Local cryptids in your area.

[Ben]

So I've posted before about how right before the pandemic, I stumbled onto some Youtube podcasts revolving around cryptids (more specifically werewolves/"dogmen") and accidentally helped nudge my coworker over the precipice into insanity. The testimony/stories told by the guests on some of the shows were interesting enough, and some of them even sounded relatively convincing. I fell off on following of them after about 2 months, and now only listen to one channel for entertainment on long-drives alone.

Anyway, after one such said long drive today, it got me wondering what reports would be near everyone else here. A few sites I'd found back then had Google Maps with nodes for a tooooooooon of reported sightings, and while it appears that the creator of one of the sites also fell off on believing any of it, it's still out there too.

One that's probably more bigfoot/ufo:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1s1zOmmdM216PMftPUM9K1qqGrFg


(From https://linktr.ee/bbrinvestigations)

And one more specific to werewolves:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zJbwSkGr1w1I.kxsuHmjz8ndA


(From https://thecloakedhedgehog.wordpress.com/)

So, what's lurking outside your window at night?

Bonus topic; Do you have any other local ghost stories, etc. that you know of?

---

The one closest to me now would be this one, which doesn't really give a whole lot of info. I also don't think I'd ever listened to the specific linked youtube video since that host started getting pretty off the rails even by "I believe in werewolves" standards. This lake is only about 8 miles from my house, though.

name The Werewolf of Burden Lake, 1979 description In Upstate New York, there's a lake with a legend attached to it. As rumor has it, a Werewolf calls the area around the lake home. In 1979, tonight's guest, Chris, was getting ready to do some night fishing, near the lake, when that legend decided to let Chris and his friends know, the hard way, that some legends are based on fact, rather than fiction. That was the night Chris had an encounter with the Werewolf of Burden Lake!

Another one that seemed pretty creepy was close to where my ex's parents lived up in the mountains of Bethel, Maine, so always had a tangible feeling to it primarily because their house is up a long dirt road remote from everyone except the trailer where my ex's sister lives. I could always recall two photos I took up there in 2016-2017 that just made this far easier to visualize.

name Oxford county, Dogman on roof, 2001 description I'm a night owl. I always stay up late at night and watch TV. I just happened to look out my window one night and saw what I initially thought was a man, sitting on a roof. I thought it was a man, because at first, he looked almost naked, until I saw the hair or fur on him. He then turned his face and what I saw then was frightening. He had pointed ears, like a dog, and a long snout. They were almost like a German Shepard's ears. I could not understand what I was looking at. I just stared at him for a few minutes. I felt like if I moved, it would see me. It sat there on its butt, with human looking arms and legs, but with hair or fur covering them. I backed away from the window very slowly and went to tell my husband. He didn't want to get up and go look, because he thought I was imagining it. I went back to the window and it was gone.

The two pictures I mentioned, taken from their deck;

 

[Crystal]

Bonus topic; Do you have any other local ghost stories, etc. that you know of?

I know there are a lot of them related to Vulture Mine in Wickenburg, and a lot related to...ahem...Tombstone, AZ, but I can't give you specifics on them, as I only know they exist, not what they are, lol.

From the pages, though, looks like we've got a couple here



Why yes, I did do the lazy person thing and just screen cap, thank you

 

[MrDawn]

In Missouri, there's a sasquatch people refer to as MoMo.

 

[Nae'blis]

In Sweden we mostly have the old folk lore of gnomes, trolls and the like. The only cryptid-ish I can think of is Storsjöodjuret (Storsie), basically a swedish Loch Ness monster.

 

[Ben]

In Sweden we mostly have the old folk lore of gnomes, trolls and the like. The only cryptid-ish I can think of is Storsjöodjuret (Storsie), basically a swedish Loch Ness monster.

I'd have expected trolls and such.

I also come up with these:

1. Storsjöodjuret: A lake monster reported to live in Storsjön, the Great Lake. It's often compared to the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland.
2. Mylingar: Ghosts of unbaptized children that seek to compel the living to bury their bodies.
3. Trolls: A staple in Scandinavian folklore, Swedish trolls are depicted as large, human-like creatures living in forests or mountains.
4. Vittra: Invisible beings similar to elves or fairies. They are believed to live underground and can cause mischief or help humans.
5. Näcken or Nøkken: A water spirit who plays enchanted songs on the violin, luring women and children to drown in lakes or streams.
6. Draugen: The ghost of a sailor, often seen as an omen of death. It's associated with the sea and often appears in a half-decayed state.
7. Skogsrå: A forest spirit, often depicted as a beautiful woman, but with a hollow back like a tree trunk. She can be benevolent or malevolent. B
8. äckahästen: A mythical horse that appears near rivers, especially in foggy weather. It is said to lure people onto its back and then drag them into the water.
9. Gryttie: A lake monster similar to Storsjöodjuret, reported to inhabit Lake Gryttjen.
10. Huldra: A seductive forest creature found in Scandinavian folklore. She appears as a stunningly beautiful woman, but often has a tail hidden under her clothes.

 

[Ben]

I know there are a lot of them related to Vulture Mine in Wickenburg, and a lot related to...ahem...Tombstone, AZ, but I can't give you specifics on them, as I only know they exist, not what they are, lol.

From the pages, though, looks like we've got a couple here

View attachment 6822View attachment 6824View attachment 6825View attachment 6826View attachment 6827

Why yes, I did do the lazy person thing and just screen cap, thank you

Arizona, I'm coming up with these;

1. The Mogollon Monster: Described as a Bigfoot-like creature, it's reported to roam the Mogollon Rim in central and eastern Arizona, characterized by its large size, red eyes, and a pungent smell.
2. Skinwalkers: Stemming from Navajo folklore, skinwalkers are believed to be witches or medicine men who have attained the highest level of priesthood in the tribe, but chose to use their powers for evil. They are said to have the ability to transform into animals.
3. Chupacabra: Although more commonly associated with Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Texas, some reports of this creature, which is said to suck the blood of livestock, have come from Arizona. The
4. Thunderbird: A legendary creature in Native American folklore, the Thunderbird is a massive bird, often associated with storms, that's said to reside in the mountain regions of Arizona.
5. Jerome's Ghosts: The town of Jerome, known for its mining history, is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Arizona, with numerous reports of ghost sightings and paranormal activities.
6. The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine: This is more of a legend than a cryptid. It's about a rich gold mine supposedly located in the Superstition Mountains, lost and never found again. Many treasure hunters have ventured into the mountains in search of the mine.
7. La Llorona: While not unique to Arizona, the tale of La Llorona, or the Weeping Woman, is prevalent in the Southwest. She is said to be a ghost who roams waterfront areas mourning her drowned children.
8. The Red Ghost: A tale from the 1880s, it's about a mysterious creature ridden by a devilish figure, which turned out to be a camel with the skeletal remains of a rider tied to its back.

 

[Ben]

In Missouri, there's a sasquatch people refer to as MoMo.

Let's see, Missouri gives me;

1. The Ozark Howler: Also known as the Hoo-Hoo, this creature is said to roam the Ozark Mountains. It's described as bear-sized, with thick body, shaggy hair, glowing red eyes, and horns.
2. Momo the Missouri Monster: A Bigfoot-like creature reported in the 1970s near the town of Louisiana, Missouri. It's described as large, with a pumpkin-shaped head, and covered in dark fur.
3. The Spooklight: Also known as the Hornet Spooklight or Joplin Spook Light, this mysterious light phenomenon occurs near the border with Oklahoma. It's been reported since the 19th century and remains unexplained.
4. The Phantom of the Opera House: In Hannibal, Missouri, there are legends of a ghost haunting the local opera house, believed to be a former actor or stagehand.
5. Zombie Road: A stretch of old railroad tracks and gravel paths near St. Louis, known for eerie legends of shadowy figures, spectral American Indians, and Civil War spirits.
6. Lemp Mansion Ghosts: In St. Louis, the Lemp Mansion, once owned by a wealthy brewing family, is said to be haunted by the family's ghosts, following multiple suicides in the house.
7. The Devil’s Promenade: Located near the Spooklight, this area is known for ghostly legends and unexplained phenomena, adding to the eerie reputation of the Spooklight.
8. Taum Sauk Ogre: A lesser-known tale about a creature believed to roam around the Taum Sauk Mountain area. Descriptions vary, but it is often portrayed as a large, wild man.

 

[Ben]

New York gives similar things to Sweden, almost. Wonder if that's because of all the Scandinavian people who settled here;

1. The Beast of Lake George: A Nessie-like lake monster, said to inhabit the depths of Lake George in the Adirondacks.
2. Champ: A legendary lake monster believed to live in Lake Champlain, which borders New York, Vermont, and Quebec. It's often described as a large, serpentine creature.
3. The Montauk Monster: A strange, unidentified animal carcass that washed ashore near Montauk, Long Island, in 2008, sparking much speculation and conspiracy theories.
4. The Cardiff Giant: One of the most famous hoaxes in American history, the Cardiff Giant was a purported "petrified man" discovered in 1869 in Cardiff, New York. It was later revealed to be a carved gypsum statue.
5. The White Lady: A ghostly figure reported in the Rochester area, particularly near Durand-Eastman Park. She's often described as searching for her lost daughter.
6. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Made famous by Washington Irving's story, this legend involves the Headless Horseman, a ghostly figure said to haunt the area around Tarrytown in the Hudson Valley.
7. The Dover Demon: Although primarily associated with Massachusetts, there have been reports of similar creatures in the forests of eastern New York. It's described as a small, humanoid figure with a large head.
8. Pigman of Angola: A legend from Angola, NY, about a half-man, half-pig creature, said to be the result of a horrific accident involving a pig farmer.
9. The Ghosts of the Hotel Chelsea: Located in Manhattan, this hotel is known for numerous reports of ghost sightings, including famous past residents like writer Dylan Thomas and singer Janis Joplin.
10. Catskill Gnomes: Folktales from the Catskill Mountains describe mystical gnomes who are guardians of the forest and wildlife.

 

[Crystal]

Arizona, I'm coming up with these;

1. The Mogollon Monster: Described as a Bigfoot-like creature, it's reported to roam the Mogollon Rim in central and eastern Arizona, characterized by its large size, red eyes, and a pungent smell.
2. Skinwalkers: Stemming from Navajo folklore, skinwalkers are believed to be witches or medicine men who have attained the highest level of priesthood in the tribe, but chose to use their powers for evil. They are said to have the ability to transform into animals.
3. Chupacabra: Although more commonly associated with Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Texas, some reports of this creature, which is said to suck the blood of livestock, have come from Arizona. The
4. Thunderbird: A legendary creature in Native American folklore, the Thunderbird is a massive bird, often associated with storms, that's said to reside in the mountain regions of Arizona.
5. Jerome's Ghosts: The town of Jerome, known for its mining history, is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Arizona, with numerous reports of ghost sightings and paranormal activities.
6. The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine: This is more of a legend than a cryptid. It's about a rich gold mine supposedly located in the Superstition Mountains, lost and never found again. Many treasure hunters have ventured into the mountains in search of the mine.
7. La Llorona: While not unique to Arizona, the tale of La Llorona, or the Weeping Woman, is prevalent in the Southwest. She is said to be a ghost who roams waterfront areas mourning her drowned children.
8. The Red Ghost: A tale from the 1880s, it's about a mysterious creature ridden by a devilish figure, which turned out to be a camel with the skeletal remains of a rider tied to its back.

Well that's quite a list! I had no idea!

 

[Ben]

Well that's quite a list! I had no idea!

A lot of them are general Southwestern legends, definitely across New Mexico and Texas too. And of course Mexico/South America itself. I believe La Llorona started off of an Aztec legend, after that empire fell.

I think in general, southwest has skinwalkers, northwest has sasquatch, central USA from Michigan down through Louisiana have werewolves, southeast has skunk-apes and northeast has... Weirder shit... Like the Jersey Devil and Mothman, and Wendigo if you get further up into Maine.

 

[Nae'blis]

Näcken

Fun fact, Näcken means approximately the Naked One. Typical swedish behavior.

 

[Ben]

Fun fact, Näcken means approximately the Naked One. Typical swedish behavior.

They were largely "mysteriously sexy thing lures people into drowning", which is what I'd expect from you folks.

 

[Nae'blis]

They were largely "mysteriously sexy thing lures people into drowning", which is what I'd expect from you folks.

 

[Mark]

Fun fact, Näcken means approximately the Naked One. Typical swedish behavior.

So… does that mean you’re a cryptid?

As far as my region… we were always more worried about crackheads than cryptids, but Maryland is known for Goatman in the region between DC and Baltimore. Then, there’s Chessie, which is clearly a knockoff of Nessy. and the closest to where I am now would probably be the Snallygaster, which is just silly sounding.

 

[Nae'blis]

So… does that mean you’re a cryptid?

 

[Ben]

 

[Ben]

So… does that mean you’re a cryptid?

As far as my region… we were always more worried about crackheads than cryptids, but Maryland is known for Goatman in the region between DC and Baltimore. Then, there’s Chessie, which is clearly a knockoff of Nessy. and the closest to where I am now would probably be the Snallygaster, which is just silly sounding.

Maryland;

1. The Chesapeake Bay Monster (Chessie): Similar to Scotland's Nessie, Chessie is a serpent-like creature reported to inhabit the Chesapeake Bay, often described as long, dark, and snake-like.
2. The Snallygaster: A dragon-like beast said to inhabit the central Maryland area, particularly Frederick County. It's described as having sharp teeth, a metallic beak, and tentacles.
3. The Goatman of Prince George’s County: This creature is said to be half-man, half-goat, and has been reported in and around the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. The Goatman is often associated with the deaths of pets and other animals.
4. The Dwayyo: Another monster from Frederick County, the Dwayyo is described as a wolf-like creature, competing with the Snallygaster in local folklore.
5. The Big Liz: A ghost story from the Eastern Shore, Big Liz was allegedly a slave who was beheaded for betraying her master during the Civil War. Her ghost is said to haunt the swamp where she was killed, near the Greenbriar Swamp.
6. Pocomoke Forest Spirits: The Pocomoke Forest is said to be home to various spirits and unexplained phenomena, partly due to its dense, dark nature.
7. Moll Dyer: A witch legend from Leonardtown, it tells of a woman named Moll Dyer, who was driven from her home during the 17th century. Her ghost is said to haunt the area where she died.
8. The Haunted Crybaby Bridge: Various locations in Maryland claim to have a "Crybaby Bridge," where the sounds of a crying baby can be heard. The most famous is in Prince George’s County.
9. Ellicott City’s Ghosts: Ellicott City, one of the oldest towns in Maryland, is reputed to be quite haunted, with ghosts reported in many of its historic buildings.
10. The Blue Dog of Rose Hill: Near the town of Port Tobacco, the ghost of a blue dog, along with its master, is said to guard a 13th-century treasure buried at Rose Hill.

 

[Mark]

Maryland;

1. The Chesapeake Bay Monster (Chessie): Similar to Scotland's Nessie, Chessie is a serpent-like creature reported to inhabit the Chesapeake Bay, often described as long, dark, and snake-like.
2. The Snallygaster: A dragon-like beast said to inhabit the central Maryland area, particularly Frederick County. It's described as having sharp teeth, a metallic beak, and tentacles.
3. The Goatman of Prince George’s County: This creature is said to be half-man, half-goat, and has been reported in and around the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. The Goatman is often associated with the deaths of pets and other animals.
4. The Dwayyo: Another monster from Frederick County, the Dwayyo is described as a wolf-like creature, competing with the Snallygaster in local folklore.
5. The Big Liz: A ghost story from the Eastern Shore, Big Liz was allegedly a slave who was beheaded for betraying her master during the Civil War. Her ghost is said to haunt the swamp where she was killed, near the Greenbriar Swamp.
6. Pocomoke Forest Spirits: The Pocomoke Forest is said to be home to various spirits and unexplained phenomena, partly due to its dense, dark nature.
7. Moll Dyer: A witch legend from Leonardtown, it tells of a woman named Moll Dyer, who was driven from her home during the 17th century. Her ghost is said to haunt the area where she died.
8. The Haunted Crybaby Bridge: Various locations in Maryland claim to have a "Crybaby Bridge," where the sounds of a crying baby can be heard. The most famous is in Prince George’s County.
9. Ellicott City’s Ghosts: Ellicott City, one of the oldest towns in Maryland, is reputed to be quite haunted, with ghosts reported in many of its historic buildings.
10. The Blue Dog of Rose Hill: Near the town of Port Tobacco, the ghost of a blue dog, along with its master, is said to guard a 13th-century treasure buried at Rose Hill.

Ellicott City’s ghosts USED to be a thing til they tore all of the college and sanitarium down. One of the reported “ghosts” was that of the old groundskeeper and his dogs, but my drunk ass friends and I confirmed that to be a myth years ago because there was a living groundskeeper that would sic the dogs and fire off rock salt shells at trespassers.

Also, the only Crybaby Bridge I’m aware of is in that city as well. We tried the experiments that you were supposed to do to draw out the occurrence, and we saw nothing and nothing happened to the radios or the cars we used.

 

[MrDawn]

Let's see, Missouri gives me;

1. The Ozark Howler: Also known as the Hoo-Hoo, this creature is said to roam the Ozark Mountains. It's described as bear-sized, with thick body, shaggy hair, glowing red eyes, and horns.
2. Momo the Missouri Monster: A Bigfoot-like creature reported in the 1970s near the town of Louisiana, Missouri. It's described as large, with a pumpkin-shaped head, and covered in dark fur.
3. The Spooklight: Also known as the Hornet Spooklight or Joplin Spook Light, this mysterious light phenomenon occurs near the border with Oklahoma. It's been reported since the 19th century and remains unexplained.
4. The Phantom of the Opera House: In Hannibal, Missouri, there are legends of a ghost haunting the local opera house, believed to be a former actor or stagehand.
5. Zombie Road: A stretch of old railroad tracks and gravel paths near St. Louis, known for eerie legends of shadowy figures, spectral American Indians, and Civil War spirits.
6. Lemp Mansion Ghosts: In St. Louis, the Lemp Mansion, once owned by a wealthy brewing family, is said to be haunted by the family's ghosts, following multiple suicides in the house.
7. The Devil’s Promenade: Located near the Spooklight, this area is known for ghostly legends and unexplained phenomena, adding to the eerie reputation of the Spooklight.
8. Taum Sauk Ogre: A lesser-known tale about a creature believed to roam around the Taum Sauk Mountain area. Descriptions vary, but it is often portrayed as a large, wild man.

lol I didn't even know about half of those. There is one unlisted urban legend in Missouri that a girl living in Eldon told me about. Something about a fiery ghost that would run through the fields screaming late and night. She swore up and down that it was a town legend like the moth man.