While Curated Cryptid does NOT condone hunting cryptids beyond the desire to find and photograph for the sake of science, we thought it fundamental to point out how the long standing awareness of cryptids has inspired laws to protect them, despite lacking irrefutible proof of existence. However, self defense is an important thing to consider, always be prepared when cryptid seeking. And it never hurts to bring snacks, just in case you make a new friend.
Bigfoot
In Skamania County, Washington it is illegal to kill Bigfoot, listed as endangered species, punishable by $1,000 fine and up to 1 year imprisonment.
Assembly Bill 666 (yes, seriously) was proposed in February of 2025, hoping to recognize Bigfoot as California's official cryptid. The ruling has yet to be decided.
In Canada, a 2005 petition was submitted to parliament for legal protection to all members of the bigfoot species, however the motion was tabled.
Twice a law was proposed in Florida to protect the Skunk Ape, sadly failing both times
In Texas, Bigfoot is not protected, more so considered an invasive species with the Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization actually having tracking and killing one as one of its core goals.
Champ
In the 1980’s Vermont and New York both enacted laws to protect Champ, making it illegal to harm the loved lake monster in any way and declaring the lake a safe haven.
Elves
From the 1970s to 2015, protests of a road being built through an elf area in Iceland halted the road's construction. Only after the elves supposedly agreed to be moved to a safer area, along with a 70 ton rock that was their “church”, did construction start.
Jersey Devil
Not a protection law, but in 1939 New Jersey, declared the Jersey Devil its official state demon, the only official state demon in the country.
Leprechauns
Passed in 2009, the European Habitats Directive in Ireland protects leprechauns in the Cooley Peninsula.
Migoi/ Abominable Snowman/ Yeti
Also known as the abominable snowman or Yeti, in 2001 the local government created a 250+ sq mile sanctuary for the Migoi in Bhutan, now the Sakeng Wildlife Sanctuary
In 1959, the United States Embassy in Kathmandu was given a set of regulations and rules from the government of Nepal concerning the Yeti: anyone who wished to pursue it had to purchase a permit from the Nepalese government, you can only hunt the creature to photograph it or capture it alive as killing the Yeti is only permitted in self-defense and if you encounter the Yeti you must report the incident to the Government of Nepal and allow them to decide what, if anything, is told to the media.
Nessie
In 1933, after Scotland opened an official file on Nessie’s activities and the activities of those that were looking to make her a museum exhibit, the Scottish government confirmed that Nessie is protected under existing laws; such as the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act and 1912 Protection of Animals Act.
Storsjön Lake Monster
In Sweden, the lake monster enjoyed protected status as an endangered species from 1986 until 2005, when it was revoked.
White River Monster
In 1973 Arkansas passed the White River Refuge Act, to protect Whitey, the White River Monster.
