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.

In this gripping episode of Dark Outdoors, we uncover a chilling and ongoing mystery unfolding across Texas and beyond—where horses are being found shot, mutilated, or poisoned in a string of brutal and unexplained attacks. From Kendall and Waller Counties to Bexar and Smith, horses are being executed in pastures, dumped in brush, or even tied up and shot in the head. Authorities have few leads—and the killers remain free. We examine whether these killings are tied to the illegal horse meat trade, part of a ritualistic pattern, or the work of thrill killers. And we expand our search beyond Texas—to Nevada—where a serial horse killer is targeting ranch animals near Las Vegas with chilling precision. With exclusive insight from Higher Calling Wildlife’s investigative reports, this episode dives deep into what may be a multi-state pattern of cruelty, fear, and silence. If you’re a rancher, horse owner, or outdoor enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this investigation into what might be the most underreported animal cruelty crime wave in the U.S.

Beneath the surface of Hollywood’s most iconic ocean thriller lies a deeper, darker truth. In this chilling episode, we venture into the murky waters behind the making of Jaws—a film that forever altered our perception of the sea and its apex predator. But the terror didn’t end on screen. We dive into real-life great white shark attacks that fueled the public's fear and expose how Steven Spielberg’s cinematic masterpiece led to decades of shark persecution, misinformation, and ecological imbalance. From behind-the-scenes chaos and mechanical monsters to blood-soaked beaches and misunderstood killers, this is the untold story of fear, fiction, and fallout.

Encountering an illegal grow or trafficking operation is one of the most dangerous things that can happen in the great outdoors. We have several terrifying tales to share including one that happened near the legendary "Murder Mountain" made famous by the Netflix reality series. Plus, a savage trained killer dog sent to attack a hiker who found a growing area. *A serial killer who turned himself in with a breast in a bag *Held at gunpoint on a deer lease  *A special defense segment with Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County, FL.  

In this unusual episode of Dark Outdoors, we uncover the bizarre case of a man who posed as a woman to gain illegal access to a city park—and its vulnerable deer population. What starts as a strange poaching scheme spirals into a web of wildlife trafficking, leading investigators deep into the shadowy world of exotic animal cloning. Join us as we track the trail from urban deer blinds to high-stakes deals involving the cloning and black-market trade of the elusive Marco Polo sheep and it's "Frankensheep" hybrids.  

In this special lost episode of Dark Outdoors, we uncover a never-before-heard interview with the late Jerrie Dean, founder of the Missing Texas 40 project. Recorded before her passing, Jerrie shares chilling insights into unsolved disappearances, cold cases, and suspicious deaths, including a disturbing case involving a body found in a barrel and a brutal murder deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas. This rare interview sheds light on missing persons, rural crime, and the haunting mysteries hidden in the Texas wilderness. Join us for this gripping true crime story that brings forgotten victims back into the spotlight. Texas Fish & Game helps Dark Outdoors® bring you reports of missing poeple in each episode.

In this intense episode of Dark Outdoors, we dive into real-world survival strategies for people who find themselves under attack while in their vehicles, at campsites, or in other remote locations. Whether you're off-roading deep in the backcountry or camping far from cell service, understanding how to react in these high-risk situations can mean the difference between life and death. Joining us is special guest Jeff Stewart—renowned author, gunsmith, and outdoorsman—who brings decades of tactical knowledge and backwoods experience to the table. We cover vehicle ambush scenarios, defensive tactics, gear recommendations, and how to mentally prepare for the unthinkable. This is a must-listen for anyone who spends serious time off-grid, from overlanders and hunters to campers and rural residents. And don’t miss our Missing in the Wild segment at the end of the show—brought to you by Texas Fish & Game—highlighting unresolved cases from the wilderness that demand attention.

In July 1916, a series of shark attacks along the New Jersey coast left four dead and one injured, inciting widespread panic and inspiring the iconic film Jaws. While a great white shark was captured and blamed, modern experts suggest a different culprit: the bull shark. Known for its ability to thrive in both salt and freshwater, the bull shark's unique adaptability and aggressive nature make it a prime suspect. Join us as we delve into the events of 1916, examine the evidence, and explore why the bull shark might be the true predator behind these historic attacks. We also talk with a shark expert from Texas on shark population trends and learn about an exciting potential shark deterrent that's simple and has the potential to save people and sharks.​  #BullShark #Jaws #SharkWeek #SharkAttacks #1916SharkAttacks #TrueCrime #MarineBiology #OceanPredators #Podcast

A border patrol agent encounters hooded figures around a fire in an area known for satanic rituals. A security guard sees a ritual taking place and three boys encounter a bizarre ritual-all involving mysterious hooded figures. In this episode we talk about encountering the dark occult, secret satanic groups and sacrificial sights in the great outdoors. We appreciate Chris James of the  Strange Things with Chris James podcast for contributing one of these mysterious accounts.. Please subscribe to Dark Outdoors® to keep up with stories about true crime and terrifying encounters in the great outdoors. Dark Outdoors partners with Texas Fish & Game to bring you our Missing in the Wild reports. Learn more at fishgame.com.  

A woman encounters an orangutan-looking creature on her porch at her swampy homestead. A hunter sees a troop of baboons. A hairy hand reaches into a deer blind. Across the American South, particularly in states like Texas and Florida, tales have surfaced for decades of strange, often unnerving encounters in the wilderness—not with known native wildlife, but with creatures resembling feral apes or wild primates.  Some researchers believe these sightings may be linked to feral populations of escaped or released primates. In the mid-20th century, exotic pet ownership and roadside zoos were far more common, and many animals were let loose or escaped into the wild. Over time, it’s possible that some species adapted to their environments, forming secretive breeding populations in remote, unmonitored regions. Wildlife journalist and field investigators have documented everything from anomalous hair samples to strange vocal recordings in these hotspots. The behaviors described—chest-beating, howling, and ambush-like movements—align more with great apes than with any known North American species. In the latest episode of Dark Outdoors, we dive deep into these encounters with feral apes and wild primates, exploring the theories, legends, and firsthand accounts that paint a chilling portrait of what might be lurking just beyond the campfire’s glow.  

Join host Chester Moore on an intense discussion of Sinister Swamps with the author of the book of the same name Lyle Blackburn. Learn about several strange cases of campers, hunters and others who went missing without a trace in the Everglades and Great Dysmal Swamp. Hear about the super strange and scary case of the mysterious dolls set up in an Alabama Swamp. Learn about serial killer activity in the swamps and more in this show with master storyteller Lyle Blackburn. Dark Outdoors partners with Texas Fish & Game to bring you our Missing in the Wild reports. Learn more at fishgame.com.

In a special episode of Dark Outdoors® Ben Verheul gives an hour-long uncut story of his harrowing grizzly attack in the Wyoming wilderness. Learn how he survived and how he knew for sure the grizzly that attacked him was one he had already had an encounter with. If bear stories intrigue you-this one will blow your mind! Dark Outdoors® is sponsored by Texas Fish & Game who bring you the Missing in the Wild reports on our weekly episodes. Get more info at www.fsihgame.com.  

Chester Moore interviews author R.C. Bramhall author of Haunted War Tales: True Military Encounters with the Bizarre, Paranormal and Unexplained about the terrifying wildlife encounters faced by military around the world. We cover: *A Crocodile-Caused Massacre *Tiger Attacks *The U.S.S. Indianapolis *Snakebites *Huge bunker rats in Vietnam and much, much more! Dark Outdoors® important Missing in the Wild component is brought to you by Texas Fish & Game magazine. Get more info at www.fishgame.com.