Samples from Possible Skunk Ape Prove Inconclusive

Samples from Possible Skunk Ape Prove Inconclusive

October 28, 2003

By VINCE LENNON
6 News Reporter

CAMPBELL COUNTY (WATE) -- The search for the so-called Campbell County skunk ape continues Tuesday, after a lab reported inconclusive test results.

Over the weekend, a team consisting of UT biologist John Placyk, crypto-zoologist Chris Dotson and four volunteers collected some hair and feces samples from an unidentified animal.

UT veterinary medicine officials said Tuesday they didn't find any parasites. They did find plenty of plant material, insects and feathers.

Compounding the mystery, scientists said they can't identify a source animal from the fecal remains. Further testing could be done.

Based on his studies, Placyk has said the odds of a big primate like a skunk ape wandering Campbell County aren't very good.

But Dotson showed pictures of reported skunk apes to Campbell County residents who said it's the animal they saw.