​Theories

Skinwalker Ranch is a hotbed of paranormal activity (Janos). Numerous conspiracy theories have sought to explain reported events over the years. With the Ranch's popularity, various possibilities have been proposed for these paranormal events. Three prominent conspiracy theories stand out: Skinwalkers, Unidentified Flying Objects encounters, and cattle mutilations. Considering all the evidence, there is little validity to these conspiracy theories in explaining the strange events that have occurred at Skinwalker Ranch.

The Skinwalker conspiracy theory stands out first and foremost as it is mentioned as the ranch's name. During the journey to visit the ranch, MJ Banias states, "As we roll past, a 20-foot-tall black steel gate greets us. Standing on the other side is a guard carrying a black rifle. He gives us a friendly nod, and the gate slowly opens" (Banias).  Furthermore, MJ Banias’ adds that his host smiled at him and said, "Welcome to Skinwalker Ranch"(Banias). The existence of ranches, such as the Sherman Ranch of Skinwalker and the major related events at the Four-Corners place of Southwest Colorado, Northeast Arizona, and Southeast Utah, manifest the Skinwalkers' existence (‌Weiser-Alexander). The Ute Native American tribe arrived in Utah in the 1300s, while the Navajo tribe arrived in the early 1600s. They did not often get along. One legend says that after a particularly violent altercation in which the Ute helped oust the Navajo from the property, the Navajo cursed the Ute, “unleashing Skinwalkers within their territory" (Medenwaldt). While the legend of the Skinwalker has been established in legend and folklore, no concrete evidence of Skinwalkers exists. Furthermore, most of the ranches mentioned operate in secrecy and lack transparent research to determine the truth. Until research and proof can be uncovered. The Skinwalker theory lacks credibility.

UFO sightings at Skinwalker Ranch have garnered significant attention over the years, particularly due to the ranch's mysterious history and reported paranormal activities, "The Uinta Basin of eastern Utah has been such a hotbed of paranormal sightings over the years that some extraterrestrial enthusiasts have deemed it "UFO Alley"(Jonas). A comprehensive study conducted by Kelleher and Knapp highlights that between 2006 and 2008, over 100 UFO sightings were documented, with witnesses frequently describing bright orbs of light darting through the sky and performing maneuvers that defy the laws of physics. (Keller and Knapp). 

These sightings often coincide with other unusual occurrences on the ranch, such as strange animal behaviors and the sudden disappearance of livestock, leading researchers to consider potential correlations between the UFO phenomena and other paranormal events reported at the site (Banias). In addition, ‌Carl Crusher and his team, in their excavation of the mountain to capture evidence of the alleged UFO on their advanced technology, such as thermal cameras and drones to monitor the skies, show some images of moving objects and a piled pattern of stones to certify the activities of the UFO (Crusher). Such investigations have been received with considerable skepticism and criticism despite the findings. The allegations lack solid and explained evidence challenging the scientific knowledge. With the number of reported sightings in the area, it is scientifically troubling that little concrete evidence has come forth. Until strong data and confirmation of such sightings are recorded, the UFO conspiracy theory is not valid enough to account for Skinwalker Ranch’s paranormal activity. 

Cattle mutilation is one of the most disturbing phenomena associated with Skinwalker Ranch contributing to its reputation as a site of unexplained and often sinister occurrences. Grauso reports, "Ranchers started reporting their cattle had started going missing…some were later found mutilated, but with surgical precision…Eyes were neatly removed, and organs were harvested."(Grauso).  Reports of cattle mutilation have been documented since the 1970s, with livestock found exhibiting precise, surgical-like incisions, often with organs removed and blood drained from their bodies, one dead cow had a hole cut in the center of its left eyeball but was otherwise untouched; another had a 6-inch hole carved out of its rectum. A strange chemical smell was present both times (Margaritoff). "We've seen [the UFOs] enough…I think it's definitely associated with the cattle mutilations," said Terry Sherman. "When we see the crafts and then the cattle, we have problems" (Grauso).

Despite these reports, no scientific explanation or evidence links the unseen UFO to the surgical marks left on the dead cows. A more scientifically sound explanation points to Animals such as wolves and vultures hovering around carcasses, which can be linked to such marks. Hopefully, the distributing theory of cattle mutilations can be put to rest as the feeding habits of carnivorous predators in the area are further studied. Therefore, the conspiracy theory of cattle mutilations is without merit. 

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Conculsion

Three conspiracy theories have been presented, yet none stand out as strong enough to account for paranormal events at Skinwalker Ranch. The existence of Skinwalkers is based on myth and legend with no concrete sightings or recorded evidence to back up the claim of their existence. The conspiracy theory of cattle mutilations is easily dismissed by how animals, such as vultures and wolves, consume their prey. The theory of UFOs is perhaps the most probable, as alien life would likely possess technology far beyond our own and could escape detection. However, the theory lacks any concrete example that would bring it to the realm of possibility. On balance, there is no real best solution in the conspiracy theories mentioned to account for the paranormal events taking place at the ranch. It is advisable to explore alternative possibilities that could explain the paranormal activity.

Although researchers and enthusiasts have taken the initiative to explain and support the existence of UFOs, Skinwalkers, and cattle mutilations, the evidence provided is unsupported and insufficient. Evidence is insufficient if there is doubt on its veracity. Most of the evidence relies on folklore, unverified personal accounts, or lacks sufficient concreteness to be fully credible. We live in an age with highly advanced recording equipment and video capabilities. Until recordings can provide compelling evidence regarding the conspiracy theories mentioned, we must conclude that they do not possess enough credibility to warrant further consideration.