This account sounded like the skunk ape. It was not as big as the ones seen in other parts of the US. Of course it may have been a youngster. The account sounded believable.
He rescues turtles and has most all of his life. He had a show on cable that I used to watch. I like him because he is always upbeat and says some pretty funny stuff at times. He is also part cherokee I believe. I understand the skepticism though