There’s been a creepy development in the swamps of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Just when fans were starting to prepare for frozen Viking frights in Ragnar’s Wrath, the scare zone has mysteriously vanished from the park’s official Howl-O-Scream website. In its place? A familiar Florida legend with a musky stench and a taste for fresh flesh.
Say hello—again—to Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape, officially returning for Howl-O-Scream Tampa 2025.
Running select nights from September 5 to November 2, this year’s event continues to ramp up its screams with new haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, roaming creatures, and nighttime coaster thrills. But this particular update raises questions: Was Ragnar’s Wrath pulled due to a creative pivot? Was it a placeholder that was revealed too soon? Or did something even darker crawl out of the Everglades to reclaim its territory?
Either way… the Skunk Ape is back.
Scare Zone Update: Sawgrass Slaughter – Legend of the Skunk Ape
RETURNING FAVORITE
Tucked deep in the heart of Florida’s wild wetlands, Sawgrass Slaughter takes guests into the murky nightmare of the Skunk Ape, a swamp-dwelling beast known for its ungodly stench and savage hunger.
This scare zone plunges guests into the rotting, misty landscape of the Everglades, where the air reeks of decay and danger lurks behind every moss-draped tree. Hunters have tried to track the elusive creature… few return. Those who do are forever changed.
Expect fog, flickering lanterns, grotesque visuals, and a strong dose of Florida folklore. If you thought Bigfoot was scary, wait until his swamp cousin catches your scent.
What Happened to Ragnar’s Wrath?
Just days ago, Ragnar’s Wrath—a returning Viking-themed scare zone—was listed on the official site, only to vanish without explanation. Now replaced by Sawgrass Slaughter, fans are left wondering: was Ragnar axed entirely, or will it resurface elsewhere?
It’s possible this was an internal mix-up or a last-minute creative decision, but the sudden swap definitely has haunt enthusiasts buzzing.
Until we know more, one thing is clear: the Skunk Ape has claimed its territory, and he’s not letting go.
Current 2025 Howl-O-Scream Tampa Lineup
Haunted Houses:
- Stranglewood Estate (Returning)
An elegant manor with a deadly past—ruled by the ghostly Madame Stranglewood. - Shadows of Wonderland (New)
A twisted, decaying Wonderland ruled by a vengeful Queen of Hearts.
Scare Zones:
- Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape (Returning)
A Florida folklore nightmare set in the festering heart of the Everglades.
What to Expect This Season
Howl-O-Scream Tampa transforms Busch Gardens into a scream-filled landscape packed with:
- Multiple haunted houses and scare zones designed to torment your every step.
- Roaming scare squads that keep you on edge no matter where you are.
- Eerie stage shows and live entertainment with dark twists.
- Iconic thrill rides, including Iron Gwazi and Montu, running under the cover of night.
With more announcements expected soon, this year’s haunt season is shaping up to be just as chaotic, unpredictable, and unforgettable as ever.
Stay tuned to CoasterMedia’s Halloween Guide for all the latest updates on Howl-O-Scream Tampa, including house announcements, scare zone reveals, and spooky season survival tips.
Howl-O-Scream Tampa runs select nights from September 5 to November 2, 2025.
Will you brave the swamp?
