Summary of "Short Stuff: The Mad Trapper of Rat River" – Stuff You Should Know Podcast

Release Date: January 8, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Short Stuff: The Mad Trapper of Rat River," hosts Josh and Chuck delve into one of Canada's most enigmatic historical mysteries—the tale of the Mad Trapper of Rat River. Accompanied by Jerry, who fills in for Dave, the trio embarks on an adventurous retelling of the 1931 manhunt that remains unsolved to this day.

Background of the Mad Trapper

[00:46] Chuck: "That's right, the Mad Trapper of Rat River, AKA perhaps, I don't even know about perhaps almost certainly Canada's most infamous unknown person on the lam."

The Mad Trapper, believed to be Albert Johnson, emerged in July 1931 when he relocated to the remote northwest territories near Fort McPherson. His origins remain cloaked in mystery, with some speculating a Swedish background based on limited interactions.

[01:04] Josh: "Yeah, this is, I saw it referred to as like an iconic Canadian story. This guy just tore us up in 1931, made international headlines and died. It's still to this day, no one knows who he is."

The Escalation: Initial Confrontations

By November or December 1931, tensions rose when local First Nations trappers reported Johnson for interfering with trap lines. This prompted the involvement of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Mounties).

[03:07] Josh: "...they knocked on Johnson's cabin door, assuming that they were just going to talk to him and tell him to stop doing that, and that would be that, right."

However, the initial encounters swiftly turned hostile. Johnson reportedly brandished a gun during the first visit, leading to escalating confrontations.

The Manhunt Intensifies

Over the course of seven grueling weeks, a massive manhunt ensued, marking the largest in Canadian history. The Mounties employed unprecedented tactics to capture Johnson:

1. Armed Confrontations:

   • [04:02] Josh: "And finally, a gunfight with this posse that the Mounties had assembled to go take this guy out..."
   • Johnson engaged in multiple firefights, resulting in the death of Constable Millen and others.

2. Use of Dynamite:

   • [04:28] Josh: "They threw dynamite on his roof to flush him out..."
   • Despite the destruction, Johnson survived these explosive attempts and continued evading capture.

3. Aerial Surveillance:

   • [07:12] Chuck: "That's right. They got a pretty legendary WW1 Canadian fighter pilot named Wilfred..."
   • For the first time, aircraft were utilized in a manhunt, with pilot Wap May conducting aerial reconnaissance to locate Johnson.

Notable Moments and Quotes

• Survival Against Odds:

  • [05:35] Chuck: "This poses was hunting him down. He was a very successful evader for a long time."

• Public Fascination:

  • [08:10] Chuck: "One of the weird parts of this case is... this guy didn't say a word the whole time."

• Enduring Mystery:

  • [12:00] Josh: "Why would he do this? Yeah, which is just deepens the mystery further."

The Climactic Conclusion

After enduring extreme weather—temperatures plummeting to -45°C—and navigating treacherous terrain, Johnson's resilience was unmatched. The Mounties, running low on resources and battling brutal conditions, eventually succumbed to the elements and logistical challenges, allowing Johnson to disappear again.

[07:38] Josh: "When you understand what you're looking at, it's just astounding what these Guys were running through over the course of seven weeks. It's nuts."

Tragically, four days after their last encounter, the Mounties found Johnson's destroyed cabin empty, his tracks buried by a blizzard.

Post-Manhunt Developments

Decades later, in 2007, advancements in DNA technology offered new avenues to potentially identify Johnson. Despite extensive genetic comparisons, his true identity remains elusive, with theories suggesting Swedish heritage and possible ties to Midwestern United States origins.

[14:12] Chuck: "They made comparisons with more than two dozen families... pretty sure that his background is Swedish."

Additionally, forensic examinations revealed remarkable physical attributes:

• Extensive dental work
• Scoliosis
• Asymmetrical foot sizes

[14:46] Chuck: "I think one foot was bigger than the other one too, which, good Lord."

Legacy and Public Perception

The Mad Trapper's story captivated the public, especially during the Great Depression, when sentiments often swung in favor of outlaws perceived as rebels against establishment failures.

[12:00] Josh: "...people by this time... were actually rooting for him because... the establishment had basically screwed everything up."

Despite numerous tips and widespread media coverage, Johnson's true identity and motives remain shrouded in mystery, cementing his status as a legendary figure in Canadian folklore.

Conclusion

The episode effectively unravels the gripping saga of the Mad Trapper of Rat River, highlighting the extreme measures taken during the manhunt and the enduring mystery surrounding Johnson's identity and motivations. Through engaging storytelling and insightful discussions, Josh and Chuck shed light on a fascinating chapter of Canadian history that continues to intrigue and baffle to this day.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Chuck [00:46]: "Almost certainly Canada's most infamous unknown person on the lam."
• Josh [01:04]: "This guy just tore us up in 1931, made international headlines and died."
• Josh [05:35]: "This guy was already a big deal by this time..."
• Chuck [07:12]: "They got a pretty legendary WW1 Canadian fighter pilot named Wilfred..."
• Josh [08:10]: "This guy didn't say a word the whole time."
• Josh [12:00]: "Why would he do this? Yeah, which is just deepens the mystery further."
• Josh [14:12]: "He was just amazing in a really kind of specific way."

This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.