Population
Danger Level
Howler
BCWPA Case Number:
February 17, 2025 at 12:51:28 AM
Last Updated:
a DEVIL MONKEY species found only in Southern Ohio
aggressive, especially while with young; may chase away dangers
scares dangers away with vocalizations & bad smells
nocturnal, moves fast
steals others' food
can mimic some human sounds
ENCOUNTERS
Layman, OH Sees gorilla-like creature with long arms.
Marietta, OH [footprint discovery] 17" - 20" long; sees large, dark, smelly creature and is chased by it.
Nelsonville, OH Sees creature that is as big as a bear, can walk on two legs, but runs on four. Sounds like a screaming monkey.
Hoadley, OH Sees/hears trees shaking at night; sees creature with eyes the size of golf balls and far apart, blue iris, white around. Hears variety of strange sounds, including own name. Putrid scent.
Logan, OH Sees creature with snort or no neck, dark eyes, caramel blonde colored; tall, stocky, light-colored skin.
Hoadley, OH Hears something following them; sees tall creature with blonde/brown hair.
West Union, OH Creature(s) rummaging through personal items, stomping sounds that felt like it came from something very strong/heavy; makes people feel uneasy. Heard howls, movement, children laughing/talking, limbs breaking, screams, high pitched screams.
the Golden-Backed Owler
Names: Southern Ohio Owler, Devil Monkey, Howler
Habitat: mixed, oak-hickory forests; populations only remain in the southern portion of the state
Size: 4 – 4.5 feet tall, 80 - 110lbs
Diet: omnivore; leaves, flowers, buds, insects, sap, honey, fruit, nuts, eggs, and seeds
Reproduction: 2 offspring; sexual reproduction, placental viviparity
Society: 6 – 15 animals; minority-male-multi-female social systems, polygynous
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
The Howler is known for its loud voice, which echoes throughout the hills of Southern Ohio. Related to the north's Owlers, this kind of primate prefers to mimic and create other noises instead of predominantly copying those belonging to owls. This creature can bellow angry, chimpanzee-like screeches, high-pitched howls, and laugh-like whinnying; they can also replicate the sounds of children giggling or screaming and crudely mimic human speech. The Howler has a versatile vocal range. Each sound category communicates something different: calls for help, locations of food, sightings of danger, discoveries of interest, commands, etc. Howler calls and their meanings vary from group to group; warnings, however, are the same across cultures.
Spending most of their time in the trees, Howlers are tailed quadrupeds. Though they walk on all four and are small, due to their large heads, position in the branches, and fluffy hair, they are mistaken for tall, bulky animals (like bigfeet). Not generally aggressive unless provoked, Howlers are curious and brave. They will rummage through others' possessions and domiciles when the opportunity arises, taking whatever interests them and is easy to carry. While they are not quiet when moving, the creatures are nimble, evading detection. The animals are also protected by their foul scent—a smell resembling a mixture of vomit and rotten eggs; most creatures avoid or leave areas where they are present—or abandoned items they have touched.
Howlers have bodies covered in brown or blonde shaggy hair; males have bright, golden backs that appeal to potential mates. Nocturnal creatures, large eyes permit them to travel and jump from branch to branch in nearly complete darkness. Predominantly herbivores, these primates feed on fruits, leaves, bark, flowers, and insects; they may also steal and eat food belonging to humans if able, including cooked or dried meats.