Strange Creatures

If you're into quirky cryptids and bizarre folklore, allow us to introduce the squonk cryptid, a creature as sad as it is strange. This legendary animal hails from the hemlock forests of Pennsylvania and belongs to a curious category of folklore known as fearsome creatures or fearsome critters.

By Grant Virellan

Sounding like something out of a sci-fi novel, the Pacific Northwest tree octopus has made its way into the hearts of internet users, educators and even conservation enthusiasts for years.

By Grant Virellan

In the dark waters off the Baja California Peninsula, whispers of a massive, shadowy predator have given rise to the legend of the black demon shark. Known locally as El Demonio Negro, this alleged predatory shark has sparked both fear and fascination among local fishermen, ocean lovers and shark enthusiasts.

By Nico Avelle

When people talk about legendary creatures, the Dogman cryptid doesn't always top the list, but in Michigan, it's practically canon.

By Grant Virellan

Solomon Island Giants: Are they ancient myths or a hidden piece of human evolution? Stories of the Solomon Island Giants have been passed down for generations among Solomon Islanders, describing enormous, human-like creatures lurking in the dense rainforests. These mysterious creatures have captured the imagination of locals and researchers alike, fueling debates about their existence.

By Grant Virellan

If you aren't from Rhinelander, Wisconson, where the Hodag is its official symbol, you might have heard of this mythical creature from "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated" or J.K. Rowling's book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."

By Ada Tseng

The Yowie animal is a towering, hairy cryptid, often called Australian Bigfoot, and the debate over its existence has been raging for centuries. Reports of the yowie have sparked everything from Aboriginal legends to alleged sightings across the eastern Australian states.

By Mitch Ryan

Drop bears are one of the most fearsome creatures in the Outback. At least, that’s what some would have you believe. The Canberra Times once warned that drop bears in Australia might be lurking in the bush, just waiting for an unsuspecting victim to pass beneath their trees.

By Mitch Ryan

The not deer is a creature that looks like a normal deer but just ... isn’t.

By Yara Simón

The moon-eyed people legend describes a mysterious race of pale-skinned, blue-eyed people who supposedly lived in the Appalachian region before the Cherokee arrived. According to Cherokee legend, these people could not see well in daylight, forcing them to live in caves and only come out at night.

By Mitch Ryan

The Loveland Frogman is a legendary creature said to lurk near the Little Miami River region, 15 miles (24 km) outside the city limits of Cincinnati, Ohio. Reports of this bizarre being describe a frog-like humanoid monster, standing roughly 4 feet (1.2 m) tall on its hind legs, with large reptilian eyes bulging from a round, scaly head.

By Mitch Ryan

Have you ever heard of the fur trout? From the Great Lakes Region to the Arkansas River, surprising reports of these unusual fish (also known as the beaver trout) have fascinated fishermen and cryptid enthusiasts alike for generations.

By Ada Tseng

The Giant of Kandahar tale tells of U.S. military personnel encountering a massive, red-haired humanoid in the mountains of Afghanistan.

By Mitch Ryan

The Snallygaster is a bizarre and downright terrifying cryptid said to haunt the skies of Maryland. Described as a winged creature with half bird features and half reptile characteristics, this beast has been part of local folklore for centuries.

By Mack Hayden

A mysterious cryptid, an eerie encounter and one of the strangest stories to come out of West Virginia: That sums up the Flatwoods Monster.

By Yara Simón

The Ningen is a creature so strange, so elusive and so deeply mysterious that images of the alleged beings vary immensely. This bizarre, humanoid figure supposedly inhabits Antarctic waters, and over the past few years, reports have surfaced claiming its existence.

By Yara Simón

The hoop snake, a creature of legend, has captivated imaginations for generations with its alleged behavior. Said to grasp its tail in its mouth, forming a perfect hoop, this serpent supposedly rolls like a wheel at incredible speeds, chasing down its prey.

By Nicole Antonio

First caught on camera in 2007, the Fresno Nightcrawler might be one of the most peculiar-looking cryptids to ever (allegedly) walk the Earth.

By Desiree Bowie

Dive deep into the eerie realms of folklore with the mysterious Goatman legend. Often depicted lurking in secluded forests, this urban legend features a half man, half goat creature, emerging from the shadows of mythology to become a staple of campfire horror stories.

By Clarissa Mitton

Nestled deep within the wilderness of the Congo Basin, the Bondo ape stands at the crossroads of legend and scientific reality. Once seen only in fleeting glimpses, this creature has become the focal point of intense curiosity and rigorous investigation.

By Desiree Bowie

The Yeti, often referred to as the "Abominable Snowman," is a legendary creature from Himalayan folklore.

By Nicole Antonio

Legends of the Kraken attacking ships date back to the Vikings. But since the giant squid ended up being real, could this aquatic cryptid be out there too?

By Nicole Antonio

The bunyip is a cryptid from Australian mythology that lives in wetlands, billabongs and rivers Down Under. But is the bunyip real or just another legend?

By Mark Mancini

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

Some dragons seem like they'd be fascinating dinner guests, but others might see you as the main course. Here are our top 10 of both types.

By Laurie L. Dove