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Few wildlife threats are as horrifying—or as potentially devastating—as the New World screwworm.
Today on Dark Outdoors, we're taking a deep dive into a parasite that eats living flesh—and it's no longer a problem confined to the history books. The New World screwworm is in Texas, it is spreading, and wildlife professionals, ranchers, hunters, and animal health experts are sounding the alarm.
Joining me is legendary wildlife biologist Larry Wyzun, known throughout the hunting and conservation world as "Mr. Whitetail." Larry is one of America's most respected deer experts and one of the foremost authorities on whitetail deer biology in the world.
What makes Larry's perspective especially important is that he witnessed the original screwworm crisis firsthand. Early in his career, he saw the devastating effects this flesh-eating parasite had on wildlife and livestock before America achieved one of the greatest animal health victories in history by eradicating it from the United States.
Now, decades later, screwworm has returned as a growing threat. As it spreads, concerns are mounting about the impact on whitetail deer, endangered species, livestock, pets, and rural communities. The consequences could reach far beyond individual animals, affecting wildlife management, conservation efforts, agriculture, and hunting traditions across America.
Many experts view the New World screwworm as the most significant wildlife health threat our nation has faced in the last half-century. Unlike many diseases that weaken animals over time, screwworm larvae consume living tissue, creating horrific wounds that can ultimately lead to death if left untreated.
In this episode, "Mr. Whitetail" Larry Weishuhn, a globally renown wildlife biologist shares firsthand memories from the battle against screwworm decades ago, explains why this parasite is so dangerous, and offers his expert insight into what its spread means for the future of America's wildlife.
This is Dark Outdoors. I'm Chester Moore, and today we're examining what may be the greatest threat to American wildlife in 50 years—the return of the New World screwworm.
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Nearly 51 years after Jaws changed movie history and forever altered the way people viewed sharks, Chester Moore sits down with Jeffrey Voorhees, the actor who portrayed Alex Kintner, the young boy whose shocking death scene became one of the most unforgettable moments in cinematic history.
In this special episode of Dark Outdoors®, Jeffrey shares memories from the set of Jaws, discusses the legacy of the film, and reflects on being forever connected to one of the most famous shark attacks ever depicted on screen.
From the iconic yellow raft scene to the cultural impact of Jaws on public perceptions of sharks, this fascinating conversation explores the intersection of film, fear, and the natural world.
How did one movie create a generation afraid to enter the ocean?
What was it like to be at the center of one of the most memorable scenes in movie history?
And how does Jeffrey Voorhees view the legacy of Jaws nearly five decades later?
Join Chester Moore for an exclusive interview with the real Alex Kintner.
Keywords: Jaws, Alex Kintner, Jeffrey Voorhees, shark attack movie, Jaws 50th anniversary, shark conservation, great white sharks, Steven Spielberg, Amity Island, ocean fear, shark movies, Dark Outdoors podcast.
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Deep in the California redwoods, beneath a towering owl statue hidden among the trees, robed figures gather around firelight as chants echo through the darkness.
For decades, Bohemian Grove has fueled rumors involving secret ceremonies, elite power, occult symbolism, and hidden rituals far from public view.
But what if scenes like this are not isolated?
In this unsettling episode of Dark Outdoors®, Chester Moore investigates disturbing similarities between the mysterious rituals of Bohemian Grove and terrifying firsthand encounters reported deep in remote wilderness areas.
Witnesses describe hooded figures gathered around fires…strange nighttime ceremonies…and mysterious leaders dressed in red standing at the center while others watch from the darkness.
The episode also explores the ancient symbolism of the owl across cultures, from Mesoamerican beliefs surrounding death and sorcery to the owl’s modern role in secretive ceremonial traditions.
Are these merely recurring symbols rooted in human psychology and ancient mythology?
Or do the stories point toward something darker hidden deep in the outdoors?
From elite gatherings beneath giant owls to terrifying encounters in isolated forests, this episode examines the mystery, fear, and symbolism surrounding one of the strangest recurring images in Dark Outdoors history: the hooded figures in the wilderness.
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In this episode of Dark Outdoors®, we explore the frightening reality of digital stalking, GPS tracking, location sharing, and how smartphones, apps, social media, and outdoor tech can expose campers, hikers, hunters, and travelers to real-world danger in remote areas.
From trailheads and campsites to isolated backroads and deep forests, modern technology can reveal far more about your location and movements than most people realize. We examine how predators, criminals, stalkers, and opportunists may exploit digital footprints in the outdoors — and how outdoor enthusiasts can better protect themselves.
If you enjoy true crime, wilderness mysteries, survival stories, outdoor safety, and dark explorations of modern threats, this episode of Dark Outdoors is for you.
Topics include:
GPS tracking dangersDigital stalkingCamping and hiking safetySmartphone privacy risksTrailhead securityOutdoor survival awarenessWilderness crime preventionRemote area safetyBecause sometimes the greatest danger in the woods… is already connected to you.
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Are jaguars really being secretly released into Texas… or is the internet being flooded with AI-generated wildlife hoaxes?
In this episode of Dark Outdoors, Chester Moore dives deep into the viral rumors, fake predator stories, AI-generated wildlife content, and online fear campaigns spreading across social media. From bogus jaguar release conspiracies in South Texas to fake trail camera images and AI-powered Facebook bot pages, this episode explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping public perception of predators and damaging real wildlife conservation.
Discover how AI-generated misinformation spreads online, why predator fear stories go viral, and how fake wildlife news affects real jaguar conservation efforts in Texas and beyond. Chester breaks down the rise of AI wildlife hoaxes, social media engagement farming, automated bot accounts, and the dangerous consequences of sensationalized predator content.
Topics include:
Jaguars in TexasAI-generated wildlife hoaxesFake predator sightingsSocial media misinformationWildlife conservationTexas jaguar historyAI bot networksViral wildlife conspiracy theoriesFear-based mediaDark Outdoors investigationsAs AI-generated content becomes harder to distinguish from reality, one question remains: Are people losing their ability to tell the difference between real wildlife and manufactured fear?
#DarkOutdoors #Jaguars #TexasWildlife #AI #WildlifeConservation
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Cocaine sharks are real!
In this interview, environmental engineer and science communicator Dr. Tracy Fanara explains what scientists are actually discovering about sharks, pharmaceuticals in the ocean, and how chemical exposure could be affecting marine life.
From trace contaminants in coastal waters to broader questions about water quality, we explore how human activity is changing ocean ecosystems—and what that could mean for sharks, fish, and other wildlife.
How do substances like pharmaceuticals—and even drugs—end up in the ocean? What impact can they have on marine animals? And are these changes something new, or something we’re only just beginning to detect?
This conversation goes beyond the viral idea of “cocaine sharks” to look at the real science behind pollution, behavior, and the future of ocean life.
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Deep in the dark waters of Texas, stories still surface about giant garfish lurking beneath the current. Recently, a viral social media graphic exploded online claiming a massive 12-foot alligator gar made an unbelievable journey up the Trinity River — igniting debate, fear, and fascination across the internet.
In this episode of Dark Outdoors, I dig into the real story behind the viral image and track down answers directly from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
To verify the claims, I contacted TPWD’s media branch personally. According to TPWD media representative Kirk McDonnell, the department consulted Inland Fisheries biologists about the photo and the incredible claims attached to it. What they revealed may surprise you.
But this episode goes far beyond internet rumors.
I also share a firsthand account of a terrifying gar encounter that nearly turned deadly. What started as a normal outing became one of the most intense and unsettling wildlife encounters I’ve ever experienced and it was my fault.
But it did involve a big gar!
Are giant gar legends exaggerated folklore… or is there something bigger moving through Texas waters than most people realize?
Watch now as we separate fact from fiction, investigate the viral “12-foot garfish” claim, and dive into one of the strangest encounters ever featured on Dark Outdoors.
#DarkOutdoors #AlligatorGar #TexasMysteries #RiverMonsters #Cryptid #Fishing #Wildlife #OutdoorStories #Texas #Garfish #MonsterFish
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In light of the growing public interest surrounding UFO disclosure, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), and recent government revelations involving military encounters and unexplained objects, Dark Outdoors® is releasing a special exclusive mini-episode featuring a never-before-heard eyewitness interview from far offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
In this brief but chilling conversation, an offshore fisherman recounts a stunning nighttime encounter that took place more than 100 miles off the Texas coast. Alone in deep Gulf waters under dark skies, the witness describes unexplained lights and strange aerial activity unlike anything he had ever seen at sea.
As congressional hearings, military footage, and declassified reports continue to fuel worldwide discussion about UAPs and unexplained phenomena, this exclusive testimony offers a rare firsthand account from one of the most isolated environments imaginable — far offshore in the Gulf at night.
This Dark Outdoors® Exclusive explores the intersection of mystery, eyewitness testimony, offshore life, and the unknown, bringing listeners a real-world account tied to one of the most talked-about subjects in modern history.
#UFO #UAP #UFODisclosure #TexasCoast #GulfOfMexico #OffshoreFishing #DarkOutdoors #UFOFilesUnsealed #AlienEncounter #EyewitnessTestimony #GovernmentDisclosure #UnexplainedMysteries #ParanormalPodcast #UFOInvestigation #MysteryPodcast
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In this episode of Dark Outdoors, I look into reports of sea snakes—like highly venomous banded sea kraits—being spotted in the Gulf, far outside their natural range.
After going through the available records and research, one thing is clear: there are no verified reports of true sea snakes in the Gulf of Mexico.
But sightings still happen.
This episode focuses on the research I’ve done into those claims, why they keep coming up, and what might actually be behind them.
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There are stories from places like Haiti about people who were buried… and then seen again—walking through fields, along tree lines, and out on empty roads. Not dead. But not fully there.
In this episode of Dark Outdoors, we take a look at the real idea of zombification—where it comes from, the documented case of Clairvius Narcisse, and how similar encounters are still happening today.
From rural Haiti to modern America, there are reports of individuals found wandering in strange, disconnected states—moving without awareness, not responding, and behaving in ways that feel deeply unsettling in the moment. Whether it’s culture, chemistry, or something we don’t fully understand, the image remains the same.
A person in the distance… walking… and something about them just isn’t right.
If you spend enough time out in the woods, on backroads, or far from everything familiar… you might understand why these stories never really go away.
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In this Dark Outdoors mini episode, we step into the shadowy intersection of wilderness and human predators. Joined by Stephen G. Michaud, co-author of The Only Living Witness and Ted Bundy: Conversations with a Killer, we examine how Ted Bundy and other killers exploited false injuries, manufactured helplessness, and social trust to lure victims—and why those same tactics become even more dangerous in the woods.
Away from crowds and witnesses, trails and campsites offer predators distance, silence, and plausible deniability. This episode explores killer psychology, deception in outdoor spaces, and how moments meant for solitude can turn threatening without warning. Dark, eerie, and rooted in real conversations with a killer, this Dark Outdoors mini episode will change how you think about helping strangers—and what might be watching from just off the trail.
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In this chilling episode of Far Dark Outdoors, we dive deep into the disturbing true crime case of Israel Keyes, one of the most calculating and methodical serial killers in modern American history. Known for his meticulous planning, hidden “kill kits,” and ability to blend into everyday life, Keyes exploited remote wilderness areas, highways, and outdoor recreation spaces to commit his crimes—and to evade law enforcement for years.
This episode explores how Israel Keyes used the outdoors as both a hunting ground and a hiding place, targeting victims across multiple states while leaving almost no forensic evidence behind. We break down his background, psychology, travel patterns, and the role that isolation, camping culture, and remote landscapes played in his crimes. From national parks to quiet roadside stops, no place felt truly safe.
Listeners will learn about Keyes’ methods, his eventual capture, and the haunting confessions that followed—confessions that revealed how many questions still remain unanswered. This episode is a must-listen for fans of true crime podcasts, serial killer documentaries, unsolved mysteries, and dark outdoor survival stories.
Topics covered:
Israel Keyes’ kill kits and long-term planning
How wilderness and remote locations enabled his crimes
Psychological profile and behavioral patterns
If you’re fascinated by true crime, serial killers, missing persons cases, and the dark side of the outdoors, this episode of Far Dark Outdoors will stay with you long after the final moment.
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Ghost ships are not myths. They are real vessels—found drifting without crews, washed ashore on remote coastlines, or discovered floating silently in open water with no clear explanation of how they got there.
This begins a five episode run of mini-episodes before the next big season of deep dives into outdoors dangers and mysteries.
In this episode of Dark Outdoors, we explore the true stories behind ghost ships, abandoned boats, and mysterious vessels encountered by fishermen, sailors, and coast guards around the world. From derelict trawlers that appear without distress calls, to modern ships found intact but empty, these maritime mysteries reveal how quickly the ocean can erase human presence.
We dive into real-world cases of abandoned ships at sea, theories behind missing crews, and the unsettling reality of encountering a silent vessel offshore—no lights, no radio response, and no signs of life. We also examine how weather, piracy, smuggling routes, and human error contribute to the growing number of ghost ships discovered each year.
Dark Outdoors blends outdoor storytelling, maritime history, and atmospheric documentary-style narration to explore the darker side of life on the water—where isolation, silence, and vast distances turn ordinary vessels into something deeply unsettling.
If you’re fascinated by ghost ships, maritime mysteries, abandoned vessels, or unexplained encounters at sea, this episode explores why some boats are never meant to be found—and why others drift until someone stumbles across them by accident.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
- Visa fler
