Cryptids A-Z

A

Am Fear Liath Mòr

A legendary entity that is said to linger around Ben Macdui, which is the highest peak in Cairngorms, which is located in Northeastern Scotland. Hikers and other civilians report hearing spaced out footsteps behind them, and an eerie feeling as if they are being watched. The name translates in English to, “Big Grey Man.” Civilian reports include a figure over ten-feet high, with dark-grey hair or skin, and large brooding shoulders.

B

Bigfoot

Also known as the sasquatch is one of the most legendary cryptids that is reported in the United States. North American folklore states that the creature is a large, hairy ape-like figure that avoids civilization. Reports are often located in the Pacific Northwest and The Appalachian Mountains. Reports include loud screams and tree knocks, which are apparent forms of communication among the creatures. There are over 10,000 or more reported Bigfoot sightings across the continental United States.

C

Chupacabra

This cryptid originates from reports of livestock found dead with puncture wounds and drained of blood in Puerto Rico. The first creature that was reported was said to have leather-like skin, bat-like wings, and glowing red eyes. Chupacabra is Spanish for “goat-sucker.” The creature has evolved to being reported mainly through Mexico and the Southwestern United States. The modern description of the animal is that of a coyote or dog which is extremely emaciated and infected with mange, leaving the creature hairless.

D

Dingonek

A cryptid that originates from Eastern African folklore, often nicknamed the “Jungle Walrus.” Described as roughly 16 feet long, with a massive head resembling that of an otter or leopard. The back of the creature is reported to have large over-lapping scales and a large fin-like tail. Reports also include large tusks that protrude from the creature's upper-jaw. The first report of the creature was located near Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake.

E

Elwetritsch

A legendary bird-like creature that is reported in southwest Germany. According to folklore, Elwetritsch are products of offspring between chickens, ducks, or geese, and mystical goblins that originate in the forest. These creatures are reported to be unable to fly, like that of a chicken. The belief of this creature has spread to the continental U.S., specifically Pennsylvania and South America.

F

Fur-Bearing Trout

This creature originates from North American and Icelandic folklore, according to legend, the fur is a natural adaptation for insulating themselves in the frigid waters. Other interpretations of the Fur-Bearing Trout origin suggest that the fur is really just a type of water mold that can infect the trout and result in fur-like growths.

G

Gnome of Girona

A hunter in a forest near Girona, Spain reported hearing grunting noises and upon further investigation found a small, blue skinned-creature with ears and nose resembling a rabbit. The hunter captured the creature and it died a couple days later after refusing to eat. There have been a multitude of rumors revolving around this incident, claiming the creature might even be a type of new species or maybe a deformed animal fetus. There are multiple images that have circulated of a very small creature in a jar, but sources have not and will not be able to confirm if this is the Gnome of Girona.

H

Huay Chivo

A legendary creature that originates from Mayan folklore, this creature is described as a shapeshifting sorcerer who transforms into a goat-like creature and prays upon livestock. Reports often include seeing red eyes and experiencing a foul odor. The name of this creature translates to, “sorcerer-goat” in English. Folklore states that the ability to transform is acquired through goat sacrifices, some versions of the folklore state that a sorcerer must remove their head and leave it at home in order to transform themselves into the terrifying creature.

I

Igopogo

This lake-dwelling creature has been reported in Lake Simcoe, Ontario. The creature is reported being distinctly mammalian, with a long, thick neck and a dog-like face. This mystical creature serves as a staple for Canadian folklore, acquiring nicknames including, “Beaverton Bessie” and “Kempenfelt Kelly.” Some sightings are strong in their beliefs of the creature resembling something mythical, where other sightings and conspiracies believe Igopogo to be a misidentified seal.

J

Jersey Devil

The New Jersey Devil is a monstrous cryptid said to be located in Pine Barrens which is located in southern New Jersey. The most popular origin story of the cryptid claims that it is actually the 13th cursed child of Mother Leeds, a woman who was overwhelmed by the repetitive birthing process at the time, and wished that her unborn child be born a devil. The baby was apparently born with wings and devilish features and flew into the Pine Barrens of New Jersey where it haunts local farmers and civilians. Reports include livestock being attacked, bone-chilling screeches, cloven hooves, a long tail, and bat-like wings.

K

Kraken

This creature originates from Scandinavian folklore describing it as an enormous sea monster that resembles a giant squid or octopus. This creature has also been reported to have such powerful arms that it crushes ships with ease. Sailors passed along stories of the Kraken, describing it being so large that it could easily be mistaken for an island that would create dangerous whirlpools capable of dragging ships under sea level. Conspirators believe that the Kraken represents the unknown dangers hidden in the deep ocean, and was often used to explain the mysterious disappearances of crews and ships out at sea.

L

Loch Ness Monster

Also known as “Nessie” this creature is reported to be a huge, humped-back creature with a long neck. This creature is said to inhabit Loch Ness which is located in the Scottish Highlands. Early carvings by a group of Celtic people who lived in the region, depicted a large flippered-beast. Some researchers try to explain the mystery of Nessie by claiming the sightings are most likely misidentifications, including seals, large eels, or even floating logs.

M

Moth Man

This winged-humanoid creature originates from North American folklore, more specifically Point Pleasant, West Virginia. This creature is oftentimes reported having huge red eyes, white wings, and a human-like body. Reports have also stated that the creature can fly with immense speed and agility. This creature is also known to be the “Hairbringer of Doom,” an entity that appears before people to warn them of upcoming disasters.

N

Nandi Bear

A legendary creature from Kenyan folklore, often described as a cross between a ginormous hyena and bear. The creature usually appears to be shaggy with a sloped-type of back. The Nandi Bear was popularized among the Nandi people, and is known to be a fierce and aggressive predator that attacks livestock and humans. The cryptid is also often associated with its habit of consuming brains.

O

Owlman

This cryptid is found in Mawnan, a village located in south Cornwall, England. Reports describe the Owlman as a large, winged, humanoid creature that resembles that of an owl. Most sightings do report seeing a sort of half-human creature with a beak, sharp talons, and feathers. The Owlman is also notable specifically for its massive, captivating red eyes. This cryptid is not considered to be a violent creature, but lurks and watches humans, leaving reporters feeling immense discomfort.

P

Pukwudgie

These creatures, which resemble a troll with porcupine spines on its back, originated from Native American folklore. The Wampanoag tribe describes them as two-to-three-foot-tall creatures that contain human features. They also say that the Pukwudgie are shapeshifters who have poisonous arrows (likely the spines on their backs). These magical beings were initially friendly then they turned evil due to a grudge against humans as a whole. Most modern interpretations mention that these creatures are tricksters who often lead individuals to their deaths.

Q

Queensland Tiger

This cryptid is said to live in the mountainous rainforests of Eastern Australia and is oftentimes described as a dog-sized, striped feline with a long tail. Sightings also mention that the creature has abnormally large front teeth. People who have reported the creature have also reported that the creature is aggressive, fast, and lives partly among the trees.

R

Ropen

Also known as the “demon flyer,” is a cryptid that is oftentimes thought to be either a very large bat or or even a pterosaur. The Ropen is said to live on New Guinea Island and is said that it produces light that is visible through the featherless creatures skin. Theorists suggest that the Ropen is a primarily nocturnal animal that is bioluminescent, which would be the reason that reports indicate the creature producing light.

S

Sea monk

The sea monk was a sea creature that was listed in 16th century European natural history books. The history books describe the sea monk as a humanoid creature that resembles a monk because of the bald head. This figure is also known to be covered in scales and has fins for limbs. Scientists came to the conclusion, although unsure, that the sea monk was likely a giant squid.

T

Trinity Alps Giant Salamander

This giant salamander has been reported being seen in the Trinity Alps River of Northern California. A man reported seeing several salamanders that were nearly the size of alligators along the river bank growing up. There have been multiple eye witness accounts of these giant salamanders across Northern California, but more specifically the Trinity Alps region.

U

Urayuli

These ape-like cryptids come from Alaskan folklore and are described as 10 feet tall, with long shaggy fur, and arms so long that sometimes they go down to the creature's ankles. These creatures are also known as “Hairy Men” among the Yupki languages. Some stories suggest that the Urayuli are just children who have been transformed after getting lost in the wilderness.

V

Vatnagedda

This mythical giant pike fish is known to be poisonous and comes from Icelandic folk lore. The story is that the pike fish releases deadly toxins from its skin which can dissolve organic and inorganic matter. This cryptid is usually located in dark and murky lakes, and only come to the surface if it is dark or foggy due to their inability to experience light.

W

Wendigo

This cryptid is oftentimes depicted as an emaciated humanoid creature with grey skin and sunken eyes. This cryptid is also considered a type of evil spirit in some cultures, specifically the North American Algonquin-speaking peoples. The Wendigo is known for its insane hunger when it comes to human flesh. Some legends explain that one can turn into a Wendigo through acts of cannibalism.

X

Xing-Xing

This unknown primate is said to be found in the Himalayan Mountains and is said to be a relative of the orangutan. Most sightings report a creature about 10 feet tall with black fur and yellowish eyes

Y

Yeti

Also known as the "Abominable Snowman,” is essentially an Asian version of Bigfoot that resides in the Himalayas. Although these creatures are typically shown with white shaggy fur, sightings state that the Yeti actually has brown, black, or reddish fur. Yeti’s come from Buddhist mythology and were depicted as gentle creatures.

Z

Zantegeba

Which translates to, “He with big paws,” spawns from the folklore of the Bambara people of Mali. This creature is often depicted as a demonic, evil, and terrifying creature that is known for assaulting women. The story of this creature actually became a festival among the people of Mali. One person is selected to wear the mask and run around on sticks chasing after women who flee from him.