Dark Outdoors

For decades, people across Texas and the Southwest have reported strange hairless creatures attacking livestock — animals many claimed were the legendary Chupacabra. But the real explanation is far stranger, and far more disturbing, than most people realize. Plus, you'll hear about the night he was charged by a "chupacabra". In this Dark Outdoors investigation, Chester Moore breaks down the true wildlife science behind “Chupacabra” sightings and shows how coyotes, foxes, raccoons and even bears suffering from severe mange can transform into nightmarish creatures.

When 24-year-old Shannan Gilbert vanished into the pitch-black marshland of Oak Beach in 2010, no one knew her disappearance would open a corridor of horror stretching miles along Long Island’s desolate barrier islands. While police searched the reeds for one missing woman, cadaver dogs led them to something far worse—multiple bodies hidden in the dunes, placed where the darkness itself seemed to protect the killer. In this episode of Dark Outdoors, we travel deep into the windswept emptiness of Ocean Parkway, the cold marshes, and the shifting sands of Gilgo Beach. We explore how the terrain became the killer’s camouflage and how the man now charged, Rex Heuermann, was once described by a key witness as an “ogre-like” figure stalking the night. Prosecutors say he nurtured a predatory mindset—seeing himself not just as a murderer, but as a hunter. From Shannan’s haunting 911 call to the cadaver dogs who “heard the dead,” from the eerie witness descriptions to the final unraveling of a man who believed the wilderness would hide him forever, this is the story of a landscape that concealed unspeakable secrets… until the darkness turned on the predator himself. The wild can hide many things. But not forever.

Author and researcher Lyle Blackburn joins the program again and we give a detailed behind the scenes look at the new documentary Wild Men: The Search for Feral Humans & Lost Tribes that details reports of primitve people in East Texas in areas of the Trinity Triangle. This is our second show on this topic but now with fresh reports and new insight. Watch the new documentary and subscribe to Chester Moore's YouTube channel here.    

It’s our annual Halloween Monster Special! Lyle Blackburn returns to Dark Outdoors to dive into the legends of Momo, the Lizard Man, and the Lake Worth Monster in this chilling cryptid deep dive. In this special Halloween edition of the Dark Outdoors podcast, we welcome back Lyle Blackburn—renowned cryptozoologist, author, and monster hunter—for our Annual Monster Episode. This time, we're plunging deep into the chilling backwoods lore of Momo the Missouri Monster, the swamp-dwelling Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp, and Texas’s own Lake Worth Monster. These aren’t your average urban legends. These regional cryptids have sparked mass hysteria, eyewitness encounters, and intense investigations. Lyle unpacks the folklore, historical sightings, and what makes each of these monsters so unique in the world of American cryptozoology. Whether you're a lifelong believer or a curious skeptic, this episode will make you think twice before heading out into the woods after dark... 🔍 Topics Covered: Origins and sightings of Momo in 1970s Missouri The strange case of the Lizard Man of South Carolina How the Lake Worth Monster terrorized North Texas Cultural impact and media coverage of these cryptids What these legends say about human fear, folklore, and the wilderness 💀 Perfect for fans of: Cryptids, Bigfoot, Halloween podcasts, folklore, Lyle Blackburn, The Legend of Boggy Creek, paranormal investigation, backwoods horror, and creepy creature encounters. 📌 Don’t miss this spine-tingling journey into the darker corners of the outdoors… because in the wild, you’re never really alone.

Mysterious lights flicker through the woods of Bragg Road and the Louisiana fields — are they swamp gas, headlights, or something not of this world? The 13 Days of Dark Outdoors begins where science and the supernatural collide. They’ve appeared for generations — glowing orbs floating above the dirt roads and swamps of East Texas and Louisiana. Some say they’re lanterns carried by the dead. Others swear it’s nothing more than chemistry in the dark: methane gas, refracted headlights, or static electricity. In this kickoff to 13 Days of Dark Outdoors, we travel from Bragg Road in the Big Thicket to Fields, La. chasing the mysterious “ghost lights” that have haunted both states for decades. Along the way, we talk to locals, dig into folklore, and explore the science that tries to explain the unexplainable. Is it superstition, optical illusion… or proof that some mysteries still live out there in the dark?

What if America’s wilderness hides a predator science won’t acknowledge? In this episode of Dark Outdoors®, author Michael Mayes—known for his work Shadow Cats—joins us to dig into the controversial and chilling reports of black panthers roaming across the U.S. For decades, eyewitnesses from Texas to the Appalachians have sworn they’ve seen something impossible: massive black panthers prowling the woods, stalking farmlands, and vanishing into the shadows. Yet, mainstream science insists such creatures don’t exist in North America. In this thought-provoking episode of Dark Outdoors, we sit down with author and researcher Michael Mayes to explore the mystery at the heart of his book Shadow Cats. Together, we examine chilling accounts, folklore, and the deep cultural roots of black panther sightings. Are these elusive predators a product of myth, mass misidentification, or could there be something truly hidden in America’s wild places? Expect a conversation that pushes beyond campfire tales—diving into history, biology, and the unsettling implications of predators that may walk unseen. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this is one episode that will make you think twice the next time you walk into the woods after dark. Are they black mountain lions - black cougars? Are they black jaguars? Are they jaguarundi? Are they escaped exotics? What about the mysterious black longtail? Take a deep dive on black panthers with us.

A family hike turned into a fight for survival when a father, his wife, their toddler, and infant daughter came face-to-face with a mountain lion. Dark Outdoors dives deep into the wilderness dangers that most people never see coming. On this gripping episode of Dark Outdoors, we recount the terrifying true story of a family’s dangerous encounter with a mountain lion. What began as an ordinary hike quickly spiraled into a life-or-death struggle when a father, hiking with his wife, three-year-old son, and infant daughter strapped to his chest, came face-to-face with one of nature’s most feared predators. Listeners will hear how this quiet day on the trail turned into a desperate fight for survival. With his young children and wife at risk, every decision mattered. The father’s quick thinking, protective instincts, and raw courage kept his family alive against all odds. This episode goes beyond the story itself, exploring the realities of mountain lion behavior, how families can prepare for dangerous wildlife encounters, and what survival experts recommend if you ever come face-to-face with a predator in the wild. What you’ll learn in this episode: A firsthand account of a family’s mountain lion encounter on the trail. How a father protected his wife, toddler, and infant from a deadly threat. Survival insights and safety tips for hikers and families in mountain lion country. The hidden dangers of hiking with young children — and how to prepare. If you’re fascinated by true survival stories, wildlife encounters, and the resilience of the human spirit, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat.  

Were U.S. soldiers in Vietnam battling only human enemies—or were they also encountering undiscovered apes in the jungle? Author RC Bramhall joins Dark Outdoors to reveal the terrifying legend of the Rock Apes. Were U.S. soldiers in the Vietnam War facing more than just human enemies? Many veterans swore they encountered Bigfoot-like creatures, known as the “Rock Apes,” while fighting in the dense jungles of Southeast Asia. On this episode of Dark Outdoors, RC Bramhall, author of Haunted War Tales, joins Chester Moore to share chilling stories of these bipedal, ape-like beings and the battles that ensued. Blending military history, cryptid lore, and firsthand soldier accounts, Bramhall explores whether these encounters were stress-induced hallucinations or genuine brushes with an undiscovered primate. If you’re drawn to the eerie crossroads of war stories, wilderness mysteries, and the legend of Bigfoot, this episode is one you can’t miss.

Join us on Dark Outdoors® for an unforgettable conversation with Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Mike R. Vining—explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) pioneer and Delta Force operative—and his wife, acclaimed wildlife photographer and author Donna Ikenberry. Married atop Mauna Kea in 1999 after Mike’s decorated 30‑year military career (including Vietnam, Eagle Claw, Desert Storm, and more) Donna has since published over a thousand images, guidebooks, and magazine articles from nearly every continent Donna Ikenberry Photography.  In this episode we explore: Top strategies for staying safe in remote terrains—from avalanche zones to wildlife territory. How Donna approaches storytelling through photography in unpredictable environments. Lessons Mike has learned from decades of military and outdoor leadership: situational awareness, risk assessment, and self-reliance. Tips for adventure couples: teamwork, planning, resilience—and capturing moments worth preserving. Tune in for a uniquely dynamic pairing: military precision meets nature’s art—illuminated by humor, hard-earned wisdom, and couple‑led courage in the wild.    

In this gripping episode of Dark Outdoors, we investigate the heartbreaking double homicide that has shaken Arkansas and the hiking community nationwide. On July 26, 2025, Clinton and Cristen Brink were brutally murdered while hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park—a place known for peace and natural beauty, now marked by violence and fear. We dive deep into: The latest updates from Arkansas State Police and the FBI-led manhunt for a still-unidentified suspect. The composite sketch and vehicle description released to the public. How the Brinks died protecting their daughters, who miraculously survived the attack. The timeline of events, the 6-hour delay in public alerting, and the investigative challenges posed by rural terrain and limited cell service. A chilling pattern of trail and park-related murders across North America, from the Appalachian Trail to remote campsites in Oregon and Canada. How we can balance our love for the outdoors with realistic safety strategies. This episode is a powerful reminder that wilderness crimes are not just urban legends—they’re happening now, in places we trust. With true crime insight, emotional storytelling, and expert analysis, we bring you the full scope of this ongoing tragedy and the broader implications for hikers, families, and nature lovers.

From Texas pastures to Nevada ranches, horses are turning up shot, mutilated, and poisoned—and the killers are still at large. Chester Moore investigates this chilling, underreported crime wave and what it means for ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts. In this gripping episode of Dark Outdoors, host Chester Moore uncovers a chilling and ongoing mystery across Texas and beyond: horses being found shot, mutilated, or poisoned in a string of brutal, unexplained attacks. From Kendall, Waller, Bexar, and Smith Counties in Texas to ranches near Las Vegas, Nevada, horses are being executed in pastures, dumped in brush, or tied up and shot at point-blank range. Authorities have few leads—and the killers remain free. This episode examines: Whether these killings are tied to the illegal horse meat trade, ritualistic activity, or thrill killers Exclusive insights from Higher Calling Wildlife’s investigative reports Why the pattern may represent one of the most underreported animal cruelty crime waves in the U.S. If you’re a rancher, horse owner, or outdoor enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into a crime wave spreading fear and silence across rural communities.

Jaws terrified moviegoers and changed how we see the ocean—but the fear didn’t end on screen. Chester Moore explores the real shark attacks, behind-the-scenes chaos, and decades of shark persecution sparked by Spielberg’s masterpiece. Beneath the surface of Hollywood’s most iconic ocean thriller lies a deeper, darker truth. In this chilling episode of Dark Outdoors, we journey into the murky waters behind the making of Jaws—a film that forever altered public perception of the sea and its apex predator. But the terror didn’t stay confined to the screen. We dive into: Real-life great white shark attacks that fueled lasting fear How Steven Spielberg’s cinematic masterpiece triggered decades of shark persecution, misinformation, and ecological imbalance Behind-the-scenes stories of chaos, mechanical monsters, and production nightmares The cultural fallout that left both sharks and oceans misunderstood From blood-soaked beaches to the legacy of misunderstood killers, this is the untold story of fear, fiction, and fallout.

From Murder Mountain to grow ops, Chester Moore reveals chilling encounters in the wild—traffickers, killers, attack dogs, and survival stories that prove the outdoors can turn deadly without warning. Encountering an illegal grow or trafficking operation is one of the most dangerous threats in the great outdoors—and in this shocking episode of Dark Outdoors, we share terrifying real-life accounts. You’ll hear stories of: A savage trained killer dog unleashed on a hiker who stumbled onto a grow site The infamous “Murder Mountain” and its deadly legacy, made famous by the Netflix series A serial killer who turned himself in carrying a human breast in a bag A hunter held at gunpoint on a deer lease after crossing the wrong path A special defense and safety segment with Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County, Florida These chilling accounts expose the hidden dangers lurking where crime and wilderness collide—and why every outdoor enthusiast should take precautions.

Chester Moore unravels a bizarre case that begins with a man posing as a woman to poach deer in a city park—and spirals into a shadowy world of wildlife trafficking, exotic animal cloning, and black-market “Frankensheep.” In this unusual episode of Dark Outdoors, we uncover one of the strangest wildlife crime stories ever told. It begins with a man posing as a woman to gain illegal access to a city park—and its vulnerable deer population. But what starts as a bizarre poaching scheme quickly spirals into something far darker: A hidden web of wildlife trafficking and exotic animal cloning Shocking connections to the black-market trade of Marco Polo sheep The creation of “Frankensheep hybrids” for high-stakes deals in the underground animal trade Join us as we follow the trail from urban deer blinds to the global black market, exposing a story where greed, cloning, and poaching collide in the darkest corners of the outdoors.

In a never-before-heard interview, the late Jerrie Dean shares chilling insights into unsolved disappearances, cold cases, and rural murders hidden in the Texas wilderness. n this special lost episode of Dark Outdoors, we reveal a rare interview with Jerrie Dean, founder of the Missing Texas 40 Project, recorded before her passing. Jerrie shares haunting perspectives on: Unsolved disappearances and suspicious deaths across Texas The disturbing case of a body found in a barrel A brutal murder deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas The broader mystery of rural crime and missing persons in America’s wilderness This gripping conversation not only shines a light on forgotten victims but also honors the tireless work of a woman dedicated to uncovering the truth. Dark Outdoors® is proud to continue Jerrie’s mission, with support from Texas Fish & Game, bringing awareness to missing people in every episode.

From vehicle ambushes to campsite assaults, Chester Moore and special guest Jeff Stewart reveal real-world survival strategies for anyone who ventures deep into the backcountry. In this intense episode of Dark Outdoors, host Chester Moore dives into life-or-death survival tactics for those who may find themselves attacked in vehicles, campsites, or other remote locations. Whether you’re off-roading miles from cell service or camping in the deep backcountry, knowing how to respond could be the difference between survival and tragedy. Joining Chester is Jeff Stewart—renowned author, gunsmith, and seasoned outdoorsman—who shares decades of tactical knowledge and backwoods expertise. Together, they cover: How to survive vehicle ambush scenarios Proven defensive tactics and practical gear recommendations How to mentally prepare for the unthinkable in remote areas This episode is a must-listen for overlanders, hunters, campers, and rural residents who spend serious time off-grid. And don’t miss our “Missing in the Wild” segment at the end of the show—brought to you by Texas Fish & Game—spotlighting unresolved wilderness disappearances that demand attention.

Four people were killed and one injured in a wave of shark attacks along the New Jersey coast in 1916. While history blamed a great white, modern experts suggest a far more adaptable—and dangerous—suspect: the bull shark. In July 1916, a series of shark attacks along the New Jersey shore left four dead and one injured, sparking nationwide panic and later inspiring the iconic film Jaws. While a great white shark was captured and blamed, modern science points to another predator: the bull shark. Renowned for its ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater—and its aggressive behavior—the bull shark may have been the true culprit behind the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks. In this episode of Dark Outdoors, we: Revisit the chilling events of 1916 and their cultural impact Examine evidence that challenges the “great white” narrative Explore the bull shark’s unique adaptability and hunting behavior Speak with a Texas shark expert about population trends Reveal a promising, simple shark deterrent that could protect both people and sharks in the future Whether you’re fascinated by true crime, marine biology, or ocean predators, this episode dives deep into one of the most infamous—and misunderstood—shark attack stories in history.

From hooded figures around midnight fires to chilling satanic ceremonies, Chester Moore exposes real encounters with the occult in the wilderness—and the terrifying dangers they pose. In this unsettling episode of Dark Outdoors, we confront the occult in the great outdoors through first-hand accounts of bizarre and terrifying rituals. You’ll hear: A border patrol agent who stumbled upon hooded figures gathered around a ritual fire in an area infamous for satanic activity A security guard who witnessed a dark outdoor ceremony firsthand Three boys who came face-to-face with a disturbing ritual deep in the woods These stories uncover the hidden world of satanic groups, sacrificial sites, and secret occult practices that can turn a night in the wild into a nightmare. Special thanks to Chris James of the Strange Things with Chris James podcast for contributing one of these chilling accounts. Please subscribe to Dark Outdoors® to keep up with true crime stories and terrifying encounters in the wild. Dark Outdoors partners with Texas Fish & Game to bring you our Missing in the Wild reports. Learn more at fishgame.com. 👉 This way, the

Feral Apes in the American South From an orangutan-like creature on a swamp porch to baboon sightings in the woods, Dark Outdoors uncovers chilling reports of wild primates lurking across Texas, Florida, and beyond. In this eerie episode of Dark Outdoors, Chester Moore investigates decades of strange, unnerving encounters in the American South—not with native wildlife, but with creatures resembling feral apes and wild primates. Firsthand accounts include: A woman who saw an orangutan-looking creature on her porch in a swampy homestead A hunter who encountered a troop of baboons deep in the wilderness A hairy hand reaching into a deer blind under cover of night Some researchers suggest these sightings may stem from escaped or released primates dating back to the mid-20th century, when exotic pet ownership and roadside zoos were more common. Over time, populations may have adapted, creating secretive breeding groups in remote, unmonitored regions. Wildlife journalists and field investigators have documented anomalous hair samples, chilling vocalizations, and ambush-like behaviors that align more with great apes than with any known North American species. Join us as we explore the legends, theories, and eyewitness encounters that suggest something wild—and very real—may still be lurking just beyond the campfire’s glow.

From missing hunters to eerie swamp dolls, Chester Moore and author Lyle Blackburn explore chilling tales of disappearances, dark rituals, and even serial killers hidden in America’s swamps. In this intense episode of Dark Outdoors, host Chester Moore is joined by renowned author and storyteller Lyle Blackburn, discussing his book Sinister Swamps and the unsettling mysteries that haunt these wild, watery landscapes. Highlights include: Campers and hunters who vanished without a trace in the Everglades and Great Dismal Swamp The terrifying case of mysterious dolls discovered in an Alabama swamp Accounts of serial killer activity lurking in America’s wetlands Other eerie tales where wilderness and true crime collide With Blackburn’s vivid storytelling and Moore’s investigative edge, this episode sheds light on the dark secrets hidden in swamps across the South. Dark Outdoors partners with Texas Fish & Game to bring you our Missing in the Wild reports. Learn more at fishgame.com.