Albatwitch - Pennsylvania
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
The initial sightings of a small hairy man-like beast came from Lancaster in 1973, about 10 miles east of Columbia . Another came from the town of North Annville, about 20 miles to the north, in the same year. The Albatwitch seemed to prefer to reside along the banks of the Susquehanna River about a mile or two north of town. In addition, a number of reports have surfaced out of neighboring York County. The legend is said to be of native Susquehannock origin; slender ape-like creatures, reddish-brown and four to five feet tall, adorned their war shields. Early 1800s German settlers incorporated it into tales of apple loving food thieves, who would then throw the apple cores back at them. Their name is actually tied to a common moniker of Apple Snitch and this carried over when the sightings of them started in the US as well. After encounters continued, locals tried attracting the Albatwitch with apples and capturing them in sacks, with no luck. Some variations believe that they are a once prolific species driven to near extinction by humans, until their appearances become more prominent. Paranormal researcher, Rick Fisher, supposedly crossed paths with one in 2002.
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Alkali Lake Monster - Nebraska
Cryptid Construct
This tag is added to those cryptids that may have been originally brought to the attention of the public by a hoax. We are not saying they are a hoax, the hoax could have been inspired by rumors, it just seems fair to note those that have had hoax activity in their lore. There are also fringe groups that believe the overwhelming acknowledgment and belief by the public, along with the spreading of the stories, can be strong enough to invite the cryptid into existence; like a Tulpa.
The Walgren or Alkali Lake Monster, described as a giant greyish brown alligator of varying lengths with a rhino horn, was sighted in the early 1900’s, and was reported on by multiple newspapers and authors. Despite the creature having similar supporting stories by the local tribes, it is widely purported that the newspaper articles were hoaxes to increase sales. Said to come ashore to devour livestock and leave behind an almost toxic mist in its wake, the lake monster has been said to be as small as 20’ long or up to 300’ long and dragon-like. The thundering steps from the beast could be felt by people for miles around. Many suggestions have been made to what may have actually been sighted, ranging from giant catfish to overgrown beaver or even a small wayward whale. Despite lack of evidence, something about the idea of monsters lurking in water seems to capture the imagination and the mystery of the Walgren Lake Monster lives on.
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Altamaha-ha - Georgia
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
Recognized by native Americans for centuries, this sea serpent cryptid swims like a dolphin with a snout of a crocodile with bug eyes, 20-30 ft long with a sturgeon like body. It’s name reportedly originated with Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe – the name meaning “big water”. First non-native account was in 1830 when a Savannah Georgian newspaper correspondent wrote about multiple sightings of a sea monster on the Georgian coast; main witness being Captain Delano of the schooner Eagle, who saw a 70-foot long creature with a barrel-sized body and an alligator-like head near St. Simon's Island. Altamaha-ha, or Altie for short, is said to be elusive and shy, even curious but can be startled into defensiveness. Named after the Altamaha river it inhabits, the city of Darien even has a statue of one in its welcome center to greet visitors.
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Batsquatch - Washington
As the name suggests, Batsquatch resembles a sasquatch with bat wings and other bat-like features. In addition to having blackish blueish fur, up to a 50 foot wingspan on a 9 foot tall frame, a long muzzle, tall bat-like ears and glowing reddish eyes, Batsquatch is also said to be able to affect car engines and electronics. Due to being first sighted in the 1980's around St. Helens after the eruption, many speculations have been formed around its origin and purpose, ranging from genetic mutation to awakened ancient guardian(s). Batsquatch has also been seen near Mount Shasta and other areas, possibly moving East to overlap with Mothman territory, with significant sightings in 1994, 1998, 2009, 2011 and 2014. There may be an argument as to whether Mothman and Batsquatch might be related in some way.
Bear Lake Monster - Utah
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Cryptid Construct
This tag is added to those cryptids that may have been originally brought to the attention of the public by a hoax. We are not saying they are a hoax, the hoax could have been inspired by rumors, it just seems fair to note those that have had hoax activity in their lore. There are also fringe groups that believe the overwhelming acknowledgment and belief by the public, along with the spreading of the stories, can be strong enough to invite the cryptid into existence; like a Tulpa.
The monster inhabiting Bear Lake, not to be confused with a bear-like lake monster, dates back to 19th century sightings by Mormon settlers who spotted a large serpent-like creature with clawed legs and spines along its back. Some claim there is more than one monster but that they are extremely fast, 40-50’ long, varying report of short legs (perhaps only front legs) and different shapes of its head. Brigham Young, second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also visited the area while preaching and listening to testimonies of locals who’d seen the monster; reportedly a believer himself. Despite a local supposedly admitting they’d made up the stories as a hoax, the belief in the legend of the Bear Lake monster continued on, many dismissing this as a bid for fame. Legends vary between the monster being a guardian of the lake, an evil spirit banished to the lake and cursed to its form, but there is no doubt that it’s a cryptid.
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Beast of Bladenboro - North Carolina
Canid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, hairy canine creature with some phenotypic traits. The face will bear strong wolf or dog-like features, such as the longer snout, sharp teeth, large ears and bright eyeshine at night. Additionally, there is typically some kind of tail and the ability to emit a blood curdling howl or cry. A distinct feature of a lot of canid cryptids is the ability to shapeshift in some capacity. Interestingly, a different kind of cryptid, the Skinwalker, is also said to commonly transform into a wolf. Make of that what you will.
For two weeks, from Dec 29 1953 to Jan 13 1954, a mysterious creature terrorized Bladenboro, killing pets, livestock, wild animals and even one person. The attacks were brutal, the bodies torn to shreds and drained of blood. Witnesses describe the beast as a sleek bear or panther-like, black fur, about 5’ long with long tail and cat-like head. Extremely elusive, emitting a noise like a crying baby, the beast was never captured or killed despite one claim which ended up being a regular bobcat. Newspapers spread the story wide, causing fear and inspiring hunters alike. There are many speculations on what the beast could have been, from escaped exotic pet to mutant hybrid, but the question has never been fully answered and the legend lives on to this day.
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Beast of Bray Road - Wisconsin
Canid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, hairy canine creature with some phenotypic traits. The face will bear strong wolf or dog-like features, such as the longer snout, sharp teeth, large ears and bright eyeshine at night. Additionally, there is typically some kind of tail and the ability to emit a blood curdling howl or cry. A distinct feature of a lot of canid cryptids is the ability to shapeshift in some capacity. Interestingly, a different kind of cryptid, the Skinwalker, is also said to commonly transform into a wolf. Make of that what you will.
Said to stand up to 7’ tall, weigh over 400 lbs and resemble a wolf or bear with humanoid features, the Beast of Bray Road has been reported for decades. The first recorded sighting goes back to 1936 however it was not widely known until the late 1980’s, as more sightings surfaced. More than once it was said that the Beast used the corn fields to hide in, even being spotted eating the corn. Generally accepted as a werewolf type creature, able to run on all fours or upright and covered in hair, the Beast is also reported to have supernatural abilities such as disappearing/shape-shifting and telepathic communication but verbally speaking an unknown language. While this supports the belief that the Beast is highly intelligent, some sightings reporting that it regarded it with curiosity or tried to communicate, it is also maintained that it is aggressive towards humans and animals. The Beast of Bray Road has not been caught or identified and remains a lingering mystery, leaving behind a strong sensation that the Beast is trying to pass along a message.
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Beast of Busco - Indiana
A reportedly VW sized snapping turtle lake monster, measuring 6’ across and over 500lbs, gripped a town in Indiana with “BuscoMania” for weeks, with some hunters even constructing an attractive lady-snapper in an effort to capture the creature. The story dates back to 1898 when a farmer claimed to have seen it in his lake, trying to capture it to no avail. Interest revived in 1948 when two fisherman reported seeing the giant turtle while fishing on Fulk Lake, others claimed the same and word spread quickly. Once national media caught wind of the story, Churubusco was flooded with people trying to capture the Beast, even partially draining the lake, without success. Many believe it is still alive and just too wise to be outsmarted.
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Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
The hairy humanoid, the myth, the legend. Described as a large upright hairy ape-like beast, standing 6-9’ tall (up to 15’), with glowing eyes, broad shoulders and long arms, Bigfoot’s mythos can be traced back hundreds of years to Native American lore. Bigfoot actually got its name after very large footprints were found in Northern California in 1950s, which was later revealed as a hoax. The famous picture of what is claimed to be a female Bigfoot walking through a clearing in 1967 is still the best evidence to date, despite being hotly disputed as fake but never proven as such. Sightings and encounters can be found in the thousands, with more reports of screams being heard or rocks being thrown at campers in Bigfoot territory, in addition to very close encounters. Bigfoot has also been sighted quite often around Mt. Shasta in California, a place that has a slew of it’s own cryptid and paranormal happenings. Reports even reach up to Alaska, with the town of Port Chatham/Portluck (now abandaoned) had reports of a tall hairy man beast terrorizing and killing people in the area going back to the 1900s. Reports even state that the workers at the cannery there repeatedly walked off or refused to work due to the locally named Nantiinaq. This may or may not be related to sightings of "giants" or findings of giant skeletons in Alaska. It may also be worth noting that some reporters of encounters describe Bigfoot as having an ability to "blip" in and out of existence, possibly transporting or simply going invisible, sometimes leaving behind a kind of disturbance that while discernible isn't entirely visible. The name "Glimmer Men" has been given to these kinds of sightings and calls to mind the imagery of the Predator's cloaking ability, however they aren't always directly attributed to Bigfoot. No matter where they may be, Bigfoot’s fame continues and reports and run-ins with the species continue to surface all the time.
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Cadborosaurus - Washington
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
Originating in Cadboro Bay in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, this sea monster has been spotted up and down the Pacific coast from California to Alaska. The Cadborosaurus, Caddy for short, was first described in 1933 by fisherman William Hagelund: 30 feet long with a horse like head, long neck, a mane of course hair, pair of small flippers and a large split end tail. Hagelund later wrote the book "Whalers No More". Over the years, 300+ sightings have been logged, with a $50,000 reward being offered in 1968 by Robert Swanson who could prove the footage he captured wasn't of Caddy and underwater sonar footgage being captured by Jason Walton in 2009.
Champ - New York
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
Lake Champlain, a 125 mile long fresh water lake, is said to house this serpent like creature. Reports vary but agree upon the horse like head atop a long neck. The legend dates back to the indigenous people of the area, before European settlers, though they had different names for the creature. The indigenous Abeknaki viewed Champ as a powerful, sacred entity that could control the weather and shape-shift into human or animal form. Captain Crum of the Bulwagga Bay ship, spotted what he described as an 187 foot long monster with a head of a seahorse and eyes like peeled onions, in 1819.There have been over 300 reported sightings and multiple rewards offered for its capture, P.T. Barnum even offered a reward in 1887, but Champ remains a mystery and a local celebrity and mascot.
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Chessie - Maryland
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
The Nessie of the Chesapeake Bay, the name mirroring reflected in its name, this creature has many of the trademarked features such as a long body with humps along its back and a snake-like head. First potential sighting was in 1936 by a military helicopter pilot however the first widely publicized sighting was in 1982, when Chessie was captured on video near Kent Island. The video inspired immense interest and curiosity. Sightings continued in the late 90’s and early 2010’s. Identity theories vary wildly, from sturgeon to mutant eel to prehistoric reptile. No matter what Chessie may be, Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas have welcomed the elusive creature as a sort of environmental representative, even getting it’s own coloring books published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Society.
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Chupacabra - Texas
Chupacabra’s name translates quite succinctly to “goat-sucker” due to it reportedly draining its livestock victims of all their blood; predominantly goats. It’s first reported attack, in 1995, was in Puerto Rico where eight sheep were found with chest punctures and drained of blood. A few months later, another claim of up to 150 livestock and pet deaths were attributed to the Chupacabra. More killings and supposed sightings spread across Puerto Rico to Mexico, South America, Texas and other U.S. states. Described as a coyote sized mostly hairless creature, red eyes, sharp fangs and spikes or ridge of stiff hair down its pronounced spine. Other descriptions say it’s more reptilian with a long tongue and may or may not have wings. Despite all the sightings, all deceased animals, purported to be the famed Chupacabra, were tested and revealed to be other animals with mange or other diseases. Some naysayers point out that the sightings coincide with the release of the movie “Species”, which contains a similar creature. Regardless, the legend persists.
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Colossal Claude - Oregon
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
Claude earns his Colossal title, reported as being up to 40’ long with an 8’ neck, a head like a camel, snake like tail, covered in coarse grey fur, glassy eyes and a bent snout. There have been many witnesses, with many slightly overlapping descriptions. Spotted near the Columbia River in Oregon, Colossal Claude was first reported in 1934 and seen again in 1937 and 1939. Claude apparently likes to rear up near fishing ships, and eating from their haul before disappearing again. No confirmed sightings since then but it hasn’t stopped the legend from living on; even the added part of lore that he enjoys a good hoppy brewed drink from the brewery.
Dark Watchers - California
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
The dark watchers are as the name suggests, dark silhouettes of tall figures often accented by flowing coats or cloaks and faces shadowed by wide brimmed hats, unnervingly watching, standing still against the twilight sky. California’s native Chumash tribe is said to call them “The Old Ones” and John Steinbeck even referenced them: “No one knew who the watchers were, nor where they lived, but it was better to ignore them and never to show interest in them.” Some have suggested that the Dark Watchers, also sometimes called shadow people, are related to the Hat Man, Slenderman, Black Eyes Children and even Djinn. Wes Craven once recounted an eerie interaction with a stranger in a fedora that helped inspire Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy, in addition to articles covering a surge of Southeast Asian refugees who became terrified of falling asleep, reported nightmares of monsters or demons and then died in their sleep.
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Dogman - Michigan
Canid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, hairy canine creature with some phenotypic traits. The face will bear strong wolf or dog-like features, such as the longer snout, sharp teeth, large ears and bright eyeshine at night. Additionally, there is typically some kind of tail and the ability to emit a blood curdling howl or cry. A distinct feature of a lot of canid cryptids is the ability to shapeshift in some capacity. Interestingly, a different kind of cryptid, the Skinwalker, is also said to commonly transform into a wolf. Make of that what you will.
Sighted in various parts of Michigan, the seven foot tall, bipedal, werewolf-like canid is said to have the torso of a man and the head of a dog or wolf, glow in the dark eyes and the howl of a human scream. The first cited encounter occurred in 1887, when two lumberjacks encountered the Dogman – though the meeting was said to be peaceful. Subsequent sightings in 1937, 1967 and 1987 the creature was seen running with a pack of regular dogs and even chased people. Some say that the Dogman cane from a song by disc-jockey Steve Cook, who recorded the song in 1987 however not only did sightings precede the song, but many people called in to the station to say they saw the Dogman before.
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Dover Demon - Massachusetts
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
Said to have an egg or figure-eight shaped head, have glowing eyes, 2-4’ tall with a thin hairless body and long arms and spindly fingers, the Dover Demon commonly runs on all fours and appears to be generally non aggressive. Sightings by four sets of witnesses were reported on April 21-22, 1977: two within a couple hours on the 21st, and two more roughly 12 hours apart the next day. Three of those encounters resulted in similar sketches of the elusive creature. All of the witnesses maintained their stories and even passed lie detector tests. The Dover Demon has not been spotted nor its origin explained since. Reported as having rosy-orangeish skin, an eye shadow color was named after it.
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Flatwoods Monster - West Virginia
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
September 12, 1952, in Braxton County, a group of boys attracted to the site of a meteor crashing to Earth were met by pulsating lights cutting through the woods. A large creature, almost 12 feet tall and 4 feet wide silently glided towards them: said to have a spade shaped head, red face, draped in flowing bright green material and emitting a sickening metallic odor. The kids fled from the scene however later when a group of people returned to investigate, only ruined grass, tread marks and a faint awful odor remained. Braxie, as it's commonly called, never showed itself again however the legend lives on to this day.
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Fouke Monster - Arkansas
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
First reported in 1971, allegedly attacking the home of Bobby and Elizabeth Ford on May 2, 1971: reaching in through a screen window while Elizabeth was sleeping on a couch. Her husband and his brother Don chased away what they initially thought was a bear, firing several gun shots and believing to have wounded it. The following search turned up three-toed footprints around the house and scratch marks and damage to the porch and window. After another sighing later that month, more reports came in over the following months and more footprints found. Little Rock radio station KAAY posted a $1,090 bounty on the creature causing such a boom in interest that the Miller County Sheriff had to temporarily restrict guns, several fines were even issued for “filing a fraudulent monster report’. Reports continued sporadically: 1978, 1991, 1997-1998.
*"Boggy Creek - The Bigfoot Series, Legend of Boggy Creek"
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Fresno Nightcrawlers - California
Cryptid Construct
This tag is added to those cryptids that may have been originally brought to the attention of the public by a hoax. We are not saying they are a hoax, the hoax could have been inspired by rumors, it just seems fair to note those that have had hoax activity in their lore. There are also fringe groups that believe the overwhelming acknowledgment and belief by the public, along with the spreading of the stories, can be strong enough to invite the cryptid into existence; like a Tulpa.
Fondly called "walking pants" the Fresno Nightcrawlers, or Nightwalkers, were first caught on film in 2007 by a man who set out to determine why his dogs barked every night. The footage was shared with a local news station and quickly went viral. One of the most well known Neo Cryptids, the Nightcrawlers lacked a lore prior to being sighted and have since been sighted other places. Described as slender humanoid lower halves, in that they only resemble legs and a shortened torso topped with a rounded head and shaded eyes, Nightcrawlers appear whiteish or pale grey in color, almost gossimer, and walk slowly and lightly. They do not appear to be violent in nature. Sighted again in 2011 in Yosetimite National park, then in 2017 in Poland, the most notably related sighting was in 2014 in Carmel, Ohio, and is referred to as the Carmel Creature. It's been noted that the Japanese Ningen/Ninjin also bear a resemblance.
Grafton Monster - West Virginia
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
Reported as between 7 and 9 feet tall, with whitish slick skin and no definition for a head as its face seemed to be centered in the middle of it's chest, the Grafton Monster was first sighted on June 16, 1964 by Robert Cockrell. Robert returned with a friend to try and locate the creature however, while all they found was trampled grass, they say a low whistling sound followed them while they searched. It is said that Robert didn't speak up until he heard others talk about similar encounters, resulting in an article being published about the incident which popularized the cryptid and spurred hunts for it.
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Green Eyes - Georgia
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
Old Green Eyes, as it's fondly referred to, is the famous creature/apparition seen roaming the Chickamauga Battlefield grounds and surrounding areas. Lore is debated between Green eyes being either a restless soldier who was buried without its body or a physical being who stalked the area long before the war. Sightings mainly center around it's bold green eyes as the rest of it appears to be a shadowy form.
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Hodag - Wisconsin
Cryptid Construct
This tag is added to those cryptids that may have been originally brought to the attention of the public by a hoax. We are not saying they are a hoax, the hoax could have been inspired by rumors, it just seems fair to note those that have had hoax activity in their lore. There are also fringe groups that believe the overwhelming acknowledgment and belief by the public, along with the spreading of the stories, can be strong enough to invite the cryptid into existence; like a Tulpa.
Reportedly born from the ashes of cremated oxen mistreated by their masters as they drug logs from the forests, the Hodag is said to be a large ferocious bull horned creature, with the face and coloration of a frog, fangs, thick short legs with large claws and the spiked back and tail of a dinosaur. Reported in 1893 in a Rhinelander newspaper article, by a land surveyor well known to be a prankster; Eugene Shepherd. He even led several attempts to capture the beast, claiming to have done so in 1896 before admitting to the hoax. Despite this admission, and dismissed by many, the legend lives on with the Hodag becoming a sort of mascot for the area. There is even a statue of it at the Chamber of Commerce.
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Honey Island Swamp Monster - Louisiana
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
Reported as a cross between gorilla and crocodile, to be up to 7 feet tall and over 400 lbs, the monster's first sighting was in 1963 by a retired air traffic controller and wildlife photographer. He located unusual prints with webbing and captured the creature walking upright on film. Many other encounters followed. Although not explicately stated, the hairy bipedal Honey Island Swamp Monster could be considered a distant relative of Bigfoots that adapted to living and swimming in the swamps. It is also marked by a foul odour that preceedes its precense and glowing eyes which are commonly reported in other Bigfoots sightings.
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Jackalope - Wyoming
Cryptid Construct
This tag is added to those cryptids that may have been originally brought to the attention of the public by a hoax. We are not saying they are a hoax, the hoax could have been inspired by rumors, it just seems fair to note those that have had hoax activity in their lore. There are also fringe groups that believe the overwhelming acknowledgment and belief by the public, along with the spreading of the stories, can be strong enough to invite the cryptid into existence; like a Tulpa.
The Jackalope is certainly a more cuddly kind of cryptid, depicted as a jackrabbit with horns of an antelope; thus the name. The legend of a horned rabbit is not a unique one, as tales of them can be found in various cultures throughout many periods in history worldwide. The image isn’t even a completely unfounded one as rabbits can actually develop hard tumors that resemble horns upon their heads, from the shope papilloma virus that only affects rabbits. This may have been the inspiration for Herrick brothers in Douglas, Wyoming, who created taxidermy depictions of the Jackalope in the 1930’s. The brothers claimed they’d seen real jackalopes in the wild and they quickly became popular souvenirs and a symbol of the town. There are many reported attributes: able to imitate sounds and speech, with a propensity for singing, able to solve puzzles and riddles, super speed and hind legs strong enough to kill with a kick, setting traps or playing pranks, and a magical ability to grant wishes. Despite much popularity spurring from the brother's creation, many people maintain they have witnessed the Jackalope themselves and is very real. Regardless of its origin or actual abilities, the Jackalope remains a fan favorite and can be seen represented in many forms of media. The aptly named Jackalope Square in Douglas, WY, even features an 8ft tall Jackalope statue.
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Jersey Devil - New Jersey
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
The quite famous cryptid, the Jersey Devil or Leeds Devil, is a flying hooved creature with a goat’s head, bat’s wings, horns, claws and a forked tail. As legend goes, back in 1735, when a woman named Jane Leeds was pregnant with her 13th child, she cursed it in frustrations, exclaiming it would be the devils child. While the child was born normal looking enough, it soon turned into the flying creature we known of today, and terrorized everyone in the room before tearing off into the woods. The Jersey Devil was already a known story when a series of sightings and attacks in 1909 sparked both a media frenzy and public panic. When efforts to locate the Devil failed, the Philadelphia Zoo offered a $10,000 rewards for it’s capture, to no avail. Like with most popular cryptids, the Jersey Devil has become a popular cultural icon.
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Kelly Little Green Men/ Hopkinsville Goblins - Kentucky
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
On August 21, 1955, between Kelly and Hopkinsville in Christian County, Kentucky, a rural family claimed to have been attacked by squat silver skinned creature, with a hint of a silver-greenish tint. This is one of the most famous, well-documented, cases of a close encounter in the history of alien and UFO incidents. Despite defending themselves with gunfire, the metallic “owl-like” creatures continue to pop up and present in windows, on the roof and “floating” about the estate. After enduring this all night, eventually the family escaped the house and went to the local police station to report their experience. State troopers, sheriffs, military police and ufologists all investigated with differing opinions but due to the family’s steadfast story and neighbors also witnessing strange lights in the sky that night, many believe this to be a genuine close encounter with nationwide attention.
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Lake Worth Monster - Texas
Cryptid Construct
This tag is added to those cryptids that may have been originally brought to the attention of the public by a hoax. We are not saying they are a hoax, the hoax could have been inspired by rumors, it just seems fair to note those that have had hoax activity in their lore. There are also fringe groups that believe the overwhelming acknowledgment and belief by the public, along with the spreading of the stories, can be strong enough to invite the cryptid into existence; like a Tulpa.
Covered in white fur and scales, the Lake Worth Creature inhabits the area around the lake and is known to throw tires or broken limbs at people who happen upon it. Half man, half goat, and up to 7 feet tall, the creature was first reported in 1969 when it jumped down from a nearby cliff onto a car at a drive in movie theatre by the lake. After more sightings, multiple people came forward to claim they were responsible for the creature and it was a hoax, however they could not prove that and the majority of people believe in the Lake Worth Creature's existence.
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Lizard Man - South Carolina
The first reported attack of the Lizard Man was in 1988, a teen was rushed while changing a tire near Scape Ore Swamp, but managing to get away after the Lizard Man jumped on the roof of his car, leaving claw marks on his roof and windshield. The teen reported this to the police and they all saw the damage to the vehicle. Many more sightings followed, all occurring around the swamp. Said to be a humanoid creature, about 7’ tall, with green scaly skin, three fingered claws, red eyes, and a muscular build, the Lizard Man is considered very aggressive. Lizard Man became a media sensation to hunters, cryptozoologists and curious tourists alike. Speculations run the usual gamut, from mutated alligator, surviving dinosaur, experiment gone wrong to pure alien.
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Loveland Frogman - Ohio
In 1955, a man pulled over to help 3 figures on the side of the road in Loveland. He was surprised to find them to be roughly 4’ tall humanoid creatures with green leathery skin, webbed hands and feet and frog-like faces. The largest of them was said to hold a wand over its head as it spit out sparks, startling the man so much he quickly retreated and never returned. In 1972, two police officers reported seeing an unidentified animal matching the description of the Frogman. Two weeks later, another officer said he saw a similar animal along a road, which he shot and revealed to be a large iguana. Despite this so-called evidence, people still believe in the Frogman’s existence and that he inhabits the marshes and rivers of the area. More recently, in 2016, a man supposedly spotted a huge frog-like creature near the water that stood up and walked on its hind legs. The dark photo he took leaves much to the imagination but also continues to inspire it.
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Melon Heads - Connecticut
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
A legend that has circulated for decades, with unknown origins, tells of small humanoid creatures with abnormally large heads living in secluded areas, that attack people that wander into their areas – as one does, of course. There have been many sightings from across the United States however the story could possibly originate from Europe or Germany. While Ohio and Michigan also have their versions of the Melon Heads, Connecticut’s lore waffles between a family banished for practicing witchcraft, or escaped patients from a local mental institute. No matter which one you go with, both involve feral insanity, inbreeding, mutation and cannibalism.
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Menehune - Hawaii
Origin is unclear, however the Menehune are a mythical race of dwarf people said to live in deep forests, away from people, purported to be shy but skilled craftsmen, musicians and dancers who love to have fun and love to dine on bananas and fish. They also have the ability to shape-shift and disappear at will, with some claiming they are inter-dimensional beings; however, being architects, many structures are attributed to them nonetheless. The Alekoko Fishpond, Kikiaola ditch, Necker Island Structures, Pa o ka Menehune/Menehune Wall and the Ulupo Heiau are all said to be built by the Menehune. While it’s easy to dismiss them as fictional creatures, many argue the Menehune are based on historical facts: archaeological evidence and genetic studies show traces of Melanesian DNA and evidence of dwarfism among some ancient skeletons. King Kaumualii of Kauai supposedly conducted a census of the Menehune in 1820.
Mogollon Monster - Arizona
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
A bigfoot-like creature, referenced in Native American legends, the Mogollon monster is bipedal, with black/reddish brown hair, large red eyes, foul odor, 2 inch claws, nocturnal and standing roughly 7 feet tall. Assumed to be territorial and violent, decapitated deer have been found in areas where they have been reported. Footprints measuring 22 inches have been found, along with large nests built out of pine needles and leaves, with the majority of sightings occurring in the Ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim; the oldest reported sighing was in 1903. The Mogollon Monster continues to be reported by hunters, hikers, campers and residents of nearby towns, prompting many investigations and producing footprints, hair samples and video footage, though nothing has been deemed conclusive proof. Said to emit a blood curdling scream, more notably reported is the unusual whistling noises emitted during sightings.
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MoMo - Missouri
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
The first reported sighting of Momo, the shortened moniker for ‘Missouri Monster’, took place on July 11, 1972 when two young boys’ screams alerted their older sister to a large humanoid creature in their back yard holding what looked to be a deceased dog. What distinguished this 7-8 foot tall creature from other bigfoot types is that it had so much hair that it lacked facial features, and only it’s glowing orange eyes showed through. Other sightings occurred later that year, commonly leaving behind 3-toed footprints along the Mississippi River. Some castings were even sent to the Oklahoma City Zoo for identification, however they didn’t get further than being labeled from an “unknown primate species”. A large group of people attempted to hunt down Momo, with no results. Eventually the sightings dwindled off into silence.
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Mothman - West Virginia
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
Mothman could easily be argued as the 2nd most widely known cryptid, behind Bigfoot. Mothman was first sighted on Nov 12, 1966, when five grave diggers saw a large figure flying overhead. Three days later, two young couples saw a white-winged creature, 7’ tall, near an abandoned plant that had red hypnotizing eyes, chasing them and keeping up with their car, up to 100 mph. After these, the majority of sightings were reported in Point Pleasant, some coming from quite credible sources. Commonly described as a very large bird with red eyes, naysayers suggested it was a sand-hill crane or other large bird outside its usual region. Mothman became a national sensation however when the sightings ended with the collapse of the Silver Bridge, on December 15, 1967. This led many people to believe the creature was an omen, others believed it to be a distraction from the real causes of the structure failure. Sightings in Point Pleasant are ongoing and have reportedly spread well beyond the area. Some have speculated that the Mothman is a kind of Djinn; supernatural beings/spirits that are capable of both good and evil things and are likewise both revered and feared. Or maybe even a La Lechuza, if spotted in the Southwest, which are harpy like creatures often said to be huge, owl-ish, black in color with the face of a woman. Either way, it would be very wise to take heed if you happen to spot Mothman. Or at least rub the statue for good luck; the famous shiny Mothman statue in Point Pleasant also continues to draw crowds everyday, especially during their festival.
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Northfield Pigman - Vermont
Originating from the story of Sam Harris, a teen who went missing in 1951, many speculated that he had encountered something evil in the wood; despite being known for being a mischievous prankster. Afterwards, sightings of a strange naked figure, covered in white hair and doning the skin of a pigs head, were reported lurking in the nearby woods and had local deaths of farm pigs blamed upon it. This was followed by other reports of half-pig offspring. The first official sighting, of the Pigman, was in 1971 when teens saw a bipedal creature cross the woodline carrying a severed pigs head in one head and a knife in the other. As the legend spread, more sightings were reported by teens who ventured into the woods to summon or instigate the Pigman.
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Octoman - Oklahoma
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
An octopus-like beast, rumored to inhabit man-made lakes of Oklahoma, is said to be the size of a horse, with reddish-brown skin, sharp teeth and long tentacles. Traced back to Native American lore of an aquatic creature with a taste for human flesh, some say the Octoman is inspired by the high number of drownings and disappearances around local lakes. There have been reported sightings and encounters, however so far none have resulted in physical evidence. Most descriptions describe a very large and aggressive unknown species of octopus however as some point it became humanoid with tentacles; thus, Octoman. Lost Tapes, a horror series on Animal Planet, even featured a fictional story of three people who were attacked and killed by the octopus in Lake Thunderbird.
Ozark Howler - Arkansas
Canid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, hairy canine creature with some phenotypic traits. The face will bear strong wolf or dog-like features, such as the longer snout, sharp teeth, large ears and bright eyeshine at night. Additionally, there is typically some kind of tail and the ability to emit a blood curdling howl or cry. A distinct feature of a lot of canid cryptids is the ability to shapeshift in some capacity. Interestingly, a different kind of cryptid, the Skinwalker, is also said to commonly transform into a wolf. Make of that what you will.
The Ozark Howler lore is fluid; some saying it's roots are Native American, others date to European Settlers, with recorded sightings going back well before the 1950's. Described as bear sized with black shaggy hair, long fangs, a long tail and prominent horns, the Howler is most well known by its distinct howl: said to be a mix of wolf howl, elf bugle and woman's scream. Some reports even claim to have seen it with huge bat-like wings. The Ozark Howler was featured in the 2004 book Cryptozoology: Science & Speculation, however popularity really grew after 2015 when a news program viewer submitted pictures of the elusive Howler. Nocturnal, territorial and aggressive, the Ozark Howler is also rumored to bestow bad luck upon those who hear it's howl.
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Pascagoula River Alien - Mississippi
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
Remaining one of the best documented and most intriguing cases of alien abduction ever reported, on the night of October 11, 1973, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker claim to have a witnessed a strange noise and bright light in the sky. Then they were abducted by three robotic aliens with carrot-like protrusions from their heads, lifted by a claw that came down and grabbed them. 20 minutes passed, then both men suddenly find themselves back riverside. They went on to give interviews, endure hypnosis and pass polygraph tests and no divergence from their stories was found, they even had the wounds from the claw pincers to show for it. They described the aliens as grey, almost robotic looking, roughly 5’ tall with wrinkle textured skin, thin slit mouths, pointed ears but no eyes. They also had only three fingers on each hand and three toes on each foot. Their story never wavered, never resulted in answers or explanations and both went on to write books about what they endured. This abduction remains one of the best documented cases to this day. Lighthouse Park in Pascagoula has a historical marker by the river commemorating the event.
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Rougarou - Louisiana
Canid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, hairy canine creature with some phenotypic traits. The face will bear strong wolf or dog-like features, such as the longer snout, sharp teeth, large ears and bright eyeshine at night. Additionally, there is typically some kind of tail and the ability to emit a blood curdling howl or cry. A distinct feature of a lot of canid cryptids is the ability to shapeshift in some capacity. Interestingly, a different kind of cryptid, the Skinwalker, is also said to commonly transform into a wolf. Make of that what you will.
The Rougarou embodies the styling of a werewolf but as a human body and head of a wolf, with roots in 16 century medieval French folklore as the “loup-garou”; which means werewolf. The loup-garou was used a scapegoat for crimes, religious misbehaving and misfortunes and was brought to Louisiana by French and French-Canadian settlers, even leading to some being accused and put on trial for lycanthropy. Over time the name changed to Rougarou, but it still used as a warning to encourage obedience. Said to have glowing red eyes, sharp claws, sharp teeth and thick fur, the Rougarou can stand on two legs or run on four and even possibly shape-shift and hypnotize their victims; so that it can feed on the blood and flesh of animals and humans. Most stories adhere to the idea that the Rougarou is a cursed human, but opinions differ on if it can change back to human form or not.
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Selbyville Swamp Monster - Delaware
Cryptid Construct
This tag is added to those cryptids that may have been originally brought to the attention of the public by a hoax. We are not saying they are a hoax, the hoax could have been inspired by rumors, it just seems fair to note those that have had hoax activity in their lore. There are also fringe groups that believe the overwhelming acknowledgment and belief by the public, along with the spreading of the stories, can be strong enough to invite the cryptid into existence; like a Tulpa.
Some say this cryptid was spurred by Fred Stevens hoax of dressing up as a hairy monster to frighten passerbys on the road ways in the 1960s to support a newspaper editor friend. However, not only did the sightings occur before this, they continued afterwards. Descriptions are inconsistent: ranging from the hairy bipedal creature Stevens depicted to a ghost-like apparition. Which makes sense given some say the monster’s origin goes back to a fire in the 1930’s that killed a local shingle-maker who went on to haunt the swamp’s edge.
Sharlie - Idaho
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
Long feared as an evil spirit in Big Payette Lake, the 1920’s was speckled with reports of sightings of a dinosaur like creature: originally stuck with the moniker of Slimy Slim, the McCall Star News switched it to Sharlie after a naming contest in 1954. Sharlie has been described as a huge log floating in the water, 35 ft long serpent with dino-shaped head, long finned tail, over pronounced jaw, may or may not have short giraffe-like horns, with camel-ish humps and a hardened shell-like skin. Sightings were reported by multiple groups of people from 1944-1946, up to 20 people in the largest group, and continued from 1956 to 1997. Theories vary on what Sharlie could be, from a giant sturgeon to surviving prehistoric creature or even experiment gone wrong. No matter the answer, Sharlie has definitely become a part of Idahoan culture.
Shunka Warak'in - Montana
Canid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, hairy canine creature with some phenotypic traits. The face will bear strong wolf or dog-like features, such as the longer snout, sharp teeth, large ears and bright eyeshine at night. Additionally, there is typically some kind of tail and the ability to emit a blood curdling howl or cry. A distinct feature of a lot of canid cryptids is the ability to shapeshift in some capacity. Interestingly, a different kind of cryptid, the Skinwalker, is also said to commonly transform into a wolf. Make of that what you will.
The Shunka Warak’in, which means “carries off dogs” in the Ioway language, was a creature that rancher Ammon Hutchins claimed to have killed near Henry Lake, Idaho in 1886. The name goes back to the regional Native American tribes who believed the powerful creature stole their dogs and attacked their livestock. Described by witnesses as an almost all black furred canine like bipedal beast with high shoulders and a sloping back much like a hyena, the carcass was traded to a taxidermist named Joseph Sherwood who displayed the mount in his grocery store until the 1980’s; when it disappeared. The grandson of Hutchins tracked it down in 2007 at the Idaho Museum of Natural History and then had it loaned to the Madison Valley History Museum in Montana. Historically DNA testing has always been denied by the current owner of the time, so this remains a delightful mystery.
Sinkhole Sam - Kansas
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Reported to be 12-20 feet long and 18”-24” in diameter - as round as a car tire, resembling a giant earthworm or snake, Sinkhole Sam resides in an a prehistoric system of underground caverns that was revealed and filled with water due to a sinkhole in Inman Lake. The sinkhole itself is said to be up to 60’ deep and 200 feet wide. Sam’s first known sighting dates back to 1952, being spotted by some fishermen who reported it swam around them, hissing and splashing water. More reports followed, some describing very serpent like feature and others saying it was very shapeless aside from the mouth; which may or may not have been full of razor sharp teeth. While sightings of Sinkhole Sam tapered off over the years, sightings of similarly described creatures have been reported in other lakes in Kansas.
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Skinwalker - New Mexico
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
Skinwalker sightings seem very common in New Mexico, origination from Navajo legends and lore. As the name suggests they walk in the skin stolen from animals and occasionally people. Also referred to as werewolf like as they commonly appear as canids and run along cars, keeping up with ease, on deserted strips of land, mysteriously seen only by the lone observer. Repeated sightings of this specific situation has led to the name Run-A-Longs, though not directly connected to Skinwalkers, they may be coyote tricksters. Considered part of Navajo witchcraft, Skinwalkers can be conjured, result from cursed humans, or be created within those who do evil. In rare reports of it’s truer form, skinwalkers are reported as over 8’ tall and more humanoid while retaining animal features such as hooves, wolf head or antlers, putting off an atrocious stench that marks their presence. When ‘in skin’, they seem to retain some tiny bit of human features: hands, gait, mannerisms, etc. Many reports tell of it having a translucent effect to its skin when in ‘skinned’ form. They can also take human form, tricking people known to those they slay then masquerade as. Stories of late night hitchhikers who were human but “off” then shifted form are attributed to skinwalkers as well. They are also said to have magical powers, able to cast spells, inflict disease or cause bad luck. However it's important to remember that they are witches, not demons. Skinwalkers can get mixed with Wendigo lore as, before the addition of the common media addition of the antlers for Wendigos, the two can have many overlapping features.
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Skunk Ape - Florida
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Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
Skunk Ape stories have been present since the European settlers first arrived in the area; Seminole and Miccosukee having stories about similar creatures called ‘Esti Capcaki’ meaning tall or hairy man. Several sightings and found footprints from 1960’s to 1970’s were reported in the media, though the more infamous encounter was in 1977 when a woman took and mailed two photographs to the Sarasota County Sheriffs office, claiming the creature had visited her several times, taking apples from her backyard. She stated it smelled like a ‘skunk on steroids’ (also 7’ tall, dark hair and an orangutan like face) which shifted the creature’s name from ‘Swamp Ape’ or ‘Florida Bigfoot’ to its current moniker of ‘Skunk Ape’. Dave Shealy, who claims to be the worlds leading expert on the creature and runs the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee, FL, says he’s seen the Skunk Ape 4 times in his life – 1 of which he claims to have captured on video in 2000: which shows a dark figure walking/running across a swamp. Reported to be 6-7 ft tall and around 450 lbs with females on the smaller end of 5-6 ft and 250 lbs max, omnivorous, nocturnal and intelligent, and violently territorial – as most cryptid hominids are reported to be.
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Slide-Rock Bolter - Colorado
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
Slide-rock Bolster is an odd name for what is described as a large, whale-like beast with large head, tiny eyes and a huge mouth full of sharp teeth, a flared tail and scary grabby-hooks at the end of it – which apparently it uses to cling to steep mountains. First reported by lumberjacks in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Obviously not the most agile creature, it’s reported that the Bolter catches its prey by gripping to steep mountains, remaining still and unnoticed, then releasing and sliding down at fast speeds – lubricating its path much like a snail. It uses its large mouth to scoop up all the unfortunately souls that couldn’t get out of the way fast enough and then using its momentum to slide up the next mountain to cling from, where the Slide-Rock Bolter will repeat this process. No evidence has been found and some consider it a kind of scare tactic created by the lumberjacks.
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Snalllygaster - Virginia / Maryland
The legend of the Snallygaster can be traced back to the 18th century, when German immigrants that settled in Maryland brought stories with them of a half-bird half-demon creature that haunted forests and mountains; they called it Schneller Geist “quick ghost”. The Schneller Geist was told to have a loud piercing scream and a tendency to steal children and livestock. The settlers painted seven pointed stars on their barns to ward off the creature, which can still be seen today. Popularity of the legend faded until 1909 when newspapers reported encounters with a beast with wings, long pointed nose, hook-like claws and an eye in the center of its head. The Snallygaster gained popularity and attracted attention from the Smithsonian Institute, who offered a reward, and even causing President Theodore Roosevelt to consider hunting it himself. Despite it being later revealed that the newspaper made up the stories to sell copies, the legend lives on and found its way into media; even the world of Harry Potter.
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Spectre Moose - Maine
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Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
An enormous ghost white moose, said to be 10-15 feet tall and almost 2,500 lbs, that glows faintly with the ability to pop in and out of existence. The antlers are reported to be 10-12 feet across! Sightings so far have been relatively harmless appearances, with the Moose being spotted and then charging/roaring after being shot. For comparison an average moose is 800-900 lbs and about 6’ all with an antler span of 5’ feet or so. First sighted in 1891 by a hunting guide near Lobster Lake, Clarence Duffy was laughed at however over the years more sightings were reported. The most famous being in 1899 when a hunter got close enough to count 22 points on just one side of its antlers and fired five shots that seemed to glance off the ethereal beast. While the Specter Moose has been seen very few times since 1938, the ghostly legend lives on, commonly being considered a protector of the forest.
Squonk - Pennsylvania
Squonk’s story resonates with some people, as a cryptid that felt so ugly and unloved it cries and weeps all the time, and can be tracked and found by its mournful languishing. Said to inhabit the hemlock forests oft northern Pennsylvania, Squonk was first featured in the 1910 book Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods and is reported to dissolve into a puddle of its own tears upon its discovery or if capture is attempted. From it’s 1939 mention in the book Fearsome Critters, Squonk went on to be the namesake of a song by the band Genesis, which tells the story of a hunter who ensnared a squonk and placed him in a sack but finds only a pool of tears when he opens it. It is also said that if one were to touch the Squonk’s tears they would be consumed with overwhelming sadness and weeping.
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Tahoe Tessie - Nevada
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
Tahoe Tessie, whose name is a play off of Nessie’s coined in the 1950’s, has been sighted for decades in Lake Tahoe. Estimated to be 10-80’ long and said to resemble more of a snake-like eel creature than Nessie, stories spin the lake icon as a friendly beast who is known to help those in trouble on the water. Most sightings occur near Cave Rock and Tessie is rumored to live within a suspected underwater tunnel beneath the rock formation. Just like it’s namesake, many theories exist about what Tessie could be, and many people have tried searching and investigating. Pictures, videos, sonar and even DNA testing have not been able to get any closer to discovery.
Taku-He - South Dakota
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
The Lakota tribe supposedly named Taku-He, meaning big man, as a guardian spirit of the land. Dozens of sightings of this bigfoot-like creature occurred in the 1970’s, one of which by a film crew who spotted a large footprint and learned of the legend while interviewing some locals. The main slew of sightings dwindled after 1977 however they continued to occur throughout the years. Taku-He is said to attack livestock and wild animals, targeting their sexual organs and draining them of blood, though is omnivorous. Presenting in the average bigfoot image, tall, muscular hairy build, with arms that are slightly longer than their legs, Taku-He is also highly intelligent and curious, mimicking human sounds and voices. It is maintained that Taku-He acts as a guardian of the area and that his aggression is related to being territorial.
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Tennessee Wildman - Tennessee
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
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Likened to P. T. Barnum’s Wild Man of Borneo, by the New York Times, in 1889, the Tennessee Wildman is described as 7’-9’ tall with reddish/grey fur, red eyes and incredibly strong and hostile. Sightings go back over 100 years and those from late 1990’s to 2015, Sightings range from people being scared by it’s terrifying scream and horrible smell to full face to face encounters including pets being chased. While some obviously attribute the Wildman to a subspecies of hominid/bigfoot, others claim its a completely different species. This is due to beliefs that the Wildman is a supernatural creature of sorts since it is said it can shape shift or disappear at will; reports claiming that while being in a stare-down with the beast it would simply blip out of visual existence.
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The Enfield Horror - Illinois
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
The Enfield Monster, commonly called the Enfield Horror, allegedly attacked several people in Enfield in April 1973; reported to be a three-legged, grey-skinned, red-eyed beast. A 10 year old boy playing in the yard was the first to encounter the beast, claiming it shredded his shoes before it ran home, terrified. The boys neighbor then came home to find his children hysterical, claiming the monster was trying to break into the house. Expecting to see a stray animal, he opened the door to be greeted by an almost 5’ tall creature with short arms, slimy skin and eyes as big as flashlights. Two weeks later, the neighbor McDaniel claimed he saw the creature again, though it was never captured. Despite the Monster’s cries/howls being recorded, and studied by cryptozoologists, it remains unidentified but continues to attract attention and inspire creature-seekers.
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Pope Lick Monster/ The Goat Man - Kentucky
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
Said to be part man, part billy goat, the Pope Lick Monster (aka the Goat Man) reportedly lives underneath a railroad trestle bridge in Pope Lick and lures people onto the bridge. Whether tricked by hypnosis or voice mimicry, once on the bridge the Goat Man either attacks people or simply sets them up to be hit by a train or fall from the bridge to their death. Many people have claimed to catch glimpses of the Goat Man, seen his glowing eyes or heard strange noises from directly under the bridge while crossing. Legend and sightings go back well before the 1970's however there have been very real deaths attributed to the Pope Lick Monster: two teens at different times in the late 80's were killed by trains due to either looking for the monster or filming a video about it. In 2016, a woman was also killed by a train while crossing during a paranormal tour. The trestle bridge remains a destination for the cryptid hunter and paranormal enthusiast alike, but be sure to use extreme caution.
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The Tizheruk/ Iliamna Lake Monster - Alaska
Aquatic Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of a water serpent or aquatic dinosaur. They reside predominantly in rivers or along the shore of a lake or sea. Shared characteristics seem to be an elongated body with webbed or paddle-like appendages, a widened rudder like tail, a dinosaurian head and some with a noticeable humped back that breaks the surface in the water. Though some further removed cryptids, such as the Octoman, have tentacles instead of a tail or appendages.
The Tizheruk, which comes from Inupiaq language and means “the long-tailed one”, was first recorded by ethnologist John White in 1980. Long feared by the local Inuit people, it’s taboo to speak of it, they believe it to have supernatural powers and can cause misfortune or death. The Tizheruk lives in Bering Sea near King and Nunivak Islands. Reported to be serpent-like, 6 feet long snake-like head and tail with flipper, able to rise 7-8 feet out of the water. It's also worth noting that the Iliamna Lake monster is also at a similar lattitude as the Loch Ness Monster, lending to the idea of ideal temperatures and lake conditions can host such creatures, possibly those of prehistoric nature.
John White relayed his findings to cryptozoologist, Roy P. Mackal, who published them in this book Searching for Hidden Animals. Mackal later received more information from some Coast Guard personnel stationed nearby, who reportedly told him that the Tizheruk was rare but real, having killed a woman recently, when it capsized her boat.
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The Woods Devil - New Hampshire
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
Some say the Woods Devil is considered a type of bigfoot, but others say it isn’t related at all due to its unnerving appearance. Said to be 7-9’ tall, quite slender with long and shaggy greyish/tan odorous hair, it’s face horse-like and long claws on it’s oversized feet and hands. The elusive Woods Devil is a carnivore, feeding on small animals and carrion, and it’s screaming howl can be heard echoing through the hollows. Sightings go back to the 1930’s with the Woods Devil being portrayed as shy and elusive, though agile and smart, easily dodging any shot fired at it. It is mostly reported as hiding behind trees and is said to be able to remain so still that some people have reported almost walking right into it in the woods.
Thunderbird - North Dakota
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
Also referred to as a Teratorn, which is an extinct species, the Thunderbird is said to be able to conjure storms by flapping its wings and summon lightning bolts from its eyes. With a wingspan of 12’ across and varying in reported colors but said to be quite striking, legends of the Thunderbird or similar birds can be found across many indigenous stories though the origin is unknown. While some say the bird is benevolent and helpful, others maintain it is destructive and terrifying, however it is possible both are true and the Thunderbird(s) is a guardian spirit that uses many methods to protect their area by any means and even showing up to guide those that are deemed worthy. Imagery of the Thunderbird can be seen as a recurring motif in art and stories of many cultures and is seen by many as a symbol of power, protection and guidance.
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Glocester Ghoul - Rhode Island
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
The Glocester Ghoul was first reported in 1839 by residents who claimed to have spotted the terrifying creature in the woods. Supposedly those residents were hunting for Captain Kidd’s lost treasure at the time, leading some to conclude the Ghoul may have been protecting it. Described as being as large as a cow and having the body and horns of a ram, feet of a duck, large bat-like wings, glowing eyes with large scales all over its body, the Glocester Ghoul is said to make a loud clanking noise due to the scales rattling together. There have been additional sporadic sightings over time, with witnesses saying they were overcome with an overwhelming sense of fear and ominous dread in its presence.
Van Meter Visitor - Iowa
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
First sighted on Sept 29, 1903, the creature described as a bat-like creature with a glow emitting horn on its forehead terrorized the town for 5 nights. Not only did it leave behind footprints, that were plaster-casted, it was reported to leave a foul lingering smell. On the last night the townspeople decided to track down the creature and followed it to an abandoned mine outside the town. They were stunned to discover not only the mysterious visitor, but another smaller creature, that it seemed to be protecting; both of them retreating deep into the mine when the townspeople opened fire. The next morning, not a trace could be found of either and never would be as the mine was sealed off. Despite not being witnessed again, the legend of the Van Meter Visitor lives on and remains strong.
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Vegetable Man - West Virginia
Here and Gone
This tag is added to those cryptids that were only witnessed once or within a single time period and then were never witnessed again. Their legends, however, captured the imagination of the public enough to be continuously spread since then and maintain presence in today’s stories and lore.
In 1968, Jennings Frederick was out hunting when he came across the Vegetable Man, attracted by a fast high pitched noise much like a radio scrolling through stations. The Vegetable Man, or Veggie Man, was said to be a thin humanoid, over 7 feet tall and partially plant based. Notably it had long fingers covered in thorns and what looked like suction cups on them. The noise Jennings heard increased until he was suddenly able to understand the words: "YOU NEED NOT FEAR ME. I WISH TO COMMUNICATE. I COME AS A FRIEND. WE KNOW OF YOU ALL. I COME IN PEACE. I WISH MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. I NEED YOUR HELP." Jennings claimed the creature then attacked him in a bear hug and pierced his skin with its thorny fingers, draining his blood, while the creature's eyes flashed red to yellow in an almost entrancing way. As suddenly as it pounced, it let go and ran away. This is the only recorded sighting of the Veggie Man.
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Wendigo/Windigo - Minnesota
Possibly Paranormal
This tag is added to those cryptids who also exhibit traits of the paranormal or supernatural, such as ghosts, demonic entities, psychological phenomenon and malevolent or trickster spirits.
The mythos of the Wendigo is a rich and varied one, rooted in multiple Native American/First Nations’ legends and lore. I feel this cryptid has had possibly the largest amount of changes, twisting and “re-writing” of all the cryptids, even blending a bit with aspects of a skinwalker. This forest spirit/supernatural being is said to be a gaunt, emaciated humanoid, ashen in color with sunken eyes, and even in a state of decay. Some native lore spins the Wendigo of a protector of sorts of the land against those who have evil in their hearts. The more recent depiction of a Wendigo having deer antlers is something that evolved after movies and other media popularized this image. Many have taken to calling these depictions and sightings “Not Deer” out of respect for the Native American steeped lore of the Wendigo. Considered a malevolent creature who is drawn to those who are weak to greed, hunger and murder but also punishes those who succumb to it. A common focus of the legends is the mention of cannibalism; victims of the Wendigo’s sway being compelled to committing the atrocity and maybe even being turned into a minion of sorts by doing so. There is even an aptly coined “Wendigo Psychosis” which is an intense craving for human flesh or a severe fear of becoming a cannibal. You could say that between the Wendigo and the Skinwalker, that the Wendigo are those that protect the land against those with evil in their hearts, and the Skinwalkers are the result of those with evil in their hearts. Perhaps the Wendigo create the Skinwalkers, but that is admittedly correlations not causation. It also should be mentioned there may be confusion/overlap between Wendigos and Wechuge. Wechuge, a legend among the Athabaskan people in Canada, are monstrous cannibalistic creatures who were once human and were changed by their evil ways. They are commonly described as ice-like beings, often with the ice forming antler-like structures atop their heads. Though, admittedly, it’s hard to tell if they were always depicted with antlers or if that also changed with the increase of media artistic representation.
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White Thang/ Sheepsquatch - Alabama
Hominid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, humanoid. They’re typically covered in hair and are recognized by their human or ape-like facial structures. Generally Bigfoot-like species are considered to be tall, 6 feet plus, however the Albatwitch is quite diminutive, at around 4 feet. The Goatman also gets lumped into this due to having closer to man-like features than beast.
Canid Cryptid
This tag is added to those cryptids who all exhibit similar traits of an upright, or capable of being upright, hairy canine creature with some phenotypic traits. The face will bear strong wolf or dog-like features, such as the longer snout, sharp teeth, large ears and bright eyeshine at night. Additionally, there is typically some kind of tail and the ability to emit a blood curdling howl or cry. A distinct feature of a lot of canid cryptids is the ability to shapeshift in some capacity. Interestingly, a different kind of cryptid, the Skinwalker, is also said to commonly transform into a wolf. Make of that what you will.
Reported since the 1940’s, the White Thang wanders areas between Morgan, Etowah and Jefferson Counties: Walnut Grove, Moody’s Chapel, Happy Hollow and Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Confusingly, the names White Thang and Sheepsquatch have been used interchangeably. White to grey in color, about 8 feet tall with glowing red eyes, and loud eerie screech that sounds like a woman’s scream. Descriptions vary but seem to be between a humanoid like creature, with either an upright body resembling a white lion or bear with the head of a canine or sheep and two curling horns of a ram atop its head OR something of a Bigfoot Yeti hybrid with some possible canine features but without horns. Some even say the White Thang is more sloth-like with a long tail. A distinct sulfuric smell marks its presence, in addition to its call and some say it can disappear or shape shift, due to how incredibly agile and fast it is. Sightings extend outside this area and even in neighboring states, with a sighting in Virginia in 2015. Many sightings conclude the creature can run on all fours and will charge at people if stumbled upon, head down like a ram’s attack posture; even when it lacks horns. While both White Thang and Sheepsquatch are mentioned as being the same beast, there is a strong divide between the different cryptids and same cryptid camps. Even more dividing is the strong strongly held stance that White Thang is not related to the Bigfoot species family, a completely unique cryptid unto itself. You’ll have to decide on your own.
General Cryptids
Some links and information regarding general cryptid events or movies that feature nameless cryptids, cryptids from outside the US or honorary cryptids: such as Graboids.
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