Strange Creatures

You read that right. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin is partially to blame for the legend of the Jersey Devil. Here's the strange story.

By Mark Mancini

"Cryptids" are animals whose existence is unproven, but we sure do love to believe in them.

By Mark Mancini

Legend says that jackalopes roam the plains of Wyoming. These horned jackrabbits are harmless and even like campfire cowboy songs. So how much truth is there to this mythical creature?

By Mark Mancini

Does everyone's favorite Wookiee call Bigfoot family?

By Robert Lamb

Are these just different names for the same beast or are there subtle differences? We talk with the owner of a Bigfoot museum who's had a close encounter.

By Nathan Chandler

Skinwalkers blur the line between human and beast. They're shape-shifting magical beings that belong to the Navaho spirit world.

By Robert Lamb

How much sci is in your fi? We’re taking a look at physics, biology and everything in between through the lens of monster cinema. You know, all the stuff you'd need to know as a mad scientist's lab assistant. Mwah-ha-ha.

By Mark Mancini

Fire will turn a human's teeth to dust. But what about a dragon's?

By Robert Lamb

Would they be a mating display? A fierce weapon to defend against lions?

By Robert Lamb

Some of us really hope the yeti is a giant snow ape, but new research finds it's just bears out there in the Himalayas.

By Jesslyn Shields

The original King of Monsters has become cute. How does that happen?

By Robert Lamb

More than 1,000 people have gone missing from U.S. national parks. Are there reasonable explanations or is there something more sinister at work?

By Diana Brown

Many people have sworn to have spotted Bigfoot. But does the elusive hominid exist?

By Diana Brown

Dragon fire is an awe-inspiring thing, but exactly how would it happen? Real-world clues from nature point the way.

By Laurie L. Dove

A mysterious warrior with a silver arm? A giant subterranean king who could kill with a single glance? A dog-headed, overprotective mother? Yes! And more...

By Robert Lamb

Some physics students did the calculations, and the results are not pretty.

By Alia Hoyt

It's that creepy time of year again, and Dr. Anton Jessup is back for another series of Monster Science. In this episode, he meets up with some unexpected vampire vixens.

By Robert Lamb

One pursuer of the towering, hairy cryptid actually has figured out how to make a decent full-time job out of it. Here's how.

By Patrick J. Kiger

They weren't always the sparkling, smiling G-rated creatures that they are today.

By Julia Layton

The undead are frightening, brain-hungry monsters, lumbering toward their victims with great purpose. But wait. Can they even digest brains?

By Nathan Chandler

She's a Disney princess, a Starbucks Coffee logo and a metaphor for transformation. Occasionally, she's even "photographed." Why are humans so fascinated with these creatures?

By Julia Layton

Whether we live in fear of a kraken or the Leviathan, humans all around the globe have made sea monsters a part of their cultures. Is there a drop of truth to any of these widespread tall tales?

By Nicholas Gerbis

Very tall, hairy, glowing eyes – that seems to be the go-to description for a lot of mythical monsters out there, especially in America. Here are 10 to keep an eye out for.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Gargoyles have a long and fascinating architectural history. But whatever ... they're freakin' creepy.

By Tracy V. Wilson

It's a 15-foot man-beast with glowing eyes, doglike teeth, a long tongue and no lips. Gray skin sags off its skeletal frame. We're talking about the wendigo. And it's coming to get you.

By Laurie L. Dove