SQUATCH TALES

AS TOLD BY BIGFOOTS

By DL Bittick

DRAFT
Chapters 1-7

PROLOGUE

They are known by many names around the world: Almasti

(Caucasus Mountains, Russia), Doolagari and Yowie
(Australia), Yeren (China) and Yeti (Nepal).
The Native Americans had names for them long before
Europeans arrived there: Skookum or Devil of the
Forest (Chinook); Wendigo or Wicked
Cannibal (Algonquian); Maxemista or Big Spirit
Being (Cheyenne); Atahsaia or The Cannibal
Demon (Zuni); Esti Capcaki or Tall Man (Seminole);
Kecleh-Kudleh or Hairy Savage (Cherokee); Nunumic or
The Giant (Aztec); Tso apittse or Cannibal
Giant (Shoshone); Ye-iitsoh or Big God (Navajo).
In modern times, theyve been dubbed Boggy Creek
Monster (Arkansas), Skunk Ape (Florida), Cave Yeller
(Kentucky), Grass Man (Ohio), Skunky Bill or Boggy Bill
(Texas), Holla Yella (West Virginia) and Jacko (Canada).
But the most common name was given to us by the
Salish tribe of the Pacific Northwest: Sasquatch or Wild Man
of the Woods. And, beginning around 1958, Bigfoot.
Collectively, they refer to themselves as moogoowah, or
masters of the forest lands. Their spoken language sounds
like random chattering to humans. Likewise, human speech
is nothing more than gibberish to them.
These are some of their own tales.
For the sake of clarity, their language has been
translated, edited and enhanced for humans.

CHAPTER 1
THE MOOGOOWAH

It was a warm summer night in the deep woods. The forest

was alive with the peacefully blended sounds of chirping
crickets, croaking frogs, gentle hoots of owls and the
mournful howls of distant coyotes. A grunting passel of swine
rustled through the brush, cracking small sticks as they
rooted through the dead leaves and pine straw for food.
Suddenly, the peace was shattered by the loud squealing
of a piglet. Instinctively, the boars and sows turned toward
the distressed young one to ready an attack. The squealing
abruptly stopped as the hogs ran toward the culprit, grunting
angrily as they charged.
Dakdak, a large moogoowah male, easily outran the
passel. He stuffed his kill up a tree and circled back around
to catch a second, and unguarded, piglet. But just as hed
slung the piglet over his shoulder, he found himself
surrounded by three large, furious boars. Without hesitation,
he took a single long bound, jumped high in the air and
grabbed the lowest branch of a large beech tree. As he
pulled himself higher, he felt warm, slimy wet slobber
touching his ankle as one of the large hogs narrowly missed
with its sharp tusks.
He climbed higher up the tree with his prize and waited
for the passel to leave the area. After a while, the swine
finally gave up and moved on. Dakdak climbed back down,
retrieved the other piglet and started walking with long, rapid
strides in the opposite direction.

A little while later, he heard a loud thump in the distance.

He laid his kills on the ground, selected a sturdy stick and
rapped it sharply against a tree. A few moments later,
another moogoowah approached.
Grraryl! Been long time. Why Grraryl in Dakdak
territory? Dakdak said.
Dakdak not see in many summers. Here to hunt
pigs this look like right place, Grraryl replied.
Dakdak and Grraryl were both adult moogoowah, each
standing just over eight feet tall. Dakdak had dark brown hair
while Grraryls was more reddish-brown. And they were
cousins, sharing the same paternal grandparents.
Where Grraryl been hunting? Dakdak asked.
West near Brazos River. Plenty deer and rabbits there.
But Grraryl crave pig, Grraryl replied.
Yeah, pig hard to beat. Still plenty in creek and river
bottoms here, Dakdak responded as he tossed one of the
piglets to Grraryl.
Grraryl nodded to thank him. Dakdak sliced open the pig
with a strong, sharp fingernail and gobbled down the entrails.
Grraryl did the same.
Grraryl have human problems coming here? Dakdak
asked.
Just usual. Travel at night when humans sleep. Had
close brush with human car. Grraryl make mistake and cross
river on bridge. Saw car lights halfway across and jumped
over side. Humans saw me and screeched car to stop. Two
men got out, chattering usual human gibberish, and pointed
flashlights. They not see Grraryl in thick brush. Grraryl not
see or smell guns... so had some fun with them. Grraryl
stood up, beat chest and screamed loud, Grraryl explained.
Must have scared shit out of humans! Dakdak
responded with an amused snort.
Smelled like it! Grraryl heard woman scream from car.
Men jumped back in and left fast. Grraryl left fast, too.
Grraryl explained.
Good that most humans not think moogoowah exist!
Dakdak snorted.
THOSE humans will but other humans not believe
them! Grraryl snorted back.
They gobbled down the rest of the pigs.

Dakdak hunt more. Lookoo mad if Dakdak not bring pig

for her and goowah, Dakdak said and then asked, You hunt
with Dakdak?
That why Grraryl here, Grraryl responded and then
asked, Lookoo Dakdak mate? How many goowah?
Lookoo mate for five summers. Boy, Gorgor, four
summers old and girl, Tandoo, one summer, Dakdak replied
and then asked, Grraryl have mate and goowah?
Grraryl not like to stay with mate not know about
goowah, Grraryl replied.
Pigs went that way, Dakdak said as he sniffed the air
and pointed.
The moogoowah ran in the direction of the passel of
swine. When they were close enough to hear their gruntles,
Dakdak signaled for Grraryl to stop.
Dakdak attack front, Grraryl attack behind, Dakdak
explained.
The swine had somewhat calmed down by this time and
started rooting for food again. Dakdak circled around in front
of the passel and hid behind a large tree. He leaped out and
clubbed a young sow between the eyes with his mighty paw
and sliced her throat open with his sharp fingernail. He stood
over his prize and screamed loudly. Grraryl quickly snatched
up a squealing piglet under each arm and screamed as well.
This time, the swine were so terrified that they fled in a
panic instead of trying to fight. Grraryl bit his prizes on their
heads, which immediately silenced them. Dakdak slung the
sow over his shoulder.
Grraryl stay with Dakdak and Lookoo? Dakdak asked
as he started walking away.
Grraryl nodded to agree and followed Dakdak while
munching on one of the piglets.
A few moments later, they heard a low, mournful howl in
the distance.
Lookoo? Grraryl asked.
Not Lookoos call came from the wrong direction.
Another moogoowah hunt in Dakdak territory, Dakdak
replied and returned the howl.
They continued walking. A little while later, Dakdak gave
a short whoop as he approached the edge of a large lake
and set the sow down on the ground.

Dakdak! You bring pig! Lookoo said excitedly as she

walked over to him.
Dakdak know Lookoo like pig, Dakdak responded and
added, Look who follow Dakdak.
Grraryl? Where Grraryl been hunting all these
summers? Lookoo asked.
By Brazos. Got craving for pig, so Grraryl here now,
Grraryl replied.
Gorgor! Tandoo! Look what Dakdak brought, Lookoo
called out.
Another moogoowah hunting in Dakdak territory asked
him come here, Dakdak said.
Dakdak know who? Lookoo asked as she started slicing
open the sow with her fingernail.
Howl not familiar, Dakdak replied.
At that moment, the two goowah ran over to Dakdak.
Dakdak! Gorgor love pig! Gorgor exclaimed as he
climbed to the top of his fathers head.
This old friend Grraryl, Dakdak said as he patted Grraryl
on the shoulder and picked up Tandoo.
Gorgor jumped over onto Grraryls head, climbed back
down, ran over to the sow and started feasting. Dakdak
carried Tandoo over to the pig and sat her down next to it.
Dakdak eat? Gorgor asked.
Dakdak already eat pigs so not hungry. Enjoy feast,
Dakdak replied as he signaled for Grraryl to follow him.
They took cover behind some trees and waited for the
other moogoowah. A few moments later, they heard a loud
wood knock. Dakdak responded with a short whoop.
Mokum, announced the moogoowah as he stepped out
into the open.
He was about the same height as Dakdak and had
similar brownish-red hair as Grraryl.
Dakdak Grraryl. Why Mokum hunt in Dakdak
territory? Dakdak responded.
Told this good pig hunting territory, Mokum replied.
Where Mokum hunting territory? Grraryl asked.
By big lake on Neches River, Mokum replied and then
asked, Dakdak let Mokum hunt pigs here?
Plenty pigs here. Plenty deer, too. But watch for
humans they hunt in these woods sometimes, Dakdak
replied.

Grraryl hunt with Mokum? Grraryl asked.

Mokum nodded his head to concur and then added as he
started walking away, Better to hunt in pairs.
Good hunting! Dakdak said as they disappeared into
the thick woods.
Dakdak go with them? Lookoo asked.
Dakdak stay here and sleep. It dawn soon, Dakdak
responded.
Lookoo, Gorgor and Tandoo finished eating the sow just
as dawn began to break across the wide lake. They joined
Dakdak, who was standing and watching the sun peek over
the eastern horizon.
Meanwhile, Grraryl and Mokum were stalking the passel
of swine.
Grraryl get in front and Mokum attack from behind,
Grraryl suggested.
Mokum nodded as he slowed down to let Grraryl get well
ahead of him. Mokum eased within sight of the rooting pigs
and waited for Grraryl to attack. He didnt have to wait long
as Grraryl scooped up a piglet and let out a loud whoop. As
the terrified passel fled toward Mokum, he chose a halfgrown pig and smashed it on the head with his mighty fist.
Two large boars turned toward him and charged,
gnashing their drooling tusks as they grunted angrily. Mokum
threw the dead pig at them, flexed his arms and gave a loud,
blood-curdling scream. Grraryl stood beside him and did the
same. The feet of the boars slipped out from under them as
they frantically tried to reverse direction. When Mokum
lunged toward them, they scampered off into the thick brush.
Grraryl happy pigs had sense to run and not fight!
Grraryl said.
Yes tusks look much bigger when they charge,
Mokum responded with a snort.
They slung their prizes over their shoulders and started
walking toward a creek. They sat down, leaned back against
a tree and enjoyed their kills. They found a nearby clearing
and napped out in the warm sunshine, awaking just before
sunset.
We follow creek, look for fresh tracks, Grraryl
suggested.
Mokum think same thing, Mokum replied as he
stretched his arms and yawned loudly.

They walked back over to the creek and followed it

upstream. It didnt take them long to detect the scent of
another passel of swine. They followed the scent until they
were close enough to hear gruntles.
Grraryl sense something else besides pigs, Grraryl said
lowly.
We follow and wait until dark to attack, Mokum
suggested.
Grraryl nodded to agree.
It not a human but it something Grraryl not sense
before, Grraryl added as he carefully sniffed the air.
Mokum and Grraryl did a thorough sensing of the area:
carefully looking for any movement, sniffing the air for scents,
listening for unusual sounds, tasting the air and feeling the
aura of the place.
We circle downwind for other scents, Grraryl suggested.
Mokum nodded to agree, picked up a large stick and
added, And be ready for anything.
Grraryl grunted to agree and also picked up a large stick
as they began to carefully make their way around the passel.
After theyd almost circled in front of the pigs, Grraryl
stopped and signaled to Mokum that hed spotted something
over to his left.
Suddenly, there was a loud roar as a huge bear attacked
the pigs, jumped on the back of one of the boars and
viciously clawed and bit it until its loud squeals stopped. It
roared loudly over the corpse as the passel fled in terror. The
moogoowah looked over at each other, both totally
fascinated and terrified at the same time. They watched as
the large creature started devouring its prize. Mokum
signaled that they should just leave the bear in peace and
Grraryl nodded back to agree. They left the area, being
careful to stay downwind of the bear.
That first bear Mokum see, Mokum commented a while
later.
Grraryl only heard stories that humans killed all bears
in this territory many, many summers ago, Grraryl
responded.
How many bears in territory? Mokum asked.
We ask Dakdak it his territory. Dakdak tell us what
else lurking in woods like wolves or cougars, Grraryl
replied.

Mokum grunted to agree and they both started back

toward the big lake. When they got closer, Grraryl used his
stick to knock on a tree. Several moments later, they heard
two return knocks and headed toward the sound.
Why back so soon? Dakdak called out as they
approached.
He noticed that they were carrying large sticks.
Hmm something get attention maybe bears
returned? Dakdak observed.
We saw bear take down big hog. First bear we ever
saw, Grraryl responded.
They wandered across river a few summers ago,
Dakdak explained.
Dakdak not afraid? Fear for goowah? Grraryl asked.
We stay away from them. Gorgor and Tandoo climb tree
and hide when bear close, Dakdak explained.
Anything else lurking in woods? Mokum asked.
We sometimes see or hear pack of wild dogs running
with coyotes. But they stay away from moogoowah, Dakdak
replied.
You catch pigs before big bad bear scare you away?
Lookoo asked with a snort.
Yes uh we uhm, an embarrassed Grraryl tried to
reply.
Lookoo teasing Grraryl. She do that sometimes, Dakdak
explained as he glanced over at Lookoo.
Big ol moogoowah sometimes need reminder they not
only hunter in territory, Lookoo responded
Mokum stood upright, puffed out his chest and declared,
Mokum not afraid of bears! Mokum wonder what bear taste
like.
He picked up his stick and started walking back into the
thick woods.
Wait Mokum! We know you easily kill bear. Not need to
prove, Lookoo called to him.
Mokum froze in his tracks and sniffed the air.
What wrong? Grraryl asked.
Mokum smell smoke, Mokum replied as he sniffed the
air again.
Sometimes humans leave houses in town and live in
woods for night or two remind them of old ways, Dakdak
commented as he sniffed the air as well.

Mokum turned around and started walking back toward

the others.
Be night soon. Humans not like dark, Grraryl said.
Mokum think same thing, Mokum responded with a
short snort.
What Mokum and Grraryl think? a concerned Lookoo
asked.
Maybe have some fun? Show humans why they fear
dark, Grraryl responded.
Maybe see what humans brought to eat, Mokum added.
What if humans brought guns? Lookoo asked.
They usually do we be careful, Dakdak replied.
What? You too, Dakdak? a very concerned Lookoo
responded.
If the humans want wilderness, we give them
wilderness, Dakdak replied.
We three smart moogoowah chase humans away
without getting shot, Mokum responded.
Four moogoowah. Lookoo pretty smart, too she
choose me as mate, huh? Dakdak added with a snort.
Good answer. Dakdak come close to never getting
nookie again! Lookoo responded with a snort.
Grraryl and Mokum snorted loudly, too.
No changing moogoowah mind. Lookoo and goowah
stay here. Humans sometimes use dogs hunt your ass
down, Lookoo added.
Dakdak know to lead humans far from Lookoo, Dakdak
responded as he, Grraryl and Mokum headed back into the
thick woods.
They followed the whiffs of smoke until they could hear
human voices. They sat down, leaned back against some
trees and waited for darkness to completely envelop the
surrounding forest.
No moon tonight extra dark for the humans, Dakdak
said lowly.
No longer hear human gibberish barely see glow from
fire. It time, Grraryl said as he stood up and stretched.
Humans need artificial lights to see in dark. Hide from
beams, Dakdak added as he stood up.
These not first humans Mokum see, Dakdak. Mokum
know what to do, Mokum responded as he stood up.

10

Grraryl nodded to agree with Mokum and then added,

We get upwind from humans.
Grraryl started walking carefully through the woods,
followed by Dakdak and Mokum, and made their way upwind
from the human camp. Once they reached their positions,
Grraryl grunted lightly to signal to the others that he had
released his farkwah. Dakdak and Mokum responded with
light grunts to signal the release of their own farkwah. Soon
the air was filled with the noxious, odorous mixture of rotten
eggs, decaying flesh, skunk spray and dysenteric diarrhea of
farkwah. Dakdak took position a stones throw to Grraryls
right while Mokum moved to his left.
As the gentle breeze carried the toxic cloud through the
human camp, they started hearing movement and coughing
from inside the temporary human shelter. Suddenly, the tent
started glowing with flashlight beams and the human
gibberish grew louder. Two men burst out of the tent, gasping
for air.
Whooop! Grraryl called out loudly from behind a large
tree.
The human gibberish abruptly stopped as they turned
their flashlight beams toward the sound. Dakdak tapped a
stick against a tree. As the humans turned their lights toward
Dakdak, Mokum gave a short, but loud, growl. The confused,
terrified humans took out their pistols and yelled loudly as
they started firing blindly into the darkness.
The moogoowah waited patiently, and safely, behind
large trees until the shooting stopped. Grraryl screamed
loudly as Dakdak and Mokum threw a couple of sticks toward
the tent. The terror stricken humans frantically got inside their
car, started the engine and were well on the way down the
rugged forest road before remembering to turn on the
headlights.
The moogoowah waited until the sound of the engine
faded into the distance before they inspected the abandoned
human camp.
Touch nothing and leave no tracks. Humans will think
minds played trick on them, Dakdak explained.
Watermelon! Mokum exclaimed excitedly.
What Dakdak just say? Dakdak reminded him.
Many summers since Mokum taste sweet, juicy
watermelon, Mokum protested.

11

Grraryl nodded to agree as he stepped toward the large,

dark green-light green striped feast. Dakdak jumped in
between the hungry moogoowah and the melon.
Just as humans left it, Dakdak said with a
growl and added, Dakdak know where there whole field of
watermelons.
Whole field? Grraryl responded excitedly.
How far? Mokum asked.
Two sunsets, Dakdak replied.
Grraryl can wait two sunsets to gorge on watermelon,
Grraryl responded.
Why we wait! Mokum added excitedly.
Dakdak need to show Lookoo we not shot by humans,
Dakdak replied.
You lucky moogoowah, my friend. If Grraryl found mate
like Lookoo, Grraryl have klatch of many goowah! Grraryl
added with a snort.
Dakdak nodded his head to concur and headed back into
the thick forest. Mokum and Grraryl didnt hesitate following
him. A short while later, Dakdak stopped and whistled like a
whippoorwill.
Lookoo and goowah scared by gunshots, Lookoo said
as she stepped out from behind a large hickory tree and
hugged Dakdak.
It part of fun, Dakdak explained.
Dakdak take Grraryl and Mokum to watermelon fields!
Grraryl added excitedly.
Watermelons? Not good idea have to cross human
trails to get there, a concerned Lookoo responded.
It worth risk, Mokum added.
Dakdak what is watermelon? Gorgor asked as he
climbed down from a sycamore tree and stood next to
Dakdak.
It a large roundish, Dakdak tried to explain.
It most delicious thing you ever taste, Grraryl
interrupted.
Watermelon is plant that humans grow, a concerned
Lookoo added.
Dakdak know how to get there and stay away from
humans, Dakdak said as he headed into the forest.
Tandoo quickly climbed down from a hickory tree, ran
over to Dakdak and climbed up onto his massive shoulders.

12

They all headed into the deep woods with Dakdak

leading and Lookoo and Tandoo following closely behind.
Grraryl guarded the right flank, staying just within sight of
Dakdak while Mokum assumed a similar position on the left.
Just before dawn, the klatch of moogoowah crossed a
sandy creek and decided to stop and drink. As the adult
moogoowah lounged along the bank, the goowah curiously
explored the creek.
Watch for snakes, Lookoo reminded them.
What this? Gorgor asked as he pointed to a piece of
rusty metal partially sticking out of the sandy bank.
No touch! Mokum said loudly.
Mokum know what that is? Dakdak asked.
Mokum see before. Humans call it trap and use to catch
animals, Mokum replied as he poked at the trap with a long
stick.
Mokum used the stick to pull it out of the sand.
Good it not set, Mokum explained.
Set? Gorgor asked.
Mokum laid the old trap onto the ground, stepped on the
springs, laid the jaws out and set the trigger plate. He
stepped back and touched the trigger with one end of the
stick. The steel jaws snapped loudly as they clamped down,
violently snapping off the end of the stick.
How Mokum know human trap? Grraryl asked.
Mokum grandfather had one gave to him by his
grandfather, Tartoo. Trap a reminder how dangerous humans
can be even when not close. He was called Three-Toed
Tartoo, Mokum began.

13

14

CHAPTER 2
THREE-TOED TARTOO

Tartoo hunted long ago in the far away Great Snowy

Mountains, long before the humans traveled in their cars on
their asphalt roads. He was small in size for a moogoowah,
standing just over six feet tall with a rather wiry build. But he
also had a double measure of curiosity and would rather
study and observe than hunt or mate. His mother always told
him that his inquisitiveness would be the death of him and
she was almost right.
One of Tartoos favorite objects of study were the humans
who also lived in the mountains. He was amazed by how
similar they were to the moogoowah. They both walked on
just two legs and were obviously more intelligent than the
other mountain creatures. He was fascinated by their nearly
hairless bodies, that they had to use tools to kill their food
and used the skins of those kills to cover their own bodies.
He also knew that they were dangerous and would probably
kill, eat and cover their bodies with his skin if they ever got
the chance.
But what fascinated him the most about the humans were
the chattering and guttural sounds they made. Was this some
sort of language? Was that how they communicated with
each other? He was determined to find out. So he thought up
a scheme to better study them: capture a young human.
15

Tartoo knew that the humans had difficulty seeing at night

so he waited until a dark, cloudy night to carry out his plan.
He selected a small, isolated band of humans and waited for
them to bed down for the night. He crept into their camp,
grabbed one of the young males and quickly carried the
screaming boy away into the dark woods. He could sense the
terror of his captive and thought that was a good sign
maybe they could communicate using senses like the
moogoowah?
He carried the boy high up a mountain to a small cave
and set him down by the entrance. Tartoo tried to establish
communication by gesturing with his hands. The terrified boy
just sat there whimpering like a hurt coyote. Tartoo thought
that if he offered his captive some food, maybe hed see that
Tartoo wasnt going to hurt him. Perhaps, they might be able
to communicate more? So Tartoo gestured with his hand by
simulating putting something in his mouth and eating. He
thought the boy understood because he stopped whimpering.
As Tartoo turned to leave, the boy screamed loudly and ran
past him into the darkness. To Tartoos horror, the boy ran
over the edge of the steep cliff and fell to his death far below.
But this didnt deter Tartoo. He captured three more
humans over the next several moons. Two of them also killed
themselves. But the third one, a young female, managed to
escape while Tartoo was sleeping. He finally came to the
conclusion that hed never be able to communicate with the
humans so he decided to stop hunting them. But, to his
surprise, the humans started hunting him!
Tartoo was enjoying a warm summer day as he ate wild
raspberries along a small stream. He sensed the presence of
humans, hid behind some rocks and watched as three men
made their way slowly up the stream toward him. They were
obviously hunting something because they had their
weapons ready. One of them was carrying a long, sharp
spear while the other two had bows and arrows. One of them
stopped, got down on all fours and sniffed the ground. When
he stood back up, he pointed directly toward Tartoo.
Tartoo stood up and ran up the hill and back into the thick
woods. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his left thigh and
looked down to see the feathered end of an arrow sticking
out of his leg. He screamed loudly in agony when he tried to
remove it. But since it wouldnt come out, he continued

16

limping up the rocky slope to get away from the humans. He

stopped near his favorite cave and rested. He tried to chew
the small stone arrowhead out of his leg but failed. The pain
was excruciating. He slept fitfully the rest of the day. After the
sun set, he tried to walk but couldnt. So he decided to just
crawl back into the cave to die.
The next day, he sensed humans nearby so he crawled
even farther back into the cave, knowing that they wouldnt
be able to find him in the darkness. Suddenly, a figure
appeared at the entrance of the cave. Although he knew it
was a man, he sensed something different.
Hello? called the strange man.
To Tartoos surprise, he could actually understand what
the human was saying!
"Hello? Me friend. Know you hurt me help, the man
called out.
Tartoos curiosity got the best of him so he answered,
Tartoo. Who are you?
My people call me Gray Owl, the man replied.
Tartoo crawled out of the cave to meet the strange and
obviously intelligent man.
How you talk moogoowah? Tartoo asked as he pointed
to his mouth.
It gift from the Great Spirit given to some of my people,
Gray Owl replied
A puzzled Tartoo stared at Gray Owl for several
moments.
Tartoo thought he could talk with humans, but found
none to talk back, Tartoo responded.
Is that why Tartoo captured and killed some of my
people? Gray Owl asked.
Tartoo not mean to hurt humans. They killed
themselves, Tartoo replied.
My people want to punish you for killing their children.
And I see you already carry one of their arrows in your leg,
Gray Owl responded.
Tartoo know arrow killed me, Tartoo replied.
You must let me take it out before it does, Gray Owl
responded.
How Tartoo know that Gray Owl not kill me and wear
skin? Tartoo asked.

17

Either way, Tartoo dead, Gray Owl replied as he took

out a piece of sharpened rock.
Tartoo life in Gray Owl hands, Tartoo responded as he
stretched out his leg and closed his eyes.
The pain was so overwhelming that it caused Tartoo to
fall asleep. When he awoke, he could tell that he was already
feeling better and that Gray Owl had apparently wrapped
some sort of poultice around the wound. He looked around
but sensed that the kind man was no longer around. Tartoo
figured that he must have been sleeping for several days
since he was now very hungry. He slowly stood up and
hobbled out of the cave to try to find something to eat. A few
moments later, he sensed a nearby human so he limped
back inside to hide.
Tartoo? called Gray Owl as he stepped inside the cave.
Tartoo hobbled over to his human friend.
How Tartoo feel? Gray Owl asked.
Much better, Tartoo replied as he gingerly touched his
wound.
You hungry? Gray Owl asked
Tartoo go hunt now, Tartoo replied.
No need brought something for you, Gray Owl
responded as he walked back out of the cave.
Gray Owl returned a few moments later with a dead
mountain sheep and laid it down at Tartoos feet. Tartoo tore
off one of its hind legs and handed it to Gray Owl. Gray Owl
started gathering sticks, set them in a pile, and began
vigorously rubbing two sticks together. A few moments later,
a tiny wisp of smoke appeared from one of the sticks. Gray
Owl gently blew on it and a moment later a small flame
appeared. He set the burning stick under the small pile of
wood and soon a larger flame appeared. This process totally
fascinated Tartoo.
This what my people call fire. We like to cook food with
fire before we eat it, Gray Owl explained as he skewered the
sheep leg with another stick and held it over the flames.
Tartoo see humans do that and wonder why they burn
food before eating, Tartoo responded.
My people consider fire sacred. It lets us see in dark,
warms bodies and cooks food. Food taste better when
cooked, Gray Owl explained.
Sacred? Tartoo asked.

18

Sacred things given by the Creator Great Spirit.

Things like air, water, dirt, rocks, food, sun, moon, stars and
fire. Do the moogoowah believe in Creator? Gray Owl
explained.
Yes moogoowah never speak about but grateful for
gifts, Tartoo replied.
I understand, Gray Owl responded as he nodded his
head to agree.
Moogoowah most grateful we not have to make fire! Not
need to warm bodies with skins of other animals, Tartoo
explained and snorted.
Gray Owl likes simple life of moogoowah. People build
things they think will make life easier. Humans made
weapons to become better hunters. It not long before people
figure out to use weapons to take food from other people.
Simple life better! Gray Owl explained with a chuckle.
Other humans talk to moogoowah like Gray Owl? Tartoo
asked.
Not many. we are known as shaman, Gray Owl
replied.
Tartoo tell other moogoowah about shaman, Tartoo
responded.
Gray Owl will tell other shaman about moogoowah,
Gray Owl added.
Gray Owl took the sheep leg out of the fire, sliced off a
piece of meat with a sharp rock, handed it to Tartoo and
asked, Would you like to try cooked meat?
Tartoo took the meat, ate it and replied, Tastes good, but
Tartoo like meat raw simple! Tartoo said.
Gray Owl stayed with Tartoo to make sure that his wound
healed properly. As the sun began to rise several days later,
Gray Owl decided that it was time for him to leave.
Gray Owl must now return to his people. Knowing Tartoo
best thing in Gray Owls journey through life, Gray Owl said
as he hugged Tartoo.
Tartoo agree. Maybe we meet again along journey,
Tartoo replied.
If Tartoo ever need Gray Owl, just find camp and howl
and Gray Owl howl back, Gray Owl said.
Humans howl poorly. Gray Owl knock knock on tree,
Tartoo knock back if nearby, Tartoo replied.

19

Gray Owl waived his hand to Tartoo as he started back

down the mountain.
Several summers passed as Tartoo wandered far across
the mountains and rivers hunting and exploring. One day, he
caught the scent of humans. But the aroma was different
from those hed smelled before. When he followed it, he
found two strange looking men. Their skin appeared to be
lighter than the other humans, had facial hair and wore
coverings on the tops of their heads. But the oddest thing
about them was that they were covered in some sort of
colorful material.
Tartoo followed the men and observed their strange
behavior for several days. They each rode a horse and pulled
another one behind them that carried large packs. He
watched as theyd stop each day just before sundown, tie the
horses to trees and unload their packs. He also noticed that
they didnt carry spears or arrows as weapons. Perhaps, he
thought, that the long, strange looking sticks that they carried
were their weapons?
One night, after the men were asleep and their fire had
died down to just glowing embers, Tartoo decided to sneak
into their camp to get a closer look. The humans were
wrapped up in something that smelled similar to mountain
sheep. Their head coverings were made from beaver skins.
They also had several strange looking objects near the fire
so he decided to pick one of them for a better look. The hard,
round item tasted like metal. But when he turned it over,
several smaller pieces fell onto the ground with a loud clank.
Suddenly, the humans jumped out from under their
coverings and started yelling. Tartoo could smell their fear as
he hurried back into the dark woods. He turned just in time to
see them pointing their long sticks toward him. A trail of fire
and loud thunder suddenly exploded from the ends of the
sticks. Tartoo felt a sharp sting in his left shoulder and heard
a loud thud as something struck the tree next to him.
The men continued screaming as Tartoo hurried up a
nearby mountain. After he was sure that they werent
following him, he stopped to feel his aching shoulder. To his
surprise, he found two small, oozing wounds. He found some
tree moss and held it over the wounds until they stopped
bleeding. He came to the conclusion that the fiery, loud
thunder sticks were definitely some sort of strange, but

20

powerful, weapon. He made a point to tell every moogoowah

that he could find to be wary of the bearded humans and
their fiery thunder sticks.
Over the next several moons, Tartoo crossed the trails of
several more of the strange, bearded humans. He would
follow them from a safe distance, being careful to stay out of
sight. One day he happened upon a man who was kneeling
beside a stream. He watched as the man set a metal object
in the water, stood up, got back on his horse and rode
upstream.
As Tartoo waited for the man to leave the area, he saw a
beaver swimming toward the spot where the man had just
been. Suddenly, he heard a loud snap and saw the animal
thrashing violently in the creek. After the thrashing stopped,
Tartoo went over to investigate. What he found was a metal,
vine-like object attached to a stick on one end and to another
metal object on the other. And the metal gadget had
somehow trapped the lower leg of the beaver. He reached
down, pulled the dead beaver out of the water and tried to
free it from the metal trap. Finally, he just pulled its leg off
and dropped the detached leg and the trap back into the
water. He carried the rest of the beaver back up the mountain
and ate it.
Tartoo wanted to learn more about the metal traps. So he
followed the man and watched him set several more along
the creek. After he was pretty sure how the man did it, he
waited for him to leave and pulled one of the traps out of the
water. Although hed watched the man set several traps, he
didnt actually see him spring any of them. Tartoo made the
mistake of stepping into the trap.
The powerful spring-loaded steel jaws violently snapped
shut on his foot. Tartoo screamed in agony and tried to run.
However, when he reached the end of the chain, he was
abruptly and excruciatingly stopped. He managed to slide the
chain off the stick and hobbled up the side of the nearest
mountain with the trap still firmly attached to his foot and
dragging the chain behind.
Each time Tartoo tried to remove the trap, unbearable
pain would shoot through his body. He finally decided that the
only way to remove it was to find Gray Owl, the only human
he trusted. So he hobbled back down the other side of the
mountain trying to find Gray Owl. He managed to limp back

21

to where he had last seen his human friend but only found a
long abandoned camp. He howled in frustration, sat down
and leaned back against a tree. A few moments later, he
heard two wood knocks in the distance.
Tartoo limped slowly toward the origination of the knocks
until he sensed a human presence. He picked up a strong,
dead limb and slammed it into the side of a tree. A few
moments later, he heard a familiar whoop and started toward
it, dragging his injured foot.
Tartoo, my friend! My heart soars to see you again. But I
sense that you are in great pain, Gray Owl called out as
soon as he saw Tartoo.
Gray Owl. Again we brought together by wound caused
by human weapon, Tartoo responded.
You found a white mans traps, Gray Owl observed as
Tartoo dragged himself closer.
Can Gray Owl remove it? Tartoo asked as he sat down.
Gray Owl walked over to Tartoo.
It will hurt much, Gray Owl said as he stepped down
onto the sides of the trap to relieve the tension of the springs
and removed it.
Tartoo sighed heavily as the pressure from the trap was
relieved.
Let me check for damage, Gray Owl suggested as he
started examining the wounds.
Nothing mud and moss wont fix, Tartoo replied.
Two broken toes and they dead. If Tartoo were human,
Gray Owl say to cut off now, stop poison from killing you,
Gray Owl remarked.
What If Tartoo not let Gray Owl cut off? Tartoo asked.
Gray Owl not sure about moogoowah, but sure it kill
human, Gray Owl explained.
Tartoo not feel toes Gray Owl can cut them off, Tartoo
replied.
Before Tartoo could utter another word, Gray Owl had
taken out his tomahawk and whacked both of Tartoos dead
toes off. A startled Tartoo jumped up, growling loudly.
Now Tartoo can put mud and moss on them, Gray Owl
responded.
Tartoo hobbled down to a nearby stream and returned a
few minutes later with his lower leg and foot covered in thick
mud.

22

Gray Owl hide trap so it not hurt other animals, Gray

Owl said as he held the metal trap up by the chain.
No, Tartoo keep trap
warn moogoowah about
danger, Tartoo responded.
***
He called Three-Toed Tartoo after. He learned too much
curiosity COULD kill. Tartoo became mighty hunter and
fathered many goowah, Mokum concluded.
This same trap? Grraryl asked.
Not sure. Mokum only saw when he was goowah. Tartoo
gave trap to his brother, Toogah. Toogah left Great Snowy
Mountains and lived many summers in swamp country,
Mokum replied.
Toogah? My grandfather was called Toogah and once
lived in swamp country, Dakdak responded.
Grraryl and Dakdak had the same grandfather, Pupu,
Grraryl stated.
Toogah was other grandfather Dakdak mothers father.
She spent early life in swamp country, Dakdak explained.
Lookoo not know Dakdak was swamp ass, Lookoo
teased and snorted.
Dakdak only half swamp ass Grraryl and Dakdak
fathers were from this side of swamp, Dakdak responded
with a snort.
If he was same Toogah, then Mokum and Dakdak
related, Mokum remarked.
Probably, Dakdak responded and then added, We rest
here until sundown. There many human trails between here
and watermelon field much safer to cross at night.
The other moogoowah nodded their heads and then
stretched out along the soft, sandy creek bank to relax.
Dakdak leaned back against a tree. Tandoo crawled up into
his lap, laid her head onto his chest and was soon fast
asleep.
Grandfather Toogah could tell stories! Three-Toed
Tartoos curiosity got him in trouble trouble hunted
Grandfather Toogah, Dakdak began.

23

24

CHAPTER 3
TOOGAH AND THE BUBBLEHEADS

Toogah was an average moogoowah. He stood just under

eight feet tall and had dark, reddish-brown hair. He preferred
the solitary life deep in the swamp country where he enjoyed
bountiful deer, wild pigs, squirrels, rabbits, birds, fish, snakes,
snapping turtles, raccoons and even an occasional alligator.
Sometimes hed even take a chicken or two from one of
the humans farms that bordered the swamp. He was always
careful not to be seen so hed only go there at night.
However, on a couple of occasions, humans may have
gotten glimpses of him as he disappeared into the woods.
Once he even thought men were hunting him because he
could see the beams from their artificial lights and hear the
baying of their hounds. But they werent able to follow him
into the swamps.
It was early summer. Toogah was hunting in his favorite
territory deep within the cypress swamps. The thickly
forested island was surrounded by bogs and slimy, moss
covered murky black water. It was Toogahs sanctuary
because it was inaccessible by human cars and boats. Or so
he thought.
25

One morning, Toogah heard a strange buzzing sound in

the distance. After a while he figured out that it must to be
coming from some sort of human machine. He wasnt really
concerned at first because he knew that no human had ever
stepped foot on his sanctum. But as the sound of the engine
grew louder, he began to realize that he might no longer be
safe there.
Finally, he was able to see the invaders: two men riding
in a boat that had a large, round cage in the rear. The boat
easily skimmed across the moss-choked bayou. Toogah hid
behind a large cypress to observe. The boat ran ashore and
the loud engine stopped. The men gibbered to each other,
climbed out of the boat and pulled out rifles. Hunters! But
what were they hunting?
Toogah followed and observed them from a safe distance
as the men slowly walked through the thick brush and into
the more open woods. A little while later, Toogah saw a buck
peacefully grazing on the lush, green grass. The men
apparently saw it as well and pointed their hands toward it.
But when neither of them bothered to take a shot, Toogah
knew that he might indeed be their intended game.
Toogah was a very wise moogoowah. He knew that his
best weapon against humans was fear. He decided to draw
the men over to the far side of the island and away from their
boat. He got upwind from them and released his farkwah, an
invisible cloud of noxious gases from deep within his bowels.
When he heard the men start gagging, he knew that it was
effective. Now that he had their attention, he knocked a
couple of times on a tree to draw them even farther into the
woods. He doubled back to the boat, pushed it far out into
the black water and set it adrift. He waded back through the
chest deep, slimy black water to the island, hid among some
cypress knees and waited for night to fall.
Toogah was amused by the attempts of the humans to
communicate with him and draw him out. He heard them
knock a couple of times on trees and make pathetic howling
sounds and whoops. He watched them as they headed back
to their boat and heard the panic in their voices when they
discovered that it was gone. He saw them pointing toward
their drifting boat, yelling loudly and stomping their feet in
frustration.

26

Humans not thinking about swimming through snakes

and alligators to get boat? Toogah asked himself.
As darkness fell, the men finally calmed down and built a
fire near the shore. Toogah went far back into the woods,
picked up a large stick and rapped it a couple of times on a
tree. He ran across the island and knocked on another tree.
He eased back within sight of the men and saw them
frantically pointing their weapons toward any little sound they
heard. And that they apparently didnt have artificial lights
with them so it was pitch black dark away from their fire.
Confident that they couldnt see him, Toogah gave a little
whoop and threw a stick close to them. As expected, the men
started firing toward where the stick had landed. So he threw
a larger stick into the water and the men frantically turned
and opened fire toward the loud splash. Toogah threw
another stick high into the air, gave a loud whoop and quickly
hid behind a large tree. Just as the men turned to shoot, the
stick landed in the fire with a loud crash, scattering burning
embers everywhere. One of the men immediately dropped
his rifle and fell to the ground as if he was dead. The other
man knelt beside him, frantically trying to help, and finally
managed to revive him.
Not smart to kill human. Many others will want to avenge
death. That enough messing with humans, Toogah said to
himself as he turned and walked back into the dark woods.
After he was well out of range, Toogah gave a long,
mournful howl to end it. Soon afterward, he heard the sound
of an engine in the distance and saw a bright beam of light
shining on the tops of the cypresses. As the sound grew
louder, the light grew brighter and appeared to be heading
directly toward Toogahs island. When he heard a human
voice booming from the source of the light, he knew that it
was probably one of their flying machines. Through the trees,
Toogah watched as the loud machine hovered in the sky
above the two hunters, shining its blinding light down on
them. He saw a third man descending on a rope from the
hovering machine and joining the two hunters.
When the three men began ascending toward the flying
machine a few moments later, Toogah figured that it was time
to find a good hiding place. He ran as fast as he could toward
the farthest point of the island. He hid in a deep crevice at
the edge of the swamp that had been formed when a large

27

cypress had uprooted and fallen during a storm. Through the

mesh of roots, he watched as the machine slowly flew over
the entire island, shining its bright light down as it passed.
After a while, it finally flew away.
Toogah knew that the men would return the next day to
retrieve their boat and probably bring more hunters. So he
decided to leave his beloved lost sanctuary and find another
one.
By the next summer, Toogah had found another sanctum
deeper in the swamps. Although it had signs of human
visitation, there were none very recent. The island wasnt
quite as large as the other one, but it had plenty of small
game and cover.
One dark, overcast night he got a hankering for pig so he
left his new sanctuary to hunt. He soon caught the scent of
pigs and followed it to a small, muddy creek. He clubbed a
half-grown boar with his mighty paw and chased the rest of
the passel away.
As he was enjoying his fresh pork dinner, a bright light
suddenly shined down from the clouds in the direction of his
new sanctum. But since he was a long way from there, it
didnt really concern him. He soon noticed that the light
would appear for a short while, turn off for a while and then
reappear. When he realized that there was no sound coming
from the direction of the light, his curiosity finally got the best
of him.
Toogah ran back through the thick woods to the edge of
the swamp. He maneuvered downwind of the island but
detected nothing unusual, especially humans. Nor could he
see from where the lights originated through the thick, low
hanging clouds. When the lights went off again, he eased
through the waist-deep slimy water over to the island to get a
closer look.
His senses told him nothing. There were no unusual
sounds, scents or tastes in the air as he carefully made his
way to the edge of a small clearing in the center of the island.
Nor did he see or feel anything out of the ordinary. But when
the lights came on again, he was dumbfounded by what he
saw.
Three small human-like creatures stepped out from
behind some trees and into the small clearing. But upon a
closer look, they were very different from any humans hed

28

ever encountered. Not only were they much shorter, but their
heads were disproportionately large, as were their eyes.
They were completely clothed in a silvery material except for
their heads, which were covered by what appeared to be
clear bubbles. And they were staring directly at Toogah.
Finally, one of the bubbleheads stepped forward and
raised one of his gloved hands.
We mean no harm, the bubblehead said.
Toogah sensed that the strange, human-like creature was
sincere.
Why you on Toogahs island, Toogah responded as he
boldly stepped out from behind a tree and walked toward
them.
Sensing their fear as he towered over them, he raised
both of his hands as a gesture of peace.
Toogah not hurt you, Toogah assured them.
The bubbleheads glanced at each other and approached
Toogah.
Toogah not see humans like you before, Toogah said.
We are explorers from out there, bubblehead #1
replied as he pointed upward.
Out there? The clouds? a confused Toogah asked.
Beyond the clouds among the stars, bubblehead #1
replied.
In response to your first question, we were told to seek
out your kind that we could communicate with you,
bubblehead # 2 added.
You need to talk to humans they more like you,
Toogah responded.
Humans not as peaceful as the moogoowah,
bubblehead #3 replied.
We want to know more about your planet. Your species
is more symbiotic with it, bubblehead #2 added.
Symb? a confused Toogah asked.
Symbiotic your species lives in harmony with the Earth
without trying to change it, bubblehead #1 explained.
We sometimes forget that you dont know what we
know like some of our words. Just like we dont know what
you know, which is why were here, bubblehead #2
explained.
Toogah understand, Toogah replied.

29

Would you like to see the inside of our ship?

bubblehead #1 asked.
No. Toogah not curious about machines. Machines
disturb peace, Toogah replied.
We respect that, bubblehead #2 responded.
Toogah not teach bubbleheads. You leave now in
peace, Toogah said as he turned to leave.
Wait! bubblehead #2 said loudly as he tapped Toogah
on the knee.
As Toogah turned around, bubblehead #3 pointed a
bright, strobing light into his eyes. Toogah covered his eyes
and growled.
But that always works on humans, a puzzle bubblehead
#3 remarked as he fumbled with a small, stick-like device.
Bubblehead #1 took the device, tapped on it a few times,
and then pointed it toward Toogah.
Look! a big pig! bubblehead #1 exclaimed.
As Toogah uncovered his eyes to look, a bright, strobing
light blinded him.
The next thing Toogah remembered was awaking to the
predawn sun. He quickly stood up to sense his surroundings.
The sky was clear, only the usual scents and sounds filled
the air, and no aura from anything that didnt belong there.
There were also no signs of the bubbleheads or their ship.
He noticed a slight buzzing sensation in his head at first, but
that quickly disappeared as he walked into the cover of the
woods.
Toogah soon found an even better sanctuary deeper
within the swamps. Although it wasnt an island, it was
surrounded on three sides by black water and the fourth side
was protected by thickets of briars.
Several summers passed as Toogah continued to hunt
throughout the swamp country. One night, as he was stalking
a large boar, bright lights suddenly appeared from the sky
directly over him. He glanced up and as he looked back
down, one of the bubbleheads suddenly appeared before
him.
Toogah, we have been looking for you. We wanted to
apologize for what we did to you the last time we met, the
bubblehead said.
Maybe that why humans not as peaceful they hold
grudges, Toogah responded.

30

Perhaps. We have learned that it is best to ask

permission, especially from the moogoowah, the
bubblehead explained.
Uh? Did something happen to make you change ways?
Toogah asked.
Lets just say that one of your kind was resistant to
our methods, the bubblehead responded.
Hmm Toogah say you met Krom. And Krom not as
peaceful as Toogah, Toogah remarked.
How did you do you have the ability to read minds?
the puzzled bubblehead asked.
Toogah not read minds. Toogah saw Krom last winters
and he told Toogah what happened, Toogah explained.
The bubblehead nodded his head and responded, Then
you know that our intentions are sincere and peaceful. We
are just a curious species.
Moogoowah have saying: curiosity why Tartoo had three
toes, Toogah added with a snort.
I am glad that you laugh. Yes, Krom made that very clear
to us, the bubblehead responded.
You can watch what Toogah do just stay out of way,
Toogah said.
Over the next several moons, Toogah would sometimes
feel the presence of the bubbleheads but never saw them
again. The following winter, he found a suitable mate and had
their first goowah the following autumn. Soon afterward, they
left the swamps for new hunting grounds.
***
Toogah say he not sense bubbleheads after that,
Dakdak concluded.
Mokum heard about bubbleheads from Grandfather
Toogah, Mokum said with a loud yawn, Now it makes
sense.
Mokum sleep while Grraryl stand guard, Grraryl said as
he stood back up and headed downwind into the woods.
Wake me at noon, Mokum said with another loud yawn
and laid down.
Lookoo crawled over next to Dakdak and laid her head
on his shoulder.
They were all soon asleep. Just after noon, Grraryl
awakened Mokum for his watch.

31

Anything? Mokum asked.

Just usual. Busy human trail downwind a ways heard
many of their cars, Grraryl replied.
Good to know, Mokum responded as he walked into the
thick woods.
Grraryl curled up next to the creek and was soon fast
asleep. Gorgor and Tandoo got up and started quietly
exploring the creek and surrounding woods. Gorgor taught
Tandoo how to catch frogs, snakes and turtles in the creek,
which made excellent afternoon snacks. Just before sunset,
Mokum returned.
See anything? Dakdak asked as he stood up and
stretched.
Just many cars. Mokum now see why Dakdak wait until
dark to cross human trail, Mokum replied.
We follow creek downstream and cross under bridge,
Dakdak said.
Grraryl lag behind and hunt, Grraryl added.
Good idea. Faint scent of pig in the air hmm and
deer. Maybe Mokum lag behind, too, Mokum responded.
We need Mokum to watch flank, Dakdak said.
Lookoo take Gorgor and teach him how to watch flank,
too, Lookoo responded.
Tandoo climbed onto Dakdaks shoulders as he started
downstream. They approached a bridge a little while later
and Dakdak gave a short whoop to signal the others to join
him as he set Tandoo on the ground.
Cross one at time, Dakdak explained as soon as they
were all gathered except for Grraryl, who was still hunting.
Dakdak waited until there were no car headlights in sight
and hurried under the bridge to the tree line on the other
side. He signaled that it was safe and Lookoo sent Gorgor.
After theyd all crossed, Dakdak set Tandoo back on his
shoulders and continued their journey. A short while later,
Mokum knocked on a tree, signaling everyone to take cover.
Dakdak hid Tandoo in a briar thicket and then eased his way
over to Mokum.
What Mokum sense? Dakdak whispered.
Mokum heard car engine then it stop, Mokum
explained as he pointed toward a nearby trail.
There no human houses in this area, Dakdak
responded as he sniffed the air.

32

Mokum see flashlight be right back, Mokum said as

he started to leave.
Wait! Might be hunters Dakdak watch flank, Dakdak
responded.
They eased around until they were able to pick up the
scents of the humans.
Humans smells like hmm strange scents. Not
smell guns. Mokum get closer look, Mokum said as he
started making his way toward the humans.
Once Mokum was able to see the humans, he made a
short owl hoot to signal for Dakdak to join him. To his
surprise, Dakdak saw two naked humans on a blanket next
to their car.
Are they mating? a curious Dakdak asked.
Explains strange scents and strange noises, Mokum
replied.
Dakdak never see humans without their coverings. Now
know why they need humans have no hair except on
head! Dakdak observed.
Hmm human female breasts no different from
moogoowah except no hair, Mokum added.
They were totally mesmerized as they watched the
humans and listened to their strange moaning sounds as
they mated. Finally, the moaning climaxed and the humans
laid down beside each other.
Humans finish mating no more to see here, a
disappointed Dakdak whispered.
Now time to have fun, Mokum replied with a short snort.
Suddenly, Mokum let out a blood-curdling scream. The
humans quickly sat up and Dakdak immediately smelled their
terror. So he screamed, too. The stunned humans frantically
grabbed their clothes and jumped into the car, leaving the
blanket behind. A moment later, the engine started and the
car sped away, without headlights, down the dirt trail into the
darkness.
Dakdak and Mokum went back to the creek. Dakdak
picked up Tandoo, set her on his shoulders and hooted like
an owl to signal that it was safe again.
Why Mokum and Dakdak scream? Lookoo asked.
We scare humans away, Mokum replied.
What if the humans come back and hunt moogoowah?
a concerned Gorgor asked.

33

Humans not be back human terror scent filled air,

Dakdak replied.
Humans probably think it was angry screech owls,
Mokum added.
Why humans so far from houses if not hunting? Lookoo
asked.
The humans were mating, Dakdak replied.
Look like small moogoowah without hair, Mokum
added with a snort.
Watching humans make Dakdak horny, Dakdak said as
he gently grabbed Lookoos paw.
Now, Dakdak? We need to continue journey, a surprised
Lookoo responded.
Dakdak led the hesitant Lookoo into the thick brush. A
few moments later, Grraryl appeared with a deer slung over
his shoulder.
Where Dakdak Lookoo? Grraryl hear screams,
Grraryl said as he laid the deer on the ground.
Mokum and Dakdak caught humans mating. We
screamed to chase them away, Mokum explained as he
sliced open the deer.
Where Dak ohhh Grraryl now understand! Grraryl
responded with a snort as he heard the rustling in the nearby
brush.
A short while later, the rustling stopped.
Grraryl! Dakdak thought he heard you. Good, you bring
food me starving, Dakdak said as he returned.
Grraryl wonder why where Lookoo? Grraryl
responded with a snort.
Lookoo there, Dakdak replied as he pointed toward the
brush.
Lookoo returned a few moments later.
Good! Grraryl kill deer, Lookoo said as she joined the
feast.
Hit deer with rock, Grraryl responded.
Not like mighty Krom. Krom kill deer with just roar,
Dakdak began.

34

CHAPTER 4
THE MIGHTY KROM

Krom was a magnificent looking moogoowah. He stood over

nine feet tall with a massive build and thick black hair that
shimmered in the sunshine. He lived long ago in the far away
mountainous Great Woods, the place where the moogoowah
first began walking the Earth. The territory had a perfect
balance of sunshine, rain, mountains, forests, rivers,
meadows, edible plants and game.
Krom was fearless and quick to defend encroachment
into his hunting grounds against other moogoowah, bears
and even humans. But he didnt mind sharing his territory
with female moogoowah. In fact, many would travel great
distances just to mate with him. Sometimes he would even
take the mates of other moogoowah, who knew better than to
try fighting the mighty Krom. Therefore, the other male
moogoowah despised and avoided him.
It was late autumn. The bears had been fattening
themselves on salmon, berries and deer in preparation for
winter hibernation. The chill in the early morning air meant
that the first snows of winter werent far behind. This signaled
the bears that it was time to start looking for winter quarters.
To Krom, it meant prime bear hunting season.
35

Although black bears were abundant in Kroms territory,

he preferred hunting the rarer larger, meaner and most
dangerous bear of all: grizzlies. He enjoyed the challenge
and it didnt hurt that it thoroughly impressed female
moogoowah during prime mating season.
It didnt take Krom long to catch the scent of a grizzly. He
followed it up a rocky river until he saw his prey. He hid and
watched the large male grizzly as it fished for salmon.
Suddenly, the grizzly stood up on its hind legs and deeply
sniffed the air. Krom was downwind so he knew that it wasnt
his scent that the bear had detected. A few moments later,
the scent reached Krom humans. He also felt a change in
the bears aura as it stopped fishing and lumbered into the
nearby woods.
Crazy bear hunt humans. Not good. More humans will
come to avenge death NOT GOOD. Krom must stop
grizzly, Krom said to himself.
Krom started running to catch up with the grizzly. But the
human screams told him that he was too late. Krom reached
the carnage just in time to see the grizzly clasping a human
male between its huge, sharp teeth and violently shaking him
to death. The bear dropped the body and started toward the
other human, a female frozen with fear and just sitting there
screaming.
Krom was puzzled why the humans apparently didnt
have guns or, at least, try to flee. He screamed loudly to
distract the bear just it was about to bite the womans head.
The startled grizzly quickly turned toward Krom, hesitated a
moment, stood up on its hind legs and roared loudly. Krom
beat his chest a couple of times and returned the roar. As the
bear charged, Krom gave an excited WHOOP, jumped high
into the air, caught a large tree branch and lifted himself into
the air.
When the confused bear stopped, Krom dropped down
onto its back, wrapped his long, powerful arms around it,
lifted it high into the air and violently slammed it onto the
ground. As the stunned grizzly scrambled to get back to its
feet, Krom slit its throat with his long, sharp fingernail.
Knowing that the wounded bear was still very dangerous,
Krom tried to keep a safe distance. The crazed grizzly
chased Krom through the woods until it finally collapsed and
died from the massive loss of blood.

36

Krom made sure the beast was dead and went back to
check on the humans. He found the female holding the male
and sobbing over his dead body. The woman looked up at
Krom and uttered some human gibberish to him. Krom
grunted a couple of times and waved his arm to signal for her
to leave his territory. To Kroms surprise, the woman stood up
and started walking toward him. So he roared loudly at her,
turned and ran back into the woods.
Krom circled back to make sure that the woman didnt
follow him. She didnt. Instead, she wrapped a covering over
the dead male and dragged his body away. Krom followed
her from a safe distance for a while to make sure she was
safe and then returned to retrieve his prize.
He carried the dead grizzly across the river and deep into
the forest. Just after nightfall, he climbed to the crest of a tall,
wooded hill and laid the dead bear on the ground. The
location gave him an excellent vantage point to see in all
directions. It also carried his low, mournful howl through the
valleys below. It wasnt long before he heard the distant
responses from two female moogoowah coming from
opposite directions.
Krom began feasting on his prize as he waited for the
females. A while later, he heard a wood knock and
responded with a short whoop.
Ursa, announced a female moogoowah as she carefully
approached Krom.
Krom, he responded and added, Have some grizzly.
Ursa hear stories about Krom and grizzly bears, Ursa
responded excitedly.
Stories true, Krom replied as he puffed out his massive
chest.
Ursa walked over to Krom and started gently caressing
him. Krom gladly returned her caresses. They were soon
passionately, and loudly, mating wildly. Meanwhile, there was
another tree knock.
Who that? Ursa asked as she suddenly straightened
her back and looked up at Krom.
Krom.. not know, he replied as he quickly finished
with a loud WHOOP.
A few moments later, another female moogoowah
appeared. She looked at Krom and Ursa and casually walked
over to the dead bear and started eating.

37

Who are you? Ursa growled.

Mar, she calmly replied and added, You finish Mar in
no hurry.
Krom, Krom said.
Mar know you, Mar replied as she licked her lips.
Krom Ursas mate you leave NOW! Ursa growled.
Ursa, huh? Eat some grizzly bear you feel better, Mar
calmly responded.
Ursa angrily lunged at Mar. Krom stepped in between
them and grabbed Ursa.
Krom tell Mar Krom Ursa mate! Ursa growled.
Krom has many mates, Krom explained.
Ursa pulled away from Krom, growled angrily, and started
eating on the bear.
Krom made sure that the females were peaceful.
Sensing the presence of another moogoowah, he called
out into the darkness, Show yourself.
A male moogoowah stepped from behind a tree and
responded, How you know Zark here?
Me Krom, Krom replied.
Zark? Why you follow Mar? a surprised Mar asked.
Mar is Zarks mate, Zark replied.
No Mar is now Kroms mate, Mar responded.
Zark looked angrily at Krom, stepped back and grabbed a
big stick.
Zark fight Krom? an amused Krom snorted as he stood
tall and puffed out his chest.
Zark started whooping and jumping around as he beat
the ground with the stick.
That what Krom thought, Krom snorted as he grabbed
Mar and mounted her.
A stunned Zark paused for a moment and charged Krom.
Without interrupting his mating motion, Krom clubbed Zark
with his mighty paw, sending him flailing helplessly through
the air.
Zark not forget, Zark whimpered as he limped back
down the hill and out of sight.
As soon as Krom finished with Mar, he beat his chest and
let out a blood curdling scream to remind all of the mightiness
of Krom.
Zark spent the next several moons plotting his revenge.
The following summer, the opportunity finally presented itself.

38

Zark found several humans camping near Kroms

territory. He watched them carefully throughout the day and
waited for them to bed down that night to launch his scheme.
Zark got upwind from the camp and unleashed his
farkwah. When the noxious cloud reached the camp, the
humans started coughing. The tent began to glow as
flashlights were turned on and the chattering human
gibberish became louder and louder. Zark started throwing
sticks against the tent and growling. He sensed the terror
from the humans as they ran out of the tent randomly
pointing their flashlight beams. Zark changed positions, threw
a few more sticks toward the camp, whooped, moved to
another spot and threw a few more sticks.
To Zarks pleasant surprise, none of the humans fired
guns, which emboldened him. He waited for the humans to
calm down some before he screamed loudly and charged
toward them. The terrified humans scattered, except for
one the alpha male. The man stood steadfastly with a large
knife in one hand and a flashlight in the other. Zark stopped a
few feet in front of him, stood tall and screamed loudly. When
the man lunged toward him, Zark knocked him to the ground
and screamed again. As the moaning man started moving
again, Zark whipped out his peepee and urinated all over the
injured man. Satisfied that his actions would infuriate the
humans, Zark turned and disappeared into the dark woods.
Zark stopped frequently to urinate as he crossed the river
into Kroms territory.
Zark rage humans. They get guns to hunt dangerous
moogoowah. Zark leave easy trail for humans hounds to
track to Krom, Zark said to himself.
As Zark expected, Krom soon found him.
Why Zark in Kroms territory? Krom demanded.
Revenge, Zark replied.
Zark fight Krom? a puzzled Krom asked.
Zark not fight Krom, Zark replied as he circled around
him several times.
How Zark get revenge if not fighting Krom? an even
more puzzled Krom asked.
Krom will see soon, Zark replied with a snort as he
turned and ran away.
Zark returned to the river and waded downstream a
ways. He circled back downwind from the humans camp and

39

waited. Around mid morning, he heard the baying of hounds.

His vengeful plot was working!
Krom was napping in his favorite aspen thicket when he
was suddenly awakened by the distant baying of hounds. He
climbed to the crest of a nearby hill to get a better look. To his
surprise, the hounds seemed to be following his trail! And
there were several hunters following the hounds! He ran
down the other side of the hill toward and waited. Sure
enough, a little while later the hounds appeared at the top of
the hill where hed just been. He turned and ran as fast as he
could toward the river.
Just before reaching the river, Krom detected a familiar
odor. He traced the scent to a hollow log, reached into it and
retrieved a startled skunk.
Do what you do, Krom said to the skunk as he gently
set it on the ground.
The skunk didnt hesitate obliging Krom and covered him
with its pungent spray. Krom rubbed plenty of the liquid on
his feet to cover his own scent.
Krom need one more favor, Krom said as he lifted the
skunk into his arms and gently caressed it.
Krom hid behind a tree and waited for the hounds. He
could sense their confusion as they were overwhelmed by
the skunk essence and lost his trail . Krom released the
skunk and pointed it in the direction of the hounds. A few
moments later, their baying was replaced by yelping.
Now Krom find Zark, Krom said to himself as he headed
toward the river again.
Krom made a wide circle through the area until he picked
up Zarks scent. It was easy to sneak up on Zark since
Kroms scent was masked by the skunk perfume.
Hello, Zark, Krom said as he stepped out from behind a
tree directly into Zarks path.
K Krom! a startled Zark replied.
Zark turned to flee but was easily captured by the much
faster Krom.
What Krom do with Zark take to humans? the
terrified Zark asked as he struggled to free himself from
Kroms strong grip.
No not good for humans to find moogoowah, Krom
replied as he threw Zark over his shoulder and started
climbing a steep hill.

40

Zark quickly exhausted himself with his futile attempt to

escape and laid there helplessly across Kroms huge
shoulder.
When they reached the top, Krom picked Zark up over
his head and tossed the screaming moogoowah down a
steep ravine on the other side of the hill.
Zark not found now, Krom said to himself as he looked
down upon the lifeless body far below.
Several weeks later, Krom was stalking a large buck up a
hollow. He had discovered that covering his scent with skunk
essence worked well to his advantage, enabling to get closer
than usual to his prey. He roared loudly as he stepped in
front of the startled buck from behind some trees. To Kroms
utter surprise, the old buck snorted once and collapsed.
Krom finished it off by slitting its throat with his sharp
fingernail. While he was enjoying his meal, a large stick
landed by his feet and then another one.
Zark! screamed a male moogoowah as he stepped from
behind a tree up on the hillside.
Krom do you like Zark! Krom screamed angrily as he
started up the hill.
At that moment, another large stick struck him in the
back. Krom turned around and saw another male
moogoowah on the opposite hillside.
Zark! screamed the other moogoowah.
Krom kill you, too! Krom screamed as he picked up a
large rock.
Zark! screamed yet another male moogoowah as he
threw a rock at Krom, striking him just above his left eye.
Zark! screamed male moogoowah #4.
Krom took cover behind a large tree.
Zark! screamed male moogoowah #5 as he threw a
stick at Krom from behind.
Sensing that he might be surrounded, Krom fled.
Zark! screamed the other male moogoowah as they
pursued him.
But Krom was faster than all of the other moogoowah and
was well ahead of them when he reached the river. He
jumped completely across the river with one mighty leap and
followed the river downstream.
For a moment, Krom actually thought about circling back
and fighting the five moogoowah. But he realized that it

41

wasnt worth the risk of injury, which would make him

vulnerable to further attacks. So he decided to keep
moving to find a new hunting territory.
***
The Mighty Krom wandered many summers before
finding solitary life in swamp country. Instead of grizzlies, he
now hunted alligators the bigger the better. It said that on
calm, moonless nights, Kroms lonely, mournful howls still
heard from deep in swamps, Dakdak concluded.
Mokum heard bubbleheads took Krom to swamp
country, Mokum added.
Can bubbleheads really talk to moogoowah? Gorgor
asked.
Bubbleheads? Mokum and Dakdak not believe
bubbleheads real? Lookoo asked.
Just story Mokum not see bubbleheads, Mokum
replied.
Dakdak not believe bubblehead until Dakdak see one,
Dakdak added.
Bubbleheads not real, Gorgor, Lookoo explained.
Finish eating. Still long way to watermelon, Dakdak
said.
They continued feasting on the deer until there was
nothing left but bones.
Dakdak signaled for Tandoo to climb back on his
shoulders as he led the way through the woods. Lookoo and
Gorgor followed closely behind with Mokum on the left flank
and Grraryl on the right. A little while later, they came to a
long, wide clearing. It was a stones throw wide and as long
as they could see in either direction. In the middle were
strange metal towers connected by several wires. Dakdak
stopped and gave a short whoop to signal everyone to come
to him.
We follow wide human trail. Not know why humans not
use it. We walk next to trees, Dakdak explained.
Mokum go to other side, Mokum volunteered.
What that buzzing sound? Grraryl asked.
Buzz come from wires, Dakdak said as he pointed
toward the top of the towers. Hairs stand up when you get
close to towers.

42

Really? Gorgor asked excitedly as he started running

toward the nearest tower.
Lookoo grabbed him before he got too far, though.
Hunters sometimes hide and watch trail, Dakdak
warned.
The klatch followed the trail but stayed near the tree line.
Grraryl guarded the left flank while Mokum guarded the right
from the other side of the trail. Around midnight, Mokum
yelped like a coyote, signaling the others to stop. A few
moments later, they saw red flashing lights in the sky.
Bubbleheads! Gorgor said excitedly.
Not bubbleheads humans flying machine, Dakdak
explained as the droning sound of the airplane drew closer.
The airplane flew past them just over the treetops and
started circling back around.
Humans see us! Hide! Lookoo said frantically.
They quickly took cover behind the nearby trees before
the airplane completed its turn and headed back toward
them. Suddenly, bright lights lit up the area back down the
trail where they had just been. The airplane made another
wide circle, flew over the lights, over the moogoowah and
disappeared.
What falling from sky? a concerned Gorgor asked.
Several objects landed in front of the lights. However, one
of them got caught in a tall pine tree between the klatch and
the lights. Several men ran out, picked up the objects and
took them back behind the lights. Chattering human
gibberish was now heard as several smaller lights began
moving toward the object hung up in the tree.
Good humans not hunting moogoowah, a relieved
Dakdak said as he signaled for them to stay hidden.
Suddenly, the sounds of loud engines were heard. Bright
red and blue lights began flashing behind the other lights as
a booming voice yelled gibberish. Gunfire erupted as well as
the screaming of several humans. The men with the
flashlights ran back toward the others. The gunfire stopped
but the gibber yelling continued for a while longer. Then all of
the humans left. The baffled moogoowah waited until the
sounds of the engines faded in the distance. Grraryl hooted
like an owl to signal that the area was safe again.
That was strange, even for humans, Dakdak finally said.
What up in tree? Lookoo asked.

43

They walked over to the tree where the object that floated
down from the sky was hanging.
Gorgor, Dakdak said as he pointed up the tree.
Gorgor quickly climbed the tree, retrieved the object and
climbed back down.
The object was wrapped tightly with a clear cover. They
were standing there staring at it when Grraryl and Mokum
walked up.
What is that? Grraryl asked.
Dakdak and Lookoo shrugged their shoulders and
grunted. Mokum stooped down, slit the cover with his
fingernail and sniffed at it.
Hemp. It poison. Crazy humans inhale smoke and call it
pot. It sometimes makes humans think that they can talk to
moogoowah, Mokum explained.
Dakdak, Lookoo and Grraryl were even more puzzled.
How Mokum know this? a very curious Dakdak asked.
Long story. We need to go now. Humans will be back for
their poison, Mokum replied as he tore open the package
and spread its contents into the wind.
When is watermelon? Gorgor asked.
Sunrise. Dakdak know place to hide and rest until dark,
Dakdak replied as he motioned for Tandoo to climb back on
his shoulders.
Mokum tell story when we rest? Lookoo asked.
Mokum nodded his head to concur and ran back across
the wide trail. Grraryl took his position on the left flank as the
others continued along the tree line. Before dawn, they came
to a clear, sandy creek. Dakdak stopped, set Tandoo on the
ground and whooped for the others to join them.
We rest here follow creek to watermelons tonight,
Dakdak explained.
The thick brush surrounding the creek gave them a safe
place to rest for the day.
Gorgor and Tandoo hunt snakes and frogs? Lookoo
asked.
Gorgor want to hear Mokums story, Gorgor replied as
Tandoo nodded to agree.
They made themselves comfortable along the sandy,
pine straw covered bank along the creek.
It was about five summers ago. Mokum was hunting in
thick woods near Neches River, Mokum began.

44

CHAPTER 5
MOKUM AND THE HAZE

It was a warm summer night in the thickets along the Neches

River. Mokum had just knocked a large raccoon out of a tree
with a rock and was about to enjoy his kill when he got a
whiff of smoke. Since it was a long way from where humans
lived, he decided to investigate. As he drew closer to the
source, he started hearing the chattering gibberish of
humans and other very strange sounds, which further
aroused his curiosity.
Something not right, Mokum said to himself as he
began to see the glow of a campfire in a small clearing up
ahead.
He could smell and hear several different humans as he
hid downwind in the thick brush, closely observing them while
he ate his raccoon. He soon determined that the strange
sounds seemed to be coming from some sort of long wooden
gadget that one of the male humans was holding. Mokum
eased closer for a better look and saw that when the man
plucked some strings on the gadget, it made unusual
sounds. One of the females starting chattering in an unusual,
almost bird-like singing voice. The combination of sounds
were actually pleasant and even soothing.
A strong, unusual scent began to drift on the gentle
breeze. Mokum found it both musky and sweet at first, but
was soon able to ignored it or so he thought. Although hed
just ate a nice, fat raccoon, he began to get hungry again. He
spotted three large watermelons sitting on the ground by the
singing woman and began plotting a way to steal one.
45

Mokum wait until humans fall asleep and then take

delicious watermelon, Mokum said to himself as he drooled
with anticipation.
The human chattering gibberish and other noises grew
louder. In spite of the nearby chaos, Mokum began to get
very sleepy. He fought to stay awake, but was unable to keep
his eyes open. So he leaned back against a tree and was
soon fast asleep.
Something poked him. He awakened in a hazy stupor
and saw several blurry shapes in front of him. As his eyes
slowly focused, he was startled to see several humans
looking down on him. He jumped up in a panic and was
about to flee.
Its OK, big fella. We wont hurt you. Were your friends,
one of the human females said as she stepped toward him
and gently touched his arm.
Mokum tried desperately to clear his mind by shaking his
head several times and trying to refocus his eyes.
Mokum dreaming must wake up! Mokum said.
No, Mokum youre not dreaming. Were real see?
the woman said as she yanked on his arm hairs.
Oww! Mokum exclaimed as he jerked his arm back.
The woman chattered something to the other humans
and they all chuckled. Strangely, Mokum didnt sense any
danger from them curiosity and hunger were overriding his
better judgement.
How you talk moogoowah? a puzzled Mokum asked.
Its the pot. It opens my mind, she replied.
Pot? a puzzled Mokum asked.
The woman handed Mokum a small, clear bag and
Mokum took a sniff.
Hemp poison to eat, Mokum said as he handed the
bag back to her.
We dont eat it, we smoke it. The vapor relaxes our
bodies and minds, she explained. My name is Mary, by
the way.
So strange smell make Mokum relax? Mokum asked.
Mary nodded to concur.
I would introduce you to everyone else, but none of them
can speak what did you call it moo-goo-wah, Mary said.
Moogoowah masters of forest lands, Mokum
explained. What do humans call us?

46

We usually call your kind Sasquatch or Bigfoot, Mary

replied.
Squatch? Mokum like that. It means hairy beast in
moogoowah, Mokum responded.
Mokum is welcome to join our little party. We have plenty
of food and drink and pot, Mary said.
Mokum like watermelon, Mokum replied.
Mary chattered something to the other humans and they
all gathered around him as they walked back to the camp.
One of the men handed Mokum a watermelon. Mokum
nodded his head to thank him and started hungrily gobbling
down the sweet, juicy treat. Mokum sat next to Mary while
the other humans sat around them, staring in disbelief,
fascination and even fear.
How Mary find Mokum? Mokum asked as juice dribble
down his chin.
You snore loudly. One of the men went to take a piss in
the woods and heard you. At first he thought it was a bear
and ran back to warn us. Then I sensed something and
knew immediately what you were, Mary explained.
Mary translated to the other humans and they responded
with nodding and gibberish. Mary could tell by Mokums
puzzled look that further explanation was necessary.
I am a proud member of the Caddo Nation. My
ancestors knew your ancestors. Some of them were actually
able to speak to each other and had a long history of
peaceful coexistence. I must have inherited that gift, Mary
explained.
Mokum heard stories about your people other humans
killed them all and they no longer walked the Earth, Mokum
responded.
Mary chuckled and replied, We heard the same thing
about the moogoowah. Most humans think you dont exist.
Moogoowah want them to think that, Mokum responded
with a snort.
Mary laughed out loud. She chattered something to the
other humans and they laughed out loud, too.
My people were forced to move hundreds of miles away
from here over a century ago, Mary said.
Mary could tell by the puzzled look on his face that further
explanation was needed again.

47

Humans like to complicate things, unlike the Moogoowah

who live simple lives. A mile is how we measure distance. A
century is a hundred years. A year is all four seasons long.
So, next summer would be roughly one year from now, she
explained.
Moogoowah like simple better, Mokum responded.
My ancestors did, too, Mary added with a sigh.
Why Mary come back? Mokum asked.
I wanted to go to a college closer to my ancestral
home make me feel closer to them. Oh, college is where
humans go to learn, Mary explained.
Learn what? Mokum asked.
Nothing really useful! Mary replied with a chuckle.
One of the men came over, said something to her and
she became solemn. Mokum sensed a change in her aura.
What wrong, Mary? Mokum asked.
Jack reminded me that somebodys going to blab that
they saw a Bigfoot out here. Itll no longer be safe for you,
Mary replied.
Mokum not stay in this territory anyway, Mokum
responded.
One of the other men offered Mokum a small. round
metal can like the ones most of the other humans were
holding.
What this? Mokum asked.
Its called beer. You drink it like water. But it will probably
affect you like the pot, Mary explained.
Mokums head start to clear no more poison, Mokum
explained.
Mary signaled to the man that Mokum didnt want any
beer.
This must be a strange experience for you. Well, for us,
too. None of us have ever seen a moogoowah, Mary said.
Moogoowah always taught to avoid humans they very
dangerous, Mokum replied.
I dont blame you. Humans are sometimes dangerous to
other humans, too, Mary responded.
She translated into gibberish for the other humans and
they nodded their heads and chuckled to agree. One of the
men said something out loud and the other humans
responded loudly. The humans resumed drinking their beers
and smoking their pot.

48

Sometimes humans gather to eat, drink and be merry.

Do moogoowah? Mary explained.
Moogoowah prefer solitude, Mokum replied.
So, do female moogoowah raise the children all by
herself? Mary asked.
Male moogoowah usually help with goowah
sometimes not, Mokum replied.
Its the same with humans. My mother raised me and my
sister by herself, Mary responded.
One of the men started strumming the strange stringed
gadget again.
I can sense that you like music. The instrument Terry is
playing is called a guitar, Mary explained.
Mokum like sound git-tar make. Mokum like bird sounds
you make, too, Mokum replied.
We call that singing. Do moogoowah sing? Mary asked.
Moogoowah can make sound like birds and other
animals, Mokum replied.
Id love to hear some, Mary responded and translated
into gibberish for the others.
The man stopped playing the guitar as the other humans
nodded their heads.
We would all love to hear your animal sounds, Mary
said as she waved her hands toward the other humans.
Mokum expertly imitated several different owls, a crow, a
whippoorwill, a blue jay, a frog and a coyote. The humans
nodded their heads, chattered some gibberish and clapped
their hands.
Now Mary turn, Mokum said to Mary.
Mary smiled and said something to Terry, who resumed
playing his guitar. Mary started singing and was joined by
several other humans. The humans held each others hands
and swayed as they sang. Mary held one of Mokums hands
while another woman held the other. Mokum also got caught
up in the moment and added an occasional whoop whoop.
When they finally stopped a while later, the humans all
cheered and took turns hugging or patting Mokum on the
back. One of the men raised his hands and chattered
something loudly to get everyones attention. He pointed to
Mokum and said some more gibberish. Everyone raised their
beer cans and cheered.

49

Josh asked everyone to take a vow that the events of

tonight, especially meeting you, would not leave the
campfire. That means that none of us will tell other humans
about your existence, Mary explained.
Mokum stood up, beat his chest and howled. The
humans cheered and resumed chattering, drinking and
smoking.
The other woman, who had held Mokums hand before,
grabbed it again and motioned for him to come with her. A
confused Mokum looked down at Mary, who just grinned and
signaled to him that it was okay to follow her. Mokum
followed the woman out into the woods. Once they were out
of sight of the others, she motioned for him to sit down with
her, which he did. As soon as they sat down, she motioned
for him to lay back, which he did. To his surprise, she began
gently running her fingers through the thick hair on his chest,
which helped relax him. She continued caressing him as he
began to doze off. But when she grabbed his peepee, a
shocked Mokum quickly stood up, growled at her, and hurried
back to find Mary.
Back so soon? Mary said with a chuckle.
Woman grab Mokums peepee, Mokum replied as he
sat next to Mary.
You never know what Sally is going to do when shes
drunk, Mary responded.
Drunk? Mokum asked.
Remember the beer? It has alcohol in it. If a human
drinks too much alcohol, they get drunk kind of like what
pot does but much more unpredictable, Mary explained.
Another man offered Mokum a beer, but he politely
gestured to him that he didnt want one. A little while later, the
man offered Mokum another watermelon, which he gladly
accepted.
Watermelon tastes different, Mokum said as he
started gobbling it down.
The man chuckled as he stepped back and stood with
several other chuckling humans. Mokum didnt even notice
that they were all watching him eat the watermelon.
How was the watermelon? Mary asked.
It taste different good, but different, Mokum replied.
Meanwhile, the chattering, drinking and smoking
continued.

50

Mokum go pee, Mokum said as he started to get up.

So, you call it pee, too are you OK? Mary responded
as Mokum stumbled to stand.
Something not right, Mokum slurred as he
staggered toward the woods.
Mokum somehow managed to urinate without wetting
himself and started stumbling back toward Mary. Mary
intercepted him and led him back out into the woods.
They played a trick on you. They spiked the watermelon
with vodka, Mary said.
Trick? Vodka? a confused Mokum asked.
They put alcohol in the watermelon youre drunk,
Mary explained.
Mokum not like drunk, Mokum replied.
Mokum stumbled over to the nearest car and leaned
against it as the humans pointed and laughed. He reached
under the car and effortlessly flipped it over. The laughing
stopped. Mokum stood tall, beat his chest and screamed
loudly. As the humans fled in terror, Mokum grabbed every
can, bottle and baggie that he could find and threw them
against trees, onto the ground or into the fire.
Mokum not like tricks, he said to Mary as he stumbled
back into the woods.
***
Mary told Mokum he what humans call mean drunk,
Mokum concluded with a short snort.
Mokum find more humans that talk moogoowah?
Dakdak asked.
Mokum not get close to find out, Mokum replied.
Why moogoowah not want humans to know us? Gorgor
asked.
Moogoowah never know what humans thinking or why
humans do what they do, Lookoo replied.
Humans weak and need weapons and machines so they
feel strong, Grraryl added.
If humans weak, why moogoowah afraid of them?
Gorgor asked.
Some humans very smart. Long ago, they learned to
make weapons, imprison animals and grow crops so they not
have to hunt and forage for food, Mokum explained.

51

Does this make humans stronger or weaker? Humans

no longer part of natural world and not survive long without
weapons and machines, Dakdak added.
Not matter human machines and weapons are very
powerful and must be feared, Mokum replied.
The other moogoowah nodded their heads to agree.
Dakdak yawned loudly and curled up in the pine straw.
Lookoo, Gorgor and Tandoo laid down beside him. Mokum
found a secluded spot about a stones throw upwind on their
left and Grraryl did the same on their right. They dozed for
the rest of the day, temporarily awakened by the occasional
distant rumbling of cars or droning of airplanes. Just after
sunset, they followed Dakdak to their final destination the
much anticipated watermelon field.
Dakdak right MUCH watermelons! Grraryl said
excitedly.
Enjoy! Dakdak responded as he selected a large
watermelon, smashed it open with his fist, pulled out a
handful of the juicy, red heart and stuffed it into his mouth.
Gorgor and Tandoo excitedly did the same.
Leave nothing for humans to find, Dakdak added as he
devoured the rest of the melon, rind and all.
A short while later, Dakdak heard the sound of a car
engine approaching. When he began to see the glow of
headlights, he whooped to signal the others to hide.
The klatch watched as a car stopped on the far side of
the watermelon field, turned off its lights but kept the engine
running. Three men jumped out of the vehicle and ran out
into the field. One of them smashed open a watermelon with
his fist, pulled out a handful, stuffed it into his mouth and
made a whooping sound. The other men did the same. After
apparently getting their fill, they all howled like coyotes,
jumped back into the car and sped off into the night. After the
sound of the engine faded in the distance, Mokum and
Grraryl walked over to Dakdak.
Humans act like moogoowah sometimes! Grraryl
snorted.
Humans even whooped like Dakdak! Mokum snorted.
Dakdak shrugged his shoulders while nodding his head
to agree.
The klatch gorged themselves on the sweet, juicy melons
until they could barely walk.

52

We go now, Dakdak announced as he gestured to the

others. Each of them grabbed a watermelon to take with
them. Tandoo handed hers to Dakdak and climbed up on his
shoulders. Dakdak led them down the sloping woods to a
small creek and followed it downstream. When they came to
where the small creek merged with another creek to form a
larger creek, Dakdak gave a short whoop to signal for the
others to come there.
We rest until sunset too full to go farther, Dakdak said
as he patted his stuffed belly.
Mokum forgot watermelon go right through body,
Mokum said as he urinated in the creek.
But worth it, Grraryl added as he urinated in the creek,
too.
Tandoo like watermelon much, Tandoo said as she
belched loudly.
We go back for watermelons tonight, Dakdak? Gorgor
asked.
No, humans get angry if moogoowah take too many.
Maybe we come back next summer, Dakdak replied.
Any humans close to here? Lookoo asked.
No humans live around here for many summers,
Dakdak replied as he leaned back against a tree on the
creek bank.
The thick brush and trees provided good cover for the
klatch as they lazed around past dawn and through the rest
of the day. They ate the last of their watermelons just before
sunset. Dakdak waited until well after darkness fell to signal
for them to leave.
What is that, Dakdak? Tandoo asked as she pointed
across a small field.
That where humans bury dead, Dakdak replied.
Humans bury dead like moogoowah? Gorgor asked.
Humans bury dead beside each other in fenced fields
like this one, Dakdak explained as they stopped at the fence
surrounding the small cemetery.
Another thing humans do that not make sense, Grraryl
remarked.
Nothing humans do make sense, Mokum said as he
walked over to them.
Why bury dead together in one place? Grraryl asked.

53

Better to bury dead where it not be found and can return

to earth undisturbed like moogoowah, Lookoo added.
Dakdak, Mokum and Grraryl nodded their heads to
agree. From there, Grraryl led them up a small hill to an old
abandoned house.
Humans lived here for many, many summers. Grraryl
and Dakdak grandfather, Pupu, knew one, Grraryl explained
as they walked around the old, dilapidating log-plank
structure.
At that moment, they heard a pack of coyotes howling
nearby.
We go now, Dakdak said as he walked away.
Dakdak continued downstream with Lookoo and Gorgor
close behind. Mokum took the right flank and Grraryl the left.
Just before dawn, Dakdak found a secluded place to rest
near where the creek ran into a small river.
Dakdak tell us about Pupu and the human? Gorgor
asked.
Grraryl knew Pupu better than Dakdak, Dakdak replied.
Dakdak whooped for Grraryl to join them.
Gorgor wants to hear story of Pupu and human, Dakdak
explained.
Lookoo and Tandoo want to hear, too, Lookoo added.
Pupu was grandfather of Dakdak and Grraryl, Grraryl
began.

54

CHAPTER 6
PUPU AND THE WILD CHILD

Pupu lived long ago in the hilly, pine forest country. When he
was young, his mother got sick and died, leaving the halfgrown goowah to fend for himself. He soon developed a
fondness for armadillos, which were slow, relatively easy to
catch and plentiful in that territory.
It was early fall. The leaves on the hardwoods were
already in the early stages of changing colors, a warning to
those who paid attention to such things that an early winter
was coming.
Pupu was hunting along a sandy creek when he heard an
armadillo rustling through dead leaves and pine straw as it
rooted for insects. He followed the sound and soon found two
armadillos rooting next to each other.
Pupu catch two armadillos at once! Pupu said excitedly
to himself.
Pupu could have easily grabbed one with each hand, but
decided to make a game out of it. He had learned that
armadillos sometimes jumped high in the air when startled
and landed on their feet running. He had managed to snatch
several of the small creatures out of the air before, but never
two at once. Hed also learned the hard way to kill them
quickly or risk being cut up by their sharp claws he still had
the scars from that lesson.
55

Pupu eased up behind the unsuspecting armadillos. As

they buried their heads in the ground to root, Pupu tapped
both of them on the back with a fingernail. The one on the
right immediately took off running while the one on the left
sprung high into the air. Pupu snatched it out of mid-air and
slammed it against the ground to kill it. He could hear the
other armadillo crashing through the brush as it attempted to
escape.
Pupu chased the fleeing armadillo out of the woods and
into an open field, where he easily caught and killed it. As he
was heading back into the woods to enjoy his catch, he
heard a very unusual sound. He stopped to better listen and
to figure out what, and from where, the strange sound was
coming. He followed it to the other side of the field. To his
surprise, he saw a half-grown human man-child sitting by a
fresh mound of dirt and sobbing. Pupu stood quietly by the
fence of the small cemetery and watched. Suddenly, the boy
stopped sobbing and looked directly toward Pupu.
Who whos there? the boy asked.
Pupu was puzzled. He was told that humans didnt speak
moogoowah. Nor could they see in the dark. And since it was
a dark, cloudy night, there was no way that the boy could see
him. Then he noticed that the boy was just looking in Pupus
general direction and not directly at him.
I know youre there. You might as well just show
yourself, the boy demanded.
Pupu could sense something from the boy perhaps
sadness? So his curiosity got the best of him.
Pupu, Pupu announced.
Pupu? the puzzled boy asked.
Pupu, Pupu replied as he dropped the armadillos,
walked over to the boy and tapped his own chest a couple of
times.
Your name is Pupu? the boy asked as a weak grin
appeared on his face and he started chuckling.
What so funny? a confused Pupu asked.
Pupu is what we sometimes call well, shit, the boy
explained as he continued chuckling.
It not THAT funny, Pupu protested.
The funniest part is that my name is John thats what
we sometimes call a place where you go to pupu! John
explained as he chuckled louder.

56

THAT funny! Pupu replied with a snort.

John stood up, walked over to Pupu and held out his
hand. They were about the same height and build, although
Pupus hands and feet were noticeably larger.
I am pleased to meet you, Pupu, John said as he took
Pupus hand and shook it. This is one of the ways we say
hello.
John hungry? Pupu asked as he picked up an armadillo
and offered it to him.
No, but thanks for offering, John replied.
What John doing here in dark? Pupu asked.
John became solemn and teared up again.
My Ma died a week or so ago they buried her
here, John slowly replied as he nodded toward the fresh
mound of dirt.
My mother got sick and died, Pupu responded.
Mine, too. Caught the Typhoid fever. I had it too and
nearly died myself. This is the first day that Ive felt well
enough to visit her, John explained.
She not there. Body there, but aura not, Pupu
responded.
Aura? a confused John asked.
Aura essence. what make body alive. It left body
and body die, Pupu explained.
I reckon thats what we call the soul? So, where did it
go? John asked.
Aura soul now free from body and go where it want.
Sometimes Pupu feel aura of mother and hear her voice,
Pupu replied as he held his hand over his heart and then
touched his ear.
Suddenly, a loud human voice yelled down from the
house up on the hill, shattering the peace.
Thats my Pa reckon I need to go, John said. Where
do you live?
Pupu hunt in this territory. Knock on tree to call Pupu,
Pupu replied.
John ran up the hill to the house and disappeared inside.
Pupu picked up the armadillos and went back into the woods
to eat them.
About the only thing that Pupu knew about humans was
that they were very dangerous and needed to be avoided.
Perhaps he could learn more about them from John?

57

Early the next morning, Pupu heard someone tapping on

a tree. He picked up a stick and returned the knock. Since he
was downwind from Johns house, he could smell anyone
approaching. Once Pupu was sure that no one else was with
John, he stepped out from behind a tree to greet his new
friend.
I figured it best that I come to you. I told my Pa about
meeting you and he laughed at me pretty hard thought I
was plumb crazy. Seems that folks around here dont know
your kind even exist, John explained.
Moogoowah like it that way. Humans hunt and kill
moogoowah if they knew, Pupu explained.
Then youll be my secret friend, John replied with a grin.
So you call yourselves moogoowah?
Yes, moogoowah masters of the forests, Pupu
replied.
Well, I hate to leave so soon, but I have to go to school
now. Will you be here when I get back?
School? Pupu asked.
Its where my kind go to learn things, John replied.
This Pupus school, Pupu responded as he waved his
hands toward the woods.
I could probably learn more in one day from you than in
ten years of schooling, John said as he walked away.
Pupu passed the day catching frogs, crawfish and turtles
along the clear, shallow sandy creek. Around mid-afternoon,
he heard a tree knock. He returned the knock and hid in the
thick brush while waiting for John. But this time, John wasnt
alone. Pupu could make out two other distinct scents and
gibbering voices. So he decided to stay hidden.
Pupu Pupu! John called out.
The other two boys giggled each time he called Pupus
name. They spoke to each other in the chattering human
gibberish that Pupu didnt understand. After a while, the boys
left. John returned there just before dark. Once Pupu was
sure that he was alone, he stepped out to greet him.
Where were you earlier? I wanted you to meet some of
my friends, John asked.
Pupu here smelled, heard your friends, Pupu replied.
Why didnt you come out? John asked.
Pupu not understand their chatter sounded like
gibberish, Pupu replied.

58

But I was talking to them just as I am to you right now, a

puzzled John remarked.
Pupu understood you, but not other humans, Pupu
responded.
Hmm that makes no sense. How could you
understand me but not them? John asked.
Mother told me stories. Long ago moogoowah talked to
humans. But not all humans just special ones. I think they
called shaman, Pupu replied.
Shaman? I never heard of a shaman. I reckon Ill have to
look it up in the dictionary at the library, John responded.
He could tell by the confused look on Pupus face that
further explanation was needed.
Im guessing that Moogoowah dont have a written
language. People can write down their words on paper using
symbols, John explained.
Moogoowah not do that why do humans? Pupu
asked.
Thats how we pass along knowledge, John explained.
Moogoowah learn everything by watching, listening,
smelling, feeling other moogoowah, animals, sky, wind,
earth, water, Pupu responded.
Yeah, you lead a simple life. My people could learn a lot
from your kind, John remarked.
All moogoowah learn from humans is they dangerous
and to stay away from them, Pupu responded.
I reckon youre right. Theres nothing a moogoowah
needs from people. From now on, I wont bring anyone
else they dont believe that I met a Sasquatch anyway!
John remarked.
Sasquatch? Is that what humans call my kind? Pupu
asked.
Yep among other things. But that dont matter, does it?
You are Pupu and I am John and THATS what really
counts, huh? John responded.
Pupu nodded his head to agree.
Itll be dark soon. Let me run back to the house and grab
a flashlight thats an artificial light people use to see in the
dark, John said.
John not need flashlight. Full moon tonight you see
good enough, Pupu responded.

59

OK no need to tell Pa that Ill be out til late. Hes drunk

as a skunk again, John added.
Drunk skunk? a confused Pupu asked.
Pa likes to drink whiskey thats a kind of alcohol.
When people drink alcohol, they act different. And it aint
much fun being around him when hes that way, John
explained.
Pupu not really understand not really need to, Pupu
remarked.
No, I reckon you dont, John responded and asked,
You gonna show me how to hunt like a moogoowah?
Pupu nodded his head and motioned for John to be quiet
and use his eyes, nose and ears.
They crept along the creek bank. A few moments later,
Pupu snatched a large frog out of the water, tore it in half and
handed one of the pieces to John.
What do you want me to do with this? John whispered.
Pupu quickly gobbled down the other half and motioned
for John to do the same. John sniffed at it a couple of times
and handed it back to Pupu.
I cant eat it unless its cooked. And Im not really sure
how youd cook a frog anyway, John whispered.
John get hungry enough, he eat, Pupu responded as he
took the piece of frog from John and gobbled it down.
Pupu motioned for John to catch the next one. They
continued along the creek bank until John spotted a frog. But
as he reached for it, the frog jumped into the creek and
quickly swam away. A short while later, John spotted another
frog. He crept up behind, grabbed it and proudly held it up for
Pupu to see. However, the frog managed to wriggle free. As
John tried desperately to grab it again, he lost his balance
and fell into the creek.
Damn! That waters cold! John exclaimed as he quickly
jumped back up.
Pupu snorted a couple of times in amusement.
Catch and kill before showing off, Pupu explained.
Ill remember that next time, John replied as he started
to shiver.
What wrong? Pupu asked.
C cold. Need a fire to get warm, John replied.
Artificial skin not keep you warm? a puzzled Pupu
asked.

60

Not when it gets wet. Im gonna run back to the house

and change right quick, John replied as he started to leave.
Pupu will be here, Pupu responded.
But John didnt return that night so Pupu hunted alone.
Nor did he come back the next day or the next. So Pupu
resumed his normal routine of napping during the day and
hunting at night.
Pupu was hunting armadillos upstream from the old
cemetery when he heard two tree knocks. He returned a
knock, hid and waited.
Pupu? Are you here? Johns voice called out.
Pupu crept up behind him and growled as he tackled
John to the ground. To his surprise, John screamed loudly.
You just about scared the shit out of me! John
exclaimed as he rolled clear.
John then started chuckling.
I should have been paying closer attention to my
surroundings, huh? John observed.
Pupu nodded his head and snorted a couple of times.
I reckon youre wondering where Ive been? We went to
town to see my cousin hes heading off to war. Then I
stayed with my aunt, his Ma, a few days to help cheer her up
some, John explained.
War? a puzzled Pupu asked.
War is when a bunch of folks fight each other and a lot
of them get killed, John explained.
Why? an even more confused Pupu asked.
Well, because some of them disagree with well, to tell
you the truth, I dont rightly know myself, John tried to
explain. Dont moogoowah sometimes fight each other?
Moogoowah peaceful, Pupu replied.
You mean to tell me that moogoowah NEVER fight each
other? John clarified.
Sometimes males beat chests and make much noise
over mate, Pupu replied.
If only humans were more like that. Well fight over just
about anything, John responded.
Another reason moogoowah avoid humans, Pupu
added with a snort.
Hey, my cousin gave me something before he left a
bicycle! Lets go ride it! John said excitedly.

61

Pupu followed John back to the wooden bridge that

crossed over the creek along the dirt road.
This is it, John said proudly as he picked up a large,
strange looking object that had several metal poles
connecting two large, round metal wheels.
John stood up on it, moved his feet and the object started
rolling while carrying John. He rode it down the road, turned
around and came back.
Im gonna show you how to ride it, John said as he
stopped beside Pupu and got off the bicycle.
John guided Pupu onto the seat and his feet onto the
pedals.
Uh oh I didnt think about that. Youre feets too big
theyll just drag on the ground, a disappointed John realized.
Pupu not want to ride, Pupu responded.
You can get on behind me while I pedal itll be fun!
John said as he got back on the seat and motioned for Pupu
to get on behind him.
John struggled to pedal along the flat road as they slowly
rolled a short distance.
Youre a lot heavier than I thought. Why dont we take
the bicycle up to the top of the hill and ride it down? John
suggested.
Pupu reluctantly nodded his head to agree. John pushed
the bicycle along the dirt road to the top of a nearby steep
hill. He got on the bicycle, motioned for Pupu to get on
behind him and pushed off. The bicycle started rolling slowly
down the hill and quickly picked up speed.
Yee Hi! John yelled a moment before the frightened
Pupu jumped off.
The bicycle veered and rolled into the ditch beside the
road. The sudden stop caused John to fly over the
handlebars. He flipped a couple of times through the air
before landing hard on his butt. Pupu ran over to his
motionless friend and gently lifted his head off the ground.
John slowly opened his eyes and moaned.
John all right? Pupu asked as he helped John to his
feet.
I think I broke my tailbone, John grimaced as he tried to
walk. Im probably gonna need your help getting home.
Pupu picked up his friend and carried him back down the
hill, across the bridge and up to the house.

62

Set me down on the porch and then get out of here

before anybody sees you, John said.
Pupu did as his friend requested. After John recovered,
they continued hunting together every few nights. They were
hunting along the creek one cool winter night when Pupu
stopped and pointed to a hole in the sandy creek bank. He
carefully dug out some of the sand surrounding the hole,
grabbed something with his fingertips and motioned for John
to step back. Pupu yanked a long, slim black object out of the
hole, whipped it into the air and snapped it back suddenly.
Th. thats a dadblame cottonmouth! John exclaimed
as he jumped back even farther.
Pupu could smell his friends fear.
No need to fear snake as long as you careful, Pupu
explained as he held up the writhing snake.
You you popped its head nearly clean off like a
bullwhip, John observed with fascination.
Snake safe to eat now, Pupu said as he gobbled down
the snake.
Show me how to do that! a now excited John
exclaimed.
Pupu chewed on the last of the snake and motioned for
John to follow him. He carefully searched the creek bank until
he found another hole.
Brush sand away until you see tip of tail. Grab it, pull it
and whip it, Pupu explained.
John did as Pupu instructed.
Yee Haw! John yelled excitedly as he whipped the
snakes head off. Lets find another one!
Only kill enough to eat, Pupu responded.
You get enough yet? John asked as he tossed the
snake to Pupu.
Maybe one more, Pupu replied with a snort.
John began to spend more and more time with Pupu as
the weather grew colder and winter set in. One of their
favorite places to go on cold nights was an old cave that had
formed on one of the branches of the creek. It had two well
hidden entrances and a large open room about halfway
between them. The warmer inner chamber was a welcome
break from the outside chill. Sometimes John would even
start a fire to warm it up even more. Although Pupu didnt
really mind the cold, he sure did enjoy the warmth.

63

They continued hunting as a team. John taught Pupu to

save the skins of some of their prey, like bobcats, muskrats,
beaver, rabbits, raccoons, foxes and coyotes, which John
would dry and cure. Pupu taught John how to imitate other
animals, like owls, whippoorwills, crows, bobcats, foxes and
coyotes.
After one of the times John returned from a brief visit to
his house, Pupu sensed something different.
What wrong? Pupu asked.
Aww, had a fight with my Pa, John replied.
John win? Pupu asked.
It wasnt really that kind of fight just a lot of yelling. He
was drunk, as usual, and started giving me shit about not
going to school. He took off his belt to whoop me and I took
off running. That was the first time I think I ever outrun him,
John explained.
You stay with Pupu now, Pupu responded.
I wish it were that simple. If I dont go back ever now and
then, theyre gonna come looking for me and find you, too,
John explained.
Pupu nodded to agree.
Winter finally gave way to spring, spring into summer and
summer into fall. During this time, Pupu grew noticeably
larger than John. And John became almost as wild as Pupu.
Johns visits to his fathers house became less frequent. His
clothing now consisted mostly of the animal skins that theyd
killed and he even wore a red fox tail hanging down his
backside. John also learned to tolerate eating meat raw.
One night they were in the old cave eating a raccoon that
Pupu had killed with a rock. Suddenly Pupu stopped eating
and cocked his ear toward one of the entrances. A moment
later, John heard it, too.
I hear voices near the entrance human, John
whispered.
We go now, Pupu whispered back as he started walking
toward the other entrance.
Lets have some fun with them. You go back to the other
entrance and wait. When you hear me growl, you scream into
the cave as loud as you can. Well scare the shit out of
them! John suggested.
Pupu snorted to agree and went back to the opposite
entrance. He could see the beam of a flashlight dimly

64

illuminating the cave as the unsuspecting humans slowly

entered. John roared as he jumped in front of them, signaling
Pupu to scream. The terrified humans screamed, too, as they
ran back out of the cave with John growling closely behind
them. The cave was filled with the scent of their terror.
It was quite a while before John returned. And Pupu
could sense something different about his friend.
I knew them or, at least, one of them. She was one of
the girls from school. She came here with another girl and
their boyfriends. The boys just ran off and left the girls
behind. I could smell their fear and felt bad for them then
walked them back to the road, John explained.
John won girl. She now your mate? Pupu asked.
No no nothing like that. But she did say that she was
glad to see me, John replied.
They finished their raccoon meal and left the cave to hunt
some more. But Pupu could still sense something different
about his friend.
Im thinking about going to see my Pa, John said a
while later.
Pupu here when you come back, Pupu responded.
John returned the next morning and Pupu could feel his
sadness. He could also see some bruises on Johns face.
John and Pa fight? Pupu asked as he pointed to the
bruises.
Pas a mean drunk. He cornered me in the kitchen and
said he was gonna beat some sense into me. Maybe hes
right, John explained.
Right? a puzzled Pupu asked.
Its the whiskey. Pa used to be a good man, but the
whiskey makes him act bad. I wish there was some way to
get him to stop drinking before it kills him, John explained.
Maybe if whiskey make Pa sick, he stop? Pupu asked.
Yeah, that might do it. But he drinks so much already,
hows it gonna make him sick? John asked.
Farkwah, Pupu replied.
Farkwah? What in the world is a farkwah? a puzzled
John asked.
Pupu told that moogoowah sometimes use farkwah to
make humans sick enough to leave our territory, Pupu
explained.
OK but whats a farkwah? John asked again.

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Farkwah hard to explain. Pupu show you, Pupu

responded and grunted lightly.
What is that smell! John exclaimed as he gagged and
gasped for air.
Farkwah, Pupu responded.
Later that evening, John led Pupu back to his house.
Yep, hes drunk as a skunk. And the windows are
closed, John whispered as he peaked through a window.
Pupu ready, Pupu responded.
John led Pupu to the back door.
Wait here, John whispered.
He returned a few moments later.
I wired the front door shut. Ill ease this door open so you
can release the farkwah and then wire it shut, too. I hate to
do this to Pa I hope it works. We should run for cover just
in case he tries to shoot his way out, John whispered as he
slowly opened the door.
Pupu grunted as he released the obnoxious gas. John
slammed the door, quickly wired it shut with some baling wire
and ran for the woods. They could hear Pa screaming,
gagging and puking as the putrid flatulence did its work. After
a while, all they heard was sobbing coming from the house.
Thanks for your help. I hope it worked, John said as he
patted Pupu on the shoulder.
Pupu nodded his head and ran into the thick brush.
It was several days before Pupu saw John. He was
cleaned up and wearing human clothes again.
Good to see you, my friend, John said as he
approached Pupu.
Yes we hunt now. Pupu know where to find big
snapping turtle, Pupu replied.
Im gonna have to let you hunt alone tonight. Im going to
town with my Pa, John responded.
Pa stop drinking? Pupu asked.
Yep the farkwah did the trick. He even got a new job in
town. Were going to look at houses. Well go hunting when I
get back, John replied.
Pupu nodded his head to show understanding, for he
sensed that his friend was changing becoming human
again. Then it happened. When John spoke, it was just
chattering human gibberish. And when Pupu spoke to him,
he could tell by the look on Johns face that he didnt

66

understand, either. They looked at each other with

astonishment for several moments. Finally, Pupu nodded his
head and gently touched John on the shoulder to let him
know that everything was going to be all right. John hugged
him tightly and Pupu could sense his sadness. But he knew if
was for the best.
Pupu yelped like a coyote as he disappeared into the
dark woods. John responded with an owl call.
***
Pupu said John cross paths sometimes and even hunt
with Pupu. But when John not alone, Pupu signal with animal
calls so John know everything good, Grraryl concluded.
How moogoowah know if human dangerous or not?
Gorgor asked.
Humans dangerous and must be avoided, Dakdak
replied.
Moogoowah never know what humans thinking, Grraryl
added.
Human with weapon ALWAYS dangerous and bad for
moogoowah, Dakdak clarified.
Sometimes human weapons good, Lookoo began.

67

68

CHAPTER 7
NONEE AND THE BIG CAT

Nonee was a mature female moogoowah. She and her

current mate, Gark, roamed the deep woods west of the Big
River. Nonee had raised seven goowah over her lifetime
which had spanned forty summers. Her youngest goowah,
daughter Lookoo, and son Krah, were still too young to live
on their own. Nonee had two previous mates whom she
assumed were dead since they never returned from hunting
trips. Gark was much younger than her but she had no
delusions that he was monogamous nor did she really
care.
It was early winter and a rare snow partly covered the
ground. An unusual roar was heard in the distance so Gark
went to investigate, leaving Nonee and the goowah behind.
After hed been gone for a couple of nights, Nonee left her
goowah near a cave so she could do some hunting on her
own. Although she preferred to hunt at night, hunger forced
her to hunt during daylight so she had to be extra cautious.
Nonee heard some distant gunfire and decided to hunt in
the opposite direction. It didnt take long to get onto a fresh
deer scent. She stalked a small herd and managed to kill a
young doe, slung it over her shoulder and turned to go back
to the cave to feed her hungry goowah.

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About halfway back to the cave, Nonee sensed the

presence of a nearby human. She followed the scent so she
could located the human and make sure her goowah were
safe from it. She crept through the woods until she glimpsed
a human boy standing in the middle of a creek holding a gun.
She watched with curiosity as he stalked a deer.
The boy stopped in the middle of the creek and froze. A
moment later, she smelled sheer terror coming from his
direction. Nonee got a little closer so she could see what was
scaring the boy. Perhaps a bear? And why wasnt he using
his gun?
A moment later, Nonee heard a low, unfamiliar growl and
followed the sound. To her surprise, crouched in the middle
of the creek and glaring at the boy was a very large cat.
Although she wasnt familiar with big cats, she knew that it
was getting ready to pounce on the terrified human. She also
knew that if the cat killed the boy, other humans would invade
her territory in search of him and hunt his killer. But she had
to act fast.
Nonee took a couple of long strides and leaped down into
the creek between the big cat and the boy. She landed with a
loud splash just a few feet in front of the advancing cat. The
cat was startled for a moment but soon fixed its gaze on
Nonee. She could sense that it was unafraid of her. She
dropped the dead deer that was draped across her shoulder
in front of the beast. To her relief, it apparently understood
her gesture, accepted her gift and slowly walked away
dragging the deer.
Nonee turned around to find the young human
unconscious and slowly floating downstream. She snatched
him out of the water and laid him over her shoulder. As she
started wading back upstream, she stepped on his rifle. So
she reached down, grabbed it and tossed it onto the creek
bank. She knew the boy wasnt yet dead because she could
still sense his aura. So she decided to take him back to the
cave and try to fix him.
Nonee laid the boy inside the cave as the very curious
Lookoo and Krah looked on. They were also very leery of the
young stranger since theyd never seen a human before.
Nonee signaled for the goowah to follow her back outside.
Why moogoowah fear humans? Humans small and
weak, a puzzled Lookoo asked.

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Humans smell like doodoo, Krah added with a snort.

Much more to humans than what you see. This a very
young human male, Nonee explained as she nodded toward
the cave.
We eat human? Krah asked.
At that moment, they heard movement from inside the
cave. Nonee went inside and returned a few moments later
with the young human in her arms. At first, the frightened boy
struggled to escape, but them calmed down once they made
eye contact.
Please dont eat me! the boy pleaded.
Humans talk moogoowah? a stunned Lookoo asked.
Nonee heard stories that some humans talk with
moogoowah thought they just stories, a surprised Nonee
responded.
Lookoo walked over to the frightened boy, gently touched
his arm and softly asked, Do you hurt?
No I think Im all right, the boy calmly replied.
Nonee, Nonee said as she patted her chest to introduce
herself.
Chuck, the boy responded as he patted his chest, too.
Lookoo, Lookoo added.
Krah, Krah added.
My uncle always talks about Sasquatch, but I just
thought they were bullshit stories, Chuck said.
Sas sas-kwatch? a puzzled Nonee asked.
We call your kind Sasquatch or Bigfoot. What do you
call yourselves? Chuck replied.
Moogoowah, Nonee responded as she pointed to
herself and her goowah.
I heard you say that before Moo-goo-wah. Its funny
that you call us humans, too, Chuck remarked.
Moogoowah call humans many things most not nice!
Nonee explained with a snort.
Moogoowah means masters of the forests. Where
Chuck usually hunt? Lookoo asked.
Where do I usually? Oh, you mean where do I live? I
reckon its about fifty miles north of here wherever here is.
SHIT! I have no idea where I am! Chuck replied as he
started to panic.
It all right, little one. Nonee find way to return Chuck to
humans, Nonee responded.

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I was hunting with my dad and uncle. Theyll fire three

gunshots to signal for me to come back to camp, Chuck
explained.
Nonee will listen for guns, Nonee responded.
What is mile? Lookoo asked.
Its a measure of distance. Itll take me about twenty
minutes to walk a mile, Chuck replied.
Minutes? Lookoo asked.
Thats how we measure time. There are sixty seconds in
a minute, sixty minutes in an hour and twenty-four hours in a
day, Chuck explained.
Moogoowah measure time using sun and moon, Nonee
replied.
Oh, that makes sense. Just like the Indians used to do,
Chuck responded as he looked up toward the sun. It looks
like an hour or so until the sun sets.
What else Chuck know about moogoowah? Nonee
asked.
Not much. Youre big, hairy, smelly and hide very well. In
fact, most folks dont even believe you exist, Chuck
explained.
Moogoowah not want humans to believe! Nonee
responded with a snort.
Humans think moogoowah smelly? Humans smell like
doodoo, Krah added with a snort.
No humans dont smell I dont smell like other
humans because I well, when I saw the cougar, an
embarrassed Chuck tried to explain.
Cougar the big cat? Nonee asked.
Yes cougar mountain lion. I thought for sure that it
was gonna kill me. I must have fainted and shit my pants,
Chuck replied as he embarrassingly tugged on his pants leg
and added, I apologize for the smell.
Humans not smell like doodoo? a disappointed Krah
asked.
No at least not normally! Chuck responded with a
chuckle.
Why moogoowah avoid humans, Nonee? a puzzled
Lookoo asked.
Most humans dangerous like to kill for fun, Nonee
replied.

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Why moogoowah afraid of humans? Humans much

smaller and weaker, Krah added.
Much more to humans than what moogoowah see.
Humans very clever creatures. There many stories about
moogoowah and humans not end good for moogoowah.
Human weapons very dangerous, Nonee explained.
Weapons? Krah asked.
Chuck, show Krah what you do if he attack, Nonee said.
Chuck reached down and drew his hunting knife to show
Krah.
This is whats called a knife. Its a tool we use to cut
things, Chuck explained as he handed the knife to Krah.
It harder and sharper than claws, an impressed Krah
observed as he handed the knife back to Chuck. How you
use to fight?
OK, now act like youre attacking, Chuck said.
Krah slowly swung his arm at Chuck, who simulated
slicing Krahs arm and thrusting the knife into his chest.
Krah understand. What if Krah stay back and throw
rock? Krah asked.
Chuck picked up a stick and held it in both hands.
Throw a rock at me. Chuck said.
Krah picked up a rock and tossed it toward Chuck, who
swung at it with the stick and knocked the rock back toward
Krah.
Lookoo whooped and snorted lightheartedly.
Chuck bowed toward her and grinned broadly.
Now watch this, Chuck said as he took the knife and
sharpened one end of the stick. We call this a spear.
Chuck pointed the spear toward Krah and simulated a
lunge.
Krah now see why humans dangerous, Krah confessed.
These simple weapons. Tell Krah about guns, Nonee
requested.
We use guns to kill from a distance, Chuck replied.
How far away? Lookoo asked.
Chuck aimed his stick as if it were a rifle.
Krah, start walking that way Ill raise my hand when I
want you to stop, Chuck said as he pointed his hand.
Krah started walking. After hed gone about 70 paces,
Chuck waved his hand.

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There! Thats about how far away I could kill a deer with
a rifle, Chuck yelled.
Krah ran back.
And Im just a fair shot. My uncle could hit you from a lot
farther, Chuck explained as Krah returned.
Now you know why humans dangerous, Nonee added.
Humans are very curious, just like the moogoowah. But I
agree with Nonee that you need to keep your distance from
them us, Chuck explained.
Nonee cocked her head and asked, Was that signal?
I didnt hear anything. But Im sure you're hearing is
much better than mine, Chuck replied.
Nonee pointed to Chucks ears and shook her head.
Nonee take Chuck to gun sounds. Chuck can stay with
moogoowah if you want, Nonee said.
I really do appreciate the offer. But my people will be
worried sick if they cant find me and then come looking for
me, Chuck replied.
Climb on back Nonee take Chuck to humans, Nonee
suggested.
Chuck climbed up on her back, slid his legs under her
arms and grabbed a handful of hair to hang on to.
It was great meeting you, Lookoo and Krah. I hope we
meet again someday, Chuck said.
Lookoo nodded her head to agree as she gently patted
him on the shoulder.
Stay close to cave. Nonee bring food when return,
Nonee said as she turned to leave.
Nonee walked in a long, rapid, steady gait.
Chuck all right? Nonee asked.
This is the funnest ride that Ive ever had! Chuck replied
with a chuckle.
Nonee smelled smoke so she knew she was getting
close to the human camp. When she heard human voices,
she stopped and helped Chuck down.
Follow this trail to humans, Nonee explained as she
pointed down a dirt road.
Thank you for saving my life, Nonee. I am forever in your
debt, Chuck responded as he gave her a hug.
Debt? Nonee asked.
It means that I owe you something for saving my life,
Chuck explained.

74

Nonee shrugged her shoulders.

Moogoowah want peace, Nonee replied.
I understand. I reckon thats another lesson that humans
could learn from the moogoowah. You and your kind will
always be welcomed in my camp, Chuck responded as he
started walking down the road.
Nonee disappeared into the woods. But before she
returned to her goowah, she had some unfinished business.
If the cougar was unafraid of her, it wouldnt hesitate to hunt
her goowah. And she knew from observing smaller bobcats
that they were great hunters, making the much larger cougar
a very dangerous predator.
Nonee went back to the area where she last saw the
cougar. She walked in a wide circle until she picked up the
big cats scent. Soon afterward, she found the mostly intact
body of the deer shed given to the cougar in exchange for
Chucks life.
Nonee was puzzled why the cougar didnt eat the deer as
she continued trailing it. Then she realized that the big cat
was following HER trail from earlier leading back to the
cave and her goowahs.
Nonee started running. In the distance, she heard
screaming both from the big cat and Lookoo. Then there
was deafening silence. Her heart raced and she feared the
worst as she approached the cave.
Lookoo Krah? Nonee called out.
Here Nonee, Lookoo replied from inside the cave.
Nonee cautiously entered the cave. To her surprise, and
relief, she found Lookoo and Krah feasting on the carcass of
the big cat.
How how did a puzzled Nonee tried to ask.
Krah calmly picked up the sharpened stick and handed it
to Nonee. Blood was still dripping from the point.
***
Human weapon save life of Lookoo and Krah, Lookoo
concluded.
Where Krah hunt now? Grraryl asked.
Krah hunts near Big River with his mates and goowah,
Lookoo replied.

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They rested until well after sunset and continued their

journey back to their regular hunting territory near the big
lake. As they approached their favorite resting spot just
before dawn the following day, Dakdak sensed something
was not quite right.
Humans have been here, Dakdak said as he carefully
sniffed the air.
Look they left something hanging on tree, Grraryl said
as he walked over to strange looking object attached to a
tree.
As he approached, a bright light flashed from the object.
That not good, Mokum said as he picked up a stick and
shattered the strange object.
We leave now, Dakdak said as he carefully scanned the
area for anything else that didnt belong.
Watch for traps stay away from where humans
stepped, Mokum added.
They carefully left the area and kept moving until they no
longer smelled human scents. It was now mid-morning so
they bedded down next to a muddy, slow moving creek.
Gorgor and Tandoo hunted frogs and turtles while Dakdak
and Lookoo rested. Grraryl selected a well-hidden spot
upwind to nap while Mokum napped downwind. Just after
sunset, they all gathered together by the creek.
Mokum smell pigs, Mokum said as he pointed upwind.
We hunt tonight, Dakdak said.
Lookoo and goowah hunting, too, Lookoo added.
Dakdak nodded his head to agree. Mokum led the way as
the rest of the klatch followed. It wasnt long before they all
picked up the fresh scent of pigs near a deep creek. Mokum
signaled for Dakdak, Lookoo and their goowah to hide along
the creek bank while Grraryl circled to the right and he circled
to the left of the passel. Mokum hooted like an owl to signal
for the others to get ready. A few moments later, Mokum
charged the passel and grabbed a young boar. When the
older hogs started to attack him, Grraryl jumped in front of
them and screamed. The terrified hogs turned and ran
toward the creek followed by the rest of the passel. As the
pigs jumped down the bank into the deep water, Dakdak and
Lookoo grabbed unsuspecting piglets by their hind legs and
snatched them out of the water. They slammed the squealing
pigs onto the hard ground to silence them and grabbed

76

another pig. Gorgor and Tandoo finished off the stunned pigs
by biting them on the neck and tearing out their throats with
their sharp teeth. Mokum walked up carrying the dead boar
while Grraryl hopped down the bank to claim one of the
piglets.
Good hunt, Grraryl said as he sliced open a piglet and
gobbled down its entrails.
This much easier than hunting alone, Dakdak said.
They sat beside the creek enjoying their fresh pork
dinner.
Everyone eat enough? Lookoo asked as the last of the
pigs were gobbled down.
They all nodded.
At that moment, a tree knock was heard in the distance.
Who is that? Dakdak asked as he picked up a stick to
respond.
Wait! That might not be moogoowah. That come from
where the humans were, Mokum interrupted.
Mokum right. We wait, Dakdak said as he dropped the
stick.
A little while later, they heard a short howl coming from
the same direction.
Only human make pathetic howl like that, Grraryl
observed.
Humans trying to talk to moogoowah? Lookoo asked.
Humans hunting moogoowah? Gorgor asked.
Mokum find out, Mokum said as he started walking
toward the sounds.
Grraryl go, too, Grraryl added as he followed Mokum.
We wait here, Dakdak responded.
They continued hearing the pathetic human howling and
tree knocks for a while longer. Just before dawn, Mokum and
Grraryl returned.
Humans, Grraryl confirmed.
No guns but had strange red lights, Mokum explained.
Strange red lights? Dakdak asked.
Not like flashlight with wide white beam thin red
beam, Mokum explained.
Grraryl think humans hunting moogoowah. Knock on
trees and howl poorly but howl, Grraryl explained.
Also whooped like moogoowah, Mokum added.

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Hunting moogoowah without guns? a puzzled Dakdak

remarked.
Maybe humans try to catch moogoowah? Lookoo
asked.
That worse than killing moogoowah! Mokum responded
with a shudder.
The others shuddered, too.
We find new hunting ground, Dakdak said.
What about pigs? Gorgor asked.
Gorgor right we stay, Lookoo replied.
No more messing with humans, Mokum, Dakdak
remarked with a snort.
Too late, Mokum responded with a snort.
What Mokum do? a concerned Lookoo asked.
Grraryl and Mokum watered humans tent, Grraryl
confessed with a couple of snorts.
Humans not in camp peed on tent and left, Mokum
added as he snorted loudly.
Then we go upwind and left farkwah! Grraryl added as
he snorted loudly as well.
Humans will hunt you now! Lookoo exclaimed.
Is there territory where humans not live? Tandoo asked.
Lookoo could tell by her voice that she was getting
frightened.
Enough human talk scaring goowah, Lookoo said
sternly.
Mokum, Grraryl and Dakdak glanced at each other and
then nodded their heads to Lookoo.
Another hot day happy when winter comes, Dakdak
said, changing the subject.
Grraryl like winter, Grraryl responded.
Mokum prefer summer. Not as much as Garptak,
Mokum added.
Garptak? Gorgor asked.
Garptak hated cold so he searched for territory that
always warm, Mokum began.

78