‘Mountain Monsters’ Is Back With ‘Tribute To Trapper’ and Eight New Episodes

Season 5 of ‘Mountain Monsters’ continues Trapper’s legacy beginning Sunday, January 10 at 10|9c.

November 23, 2020

Related To:

John Tice, affectionally known as "Trapper," was the founder and leader of the Appalachian Investigations of Mysterious Sightings team (AIMS) that gave rise to the cult-classic series Mountain Monsters. Sadly, Trapper passed away in December 2019, after a prolonged illness. Mountain Monsters: A Tribute to Trapper, premiering on Sunday, January 3 at 10|9c, pays tribute to Tice, with the AIMS team sharing their favorite memories and moments with him over the years as they investigated cryptids throughout the woods of Appalachia.

The team pauses for photo with trophy black bear that was hunted by a friend.

The team pauses for photo with trophy black bear that was hunted by a friend.

The following week, Mountain Monsters returns for its fifth season. The AIMS members meet up for the first time after Trapper’s passing to discuss the team's future and embark on adventures during seven one-hour episodes and a two-hour season finale premiering on Sunday, January 10 at 10|9c. The AIMS team reads a personal letter from Trapper and heads out on a brand new adventure that he set up for them before he passed. Equipped with his personal journal filled with everything he ever learned about the woods, the team travels to the mountains of the Tygart Valley on a mission to prove that there are still wolves in West Virginia — the last of which was said to have been killed in 1900. The team encounters local farmers who tell of a dangerous predator that has been killing their livestock. The team soon believes that not only are there wolves in the Tygart Valley, but there is something much more mysterious and deadly.

Throughout the season, the team learns from locals of massive K9 cryptids with glowing red eyes that inhabit the land and are known by locals as Smoke Wolves. As they dig deeper, they realize that Trapper in fact knew about these creatures back in the 1970s. The team spends time trying to figure out if this is what Trapper meant about the wolves of West Virginia. Then, to add to the monster fun, the team realizes there is a Bigfoot lurking, terrorizing the area as well.

By the end of the season, the team understands why Trapper sent them to the Tygart Valley. They come full circle as Trapper’s daughter is filled in on their incredible findings. And Huckleberry has a Bigfoot surprise for the ages in a twist ending no one sees coming.

Follow @TravelChannel and #MountainMonsters on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. for additional content and updates.

Next Up

Meet the Mountain Monsters Crew

Mountain Monsters follows a group of trappers who search the Appalachian Mountains in search of the legendary animals that call those hills their home.

10 Mountain Monsters Found Lurking In Appalachia

The scariest beasts in Appalachia aren’t found in zoos.

'Mountain Monsters' Is Back Y’all and It’s Coming to Travel Channel!

Can I get a HOORAH?! 'Mountain Monsters' returns to TV on Travel Channel with a two-hour season premiere on Wednesday, August 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

More Monsters, More Traps and More Fun on Tap for Season Six of the Cult-Classic Series Mountain Monsters

The AIMS Team's wild hunt for bigfoot premieres Sunday, January 2 on Travel Channel and discovery+.

The Road Trip Through Hell Continues... Destination Fear Returns With All New Episodes

New episodes include terrifying sleepovers inside haunted abandoned locations and the team's first-ever international investigation, beginning Saturday, November 6 on Travel Channel and discovery+.

The Dead Files Returns with All-New Episodes Beginning Saturday, February 26 on Travel Channel and discovery+

Medium Amy Allan and Former Homicide Detective Steve DiSchiavi Are Back on the Case To Help Beleaguered Property Owners Resolve Incidents of Devastating Paranormal Activity.

The Wait is Over - Ghost Adventures is Back with Frightening New Paranormal Investigations Beginning March 10th on discovery+

The Crew Confronts Eerie Activity Inside Eminent Locations Including the Home of American Author John Steinbeck, the Los Angeles Police Museum, a Nevada Winery and More.

Hit Series The Dead Files to Air its Milestone 200th Episode on Saturday, April 2

Special 2-hour season finale follows medium Amy Allan and former homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi on their most challenging case to date - investigating the entire town of Flagstaff, Arizona.

11 Most Watched Episodes of 'A Haunting'

Prepare to be shocked by these dramatic retellings of real hauntings and demonic possessions affecting unsuspecting people.

What's New from TRVL

Stream discovery+

Your favorite shows, personalities and exclusive originals. All in one place.

Subscribe Now

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.