00:32:28,712
[phil] that is so fresh.
636
00:32:28,714 --> 00:32:30,614
You can see it's dislocated
right out of there.
637
00:32:30,616 --> 00:32:31,815
This is something big.
638
00:32:31,817 --> 00:32:33,150
Like a deer or a hog.
639
00:32:33,251 --> 00:32:34,751
[jess] or a sheep.
640
00:32:34,753 --> 00:32:37,120
-[phil] also, look at the...
Look at where the flies are.
-[jess] yeah.
641
00:32:37,122 --> 00:32:39,056
[phil] spread all over
so this is really fresh.
642
00:32:41,627 --> 00:32:43,760
I want us to also look up
in the trees right now
643
00:32:43,829 --> 00:32:46,630
Because lots of times
when big cats hunt prey,
644
00:32:46,632 --> 00:32:48,732
They will drag them up.
645
00:32:48,801 --> 00:32:50,434
So this could have even
fallen from a tree branch.
646
00:32:53,505 --> 00:32:55,872
-Looking at this side...
-[jess] mmm-hmm?
647
00:32:55,874 --> 00:32:58,308
[phil] there's some scratch
marks that could be from teeth
648
00:32:58,310 --> 00:33:00,344
Which could have saliva
which could have dna.
649
00:33:00,412 --> 00:33:02,245
-Right.
-[phil] cool, swab here.
650
00:33:03,649 --> 00:33:06,950
Oh, yeah. Those are
definitely teeth marks.
651
00:33:06,952 --> 00:33:09,553
I mean, here's a thought
though, would a bear
have killed this?
652
00:33:09,621 --> 00:33:13,123
[phil] well, a bear
I could see coming back
for the rest of its food.
653
00:33:13,125 --> 00:33:15,959
A big cat, too. Lots of times
they drag piece by piece.
654
00:33:16,929 --> 00:33:18,094
[jess] I think we should go
655
00:33:18,130 --> 00:33:20,530
Because I'm not feeling
terribly safe right here.
656
00:33:21,900 --> 00:33:23,033
I got the bear spray.
657
00:33:25,104 --> 00:33:27,104
So we'll leave
the camera traps up tonight?
658
00:33:27,106 --> 00:33:28,205
[phil] oh, yeah.
659
00:33:28,207 --> 00:33:30,207
Between the catnip,
fresh berries,
660
00:33:30,209 --> 00:33:31,408
And that giant chunk of meat,
661
00:33:31,410 --> 00:33:33,276
There's gonna be
some activity.
662
00:33:33,278 --> 00:33:34,344
[jess] okay.
663
00:33:39,151 --> 00:33:40,317
[phil] based on the pawprint
664
00:33:40,319 --> 00:33:42,119
The descriptions
from eyewitnesses,
665
00:33:42,121 --> 00:33:43,620
And the sounds we captured,
666
00:33:43,622 --> 00:33:46,623
I'm thinking what people
are calling the "howler"
667
00:33:46,625 --> 00:33:47,957
Is some kind of big cat.
668
00:33:47,959 --> 00:33:50,961
I've contacted stephanie
schuttler, a fellow biologis
669
00:33:51,063 --> 00:33:54,865
Who's doing research
on big cat populations
in the eastern us.
670
00:33:54,933 --> 00:33:55,799
Who is this?
671
00:33:55,801 --> 00:33:57,200
-[jess] hi puppy.
-This is train.
672
00:33:57,202 --> 00:33:59,603
-[phil] train?
-He is our detector dog.
673
00:33:59,605 --> 00:34:03,140
-He's trained, like his name
says, "train..." [laughs]
-[jess] perfect.
674
00:34:03,241 --> 00:34:06,176
[schuttler] ...To look for
mountain lion scats.
675
00:34:06,178 --> 00:34:08,311
-Well, that's perfect--
-yeah.
676
00:34:08,313 --> 00:34:09,413
[phil] ...Because we
are after...
677
00:34:09,415 --> 00:34:10,747
We don't really know what
we're after. Should we...
678
00:34:10,849 --> 00:34:12,749
Well, I'm after
the ozark howler.
679
00:34:12,851 --> 00:34:15,152
I don't know who
you're after, but...
680
00:34:15,253 --> 00:34:16,720
-[phil] let's just show her
what we got.
-[jess] all right.
681
00:34:17,956 --> 00:34:20,057
We play the howls
steve recorded.
682
00:34:20,059 --> 00:34:23,827
[howling on recording]
683
00:34:23,829 --> 00:34:25,762
Have you heard a noise
like that before out here?
684
00:34:26,198 --> 00:34:27,931
No, I haven't.
685
00:34:27,933 --> 00:34:30,700
My expertise is not
in vocalizations,
686
00:34:30,702 --> 00:34:33,336
But this doesn't sound
as screechy to me
as a fox, but...
687
00:34:33,405 --> 00:34:36,940
I've heard coyotes, but,
but not like that.
688
00:34:36,942 --> 00:34:38,742
[phil] okay.
That's interesting.
689
00:34:38,810 --> 00:34:42,145
There's something else,
though, a photo
from a witness.
690
00:34:42,214 --> 00:34:44,514
This is the best image
that they have.
691
00:34:44,516 --> 00:34:46,817
What do you think of this one?
692
00:34:46,819 --> 00:34:48,218
[schuttler] I mean,
it's definitely a cat.
693
00:34:48,220 --> 00:34:52,322
It's pretty long
which is usually indicative
of larger cats.
694
00:34:52,324 --> 00:34:54,458
[phil] it can't be
a black mountain lion.
695
00:34:54,526 --> 00:34:56,726
There has never been
a documented case
696
00:34:56,728 --> 00:34:59,062
Of melanistic mountain lions.
697
00:35:00,265 --> 00:35:02,432
It is caused by a gene.
698
00:35:02,501 --> 00:35:04,534
It's when the coat
becomes all black.
699
00:35:04,636 --> 00:35:06,303
So that's what
a black panther is.
700
00:35:06,305 --> 00:35:08,638
And if you see it
in good light,
701
00:35:08,740 --> 00:35:11,341
You'll actually see
the spots underneath.
702
00:35:11,409 --> 00:35:13,643
But, it's just, it's legs
are way too short.
703
00:35:13,712 --> 00:35:16,046
It's just too low
to the ground.
704
00:35:16,048 --> 00:35:19,316
If it's what we call
a black panther which is
a melanistic jaguar,
705
00:35:19,318 --> 00:35:21,618
It just, its shoulders
would be much higher.
706
00:35:22,121 --> 00:35:23,053
So, that's the thing.
707
00:35:23,155 --> 00:35:25,021
If there were a melanistic
big cat out here,
708
00:35:25,023 --> 00:35:27,791
It would have to either be
a jaguar or a leopard,
709
00:35:27,793 --> 00:35:29,526
Which has definitely
never lived here.
710
00:35:29,528 --> 00:35:33,430
Yeah. It there were, it would
definitely be an escapee.
711
00:35:34,833 --> 00:35:38,935
So, why would you
use a dog like this
to try and find scat?
712
00:35:39,037 --> 00:35:41,538
Dogs obviously have
a good sense of smell
713
00:35:41,607 --> 00:35:44,074
And they're able to,
to smell it out.
714
00:35:44,076 --> 00:35:46,843
That's critical data to have
those scat samples, right?
715
00:35:46,945 --> 00:35:48,278
Yeah, absolutely. And...
716
00:35:48,280 --> 00:35:49,713
[jess] like what
it's eating, what its...
717
00:35:49,715 --> 00:35:51,214
Who its interacting with.
718
00:35:51,216 --> 00:35:54,417
[schuttler] yeah,
and the genetics so we
can tell if individuals are
719
00:35:54,419 --> 00:35:57,120
Related to each other,
where they come from.
720
00:35:57,122 --> 00:35:58,755
-[train barks]
-[schuttler] I think
he's ready to go.
721
00:35:58,824 --> 00:36:00,690
Let's see
what you can do, train.
722
00:36:00,692 --> 00:36:02,926
[schuttler] okay, train.
Go find it.
723
00:36:03,462 --> 00:36:04,528
[phil] oh, and he's off.
724
00:36:12,404 --> 00:36:13,303
Look at him go.
725
00:36:15,140 --> 00:36:16,506
He's got a scent trail.
726
00:36:19,144 --> 00:36:20,410
Did he just find something?
727
00:36:27,319 --> 00:36:30,453
It is said that famous
frontiersman daniel boone
728
00:36:30,555 --> 00:36:32,422
Wrote a letter
to his sister-in-law
729
00:36:32,424 --> 00:36:34,524
In which he claimed to have
encountered a, quote,
730
00:36:34,526 --> 00:36:36,560
"black and swarthy creature.
731
00:36:36,628 --> 00:36:38,795
But did he really
see a howler?
732
00:36:38,797 --> 00:36:40,430
Here to help us
unpack this story,
733
00:36:40,432 --> 00:36:42,766
Is historian
john mack faragher.
734
00:36:42,768 --> 00:36:44,434
It's not beyond speculation
735
00:36:44,503 --> 00:36:46,403
He saw whatever was out there.
736
00:36:47,105 --> 00:36:48,338
What is beyond speculation
737
00:36:48,440 --> 00:36:50,006
Is whether he
wrote about it or not.
738
00:36:50,008 --> 00:36:52,509
And why is that?
What makes the letter suspect?
739
00:36:52,511 --> 00:36:54,611
[faragher] the letter,
it proports to end
740
00:36:54,713 --> 00:36:57,714
With the phrase,
"your umble sarvant."
741
00:36:57,816 --> 00:37:01,451
Well, boone used
that phrase in his
business correspondence.
742
00:37:01,553 --> 00:37:05,822
We have, in fact,
only one existing personal
letter that boone wrote
743
00:37:05,924 --> 00:37:07,724
And that was
to his sister-in-law
744
00:37:07,792 --> 00:37:10,627
And it ends,
"farewell, dear sister."
745
00:37:10,729 --> 00:37:13,430
So, no good evidence that
he wrote about the howler?
746
00:37:13,432 --> 00:37:15,599
If there was such a letter,
we would know about it.
747
00:37:15,700 --> 00:37:19,035
So there you have it, no real
proof that this letter exists.
748
00:37:19,037 --> 00:37:20,537
Which is too bad
because it would have been
749
00:37:20,639 --> 00:37:22,906
A real "boone"
to the howler legend.
750
00:37:28,213 --> 00:37:29,512
[phil] did he
just find something?
751
00:37:29,514 --> 00:37:30,714
-[train barks]
-[schuttler] show me.
752
00:37:33,819 --> 00:37:35,885
[jess] it looks like there's
something right here.
753
00:37:35,887 --> 00:37:37,721
[phil] oh, we got scat.
754
00:37:37,723 --> 00:37:38,622
[schuttler] there it is.
755
00:37:38,624 --> 00:37:40,323
[phil] oh, wow.
756
00:37:40,392 --> 00:37:41,825
What do you think
just looking at it?
757
00:37:43,128 --> 00:37:44,527
[schuttler] it's a carnivore
of some kind.
758
00:37:48,166 --> 00:37:49,766
I mean, this is
definitely carnivore scat.
759
00:37:49,768 --> 00:37:53,003
This definitely
ate another animal.
760
00:37:53,005 --> 00:37:55,672
'cause we are seeing fur
in there, bones in there.
761
00:37:57,309 --> 00:38:00,143
It's evidence we know
something is
762
00:38:00,145 --> 00:38:02,445
Wandering around here,
eating people's farm animals.
763
00:38:02,547 --> 00:38:04,447
-Mmm-hmm.
-So, we got our specimen.
764
00:38:04,549 --> 00:38:06,816
We should be able
to get some dna from it.
765
00:38:06,818 --> 00:38:09,219
[phil] yeah, we'll send it
to the lab for a dna test.
766
00:38:09,221 --> 00:38:12,922
[schuttler] awesome.
Well done.
767
00:38:12,924 --> 00:38:16,226
[josh] if we're to believe
the various witnesses
over the centuries,
768
00:38:17,195 --> 00:38:19,929
A mystery beast
is prowling and howling
769
00:38:19,931 --> 00:38:22,065
Deep in the forests
of the ozarks.
770
00:38:24,903 --> 00:38:29,105
So, when we analyze
the volume of evidence
that phil and jess gathered
771
00:38:29,207 --> 00:38:33,710
Is there enough
to positively id
the so-called ozark howler?
772
00:38:35,213 --> 00:38:37,480
The game cam photo
is compelling.
773
00:38:37,482 --> 00:38:41,518
But with the animal's head
obscured and nothing
to indicate scale,
774
00:38:41,520 --> 00:38:44,521
It's impossible to determin
whether it's something large
775
00:38:44,523 --> 00:38:46,323
Like an escaped jaguar,
776
00:38:46,325 --> 00:38:48,625
Or as small as
a common house cat.
777
00:38:50,329 --> 00:38:53,196
Dna testing on the single ha
that phil gathered
778
00:38:53,198 --> 00:38:55,332
From a log on the game trai
779
00:38:55,400 --> 00:38:57,701
Came back as a bear.
780
00:38:59,504 --> 00:39:03,606
However, there's the partia
print phil captured
with the 3d scanner.
781
00:39:04,810 --> 00:39:06,676
Closer inspection confirms
782
00:39:06,678 --> 00:39:10,246
There are no claw marks
around the paw pads.
783
00:39:10,248 --> 00:39:14,517
Retractive claws
are a trait that is
almost exclusively feline.
784
00:39:15,954 --> 00:39:18,121
There are only two types
of wild cats
785
00:39:18,223 --> 00:39:20,323
That are known
to prowl the ozarks,
786
00:39:20,325 --> 00:39:23,093
Mountain lions,
which are extremely rare,
787
00:39:23,095 --> 00:39:24,828
And definitely not black,
788
00:39:25,697 --> 00:39:27,397
And the bobcat.
789
00:39:28,600 --> 00:39:31,101
Bobcats can
be melanistic, meaning,
790
00:39:31,103 --> 00:39:34,938
On extremely rare occasions
they do have black fur.
791
00:39:34,940 --> 00:39:37,607
There have been fewer than
20 documented sightings
792
00:39:37,709 --> 00:39:39,442
Of a melanistic bobcat.
793
00:39:39,544 --> 00:39:42,445
One was captured on video
recently in vermont.
794
00:39:43,982 --> 00:39:47,117
Is it possible the witnesse
have been seeing and hearin
795
00:39:47,185 --> 00:39:49,552
Not a mysterious
hellhound beast,
796
00:39:49,621 --> 00:39:50,820
But a bobcat?
797
00:39:50,822 --> 00:39:52,322
[hisses]
798
00:39:53,058 --> 00:39:55,091
[phil] get a little swab here.
799
00:39:55,093 --> 00:39:57,827
[josh] we analyzed the dna
from the saliva sample
800
00:39:57,829 --> 00:39:59,929
From the partially
consumed deer.
801
00:40:00,432 --> 00:40:02,132
The culprit? Bobcat.
802
00:40:02,667 --> 00:40:03,933
[schuttler] show me.
803
00:40:03,935 --> 00:40:06,669
[josh] and the scat sample
found by an elite canine?
804
00:40:06,671 --> 00:40:11,708
Dna analysis reveals
that it is bobcat.
805
00:40:11,777 --> 00:40:13,877
And phil had several
colleagues listen
806
00:40:13,879 --> 00:40:16,413
To the recordings
he and jess captured.
807
00:40:16,415 --> 00:40:17,881
[howling in distance]
808
00:40:17,883 --> 00:40:21,284
[josh] as well as the ones
recorded by our witnesses.
809
00:40:21,286 --> 00:40:23,620
[howling on recording]
810
00:40:23,622 --> 00:40:26,089
[josh] while the identity
of the animal is uncertain,
811
00:40:26,091 --> 00:40:29,926
Most said that if they had
to take a guess, bobcat.
812
00:40:31,596 --> 00:40:33,129
If you're still not convince
813
00:40:33,231 --> 00:40:34,597
Remember the catnip lure
814
00:40:34,599 --> 00:40:36,966
The team placed
on our witness's property?
815
00:40:36,968 --> 00:40:39,602
While the sticky tape traps
my team deployed
816
00:40:39,604 --> 00:40:42,405
Didn't collect
any fur samples,
817
00:40:42,407 --> 00:40:45,408
Take a close look at the pho
the camera snapped.
818
00:40:45,410 --> 00:40:47,010
It may be difficult to see
819
00:40:47,012 --> 00:40:49,112
Because of its
signature spotted coat,
820
00:40:49,881 --> 00:40:52,649
But it appears to be a bobca
821
00:40:54,386 --> 00:40:57,420
Though they might seem a bi
smaller than the huge beast
822
00:40:57,422 --> 00:41:00,824
That supposedly is
the ozark howler,
823
00:41:00,826 --> 00:41:05,228
Amazingly, bobcats can jump
as high as 12 feet
824
00:41:05,297 --> 00:41:08,598
And take down prey
as big as an adult deer.
825
00:41:10,368 --> 00:41:13,870
Coming across this large,
agile cat in the shadows
826
00:41:13,872 --> 00:41:16,406
Of the dark woods
would startle anyone.
827
00:41:16,408 --> 00:41:21,077
And it might even seem
almost like a monster
from the old folk tales.
828
00:41:21,079 --> 00:41:23,213
A nightmare come to life.
829
00:41:24,950 --> 00:41:27,116
For more information on
expedition x,
830
00:41:27,118 --> 00:41:30,420
Head to
discovery.Com/expeditionx.