Written by: Rebecca Straits (Rjs006@marietta.edu)
Hidden in shadows and myths are creatures we call cryptids, and just about every state in the
United States has at least one. A cryptid is a animal or other being that’s existence is disputed, however many of them capture the attention of local and national media. Here is a list of popular cryptids that could be found in the U.S.
Mothman
In West Virgina, there is a crypted described as humanoid with large wings and glowing red eyes. Said to be a harbinger of doom, Mothman was first seen in Point Pleasant, WV, in 1966 and 1967 before the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge that took 46 lives. Seeing Mothman is seen as a bad omen, as people allege, he was seen on the bridge before the collapse. Although, the people of Point Pleasant have embraced this cryptid with the creation of an annual Mothman festival, the Mothman museum, and even a statue of the cryptid in downtown Point Pleasant.
Bigfoot
A prominent cryptid throughout North America, Bigfoot (or sasquatch) is a large bipedal ape-like creature
who is associated with the Pacific Northwest, most notably Washington. Originating from the
1950s, Bigfoot has become big in American pop culture with “evidence” of its existence, such as
the famous frame from the Patterson-Gimlin film, becoming a sort of staple in the world of
cryptozoology. Sightings of Bigfoot have been recorded in every single state, with many museums and attractions being built to display their discoveries.
Chupacabra
This well-known Latin-American cryptid has been cited from Texas all the way to sunny
California. The Chupacabra is commonly described as dog-like in appearance and is known to
drain the blood of livestock. First sighted in Puerto Rico, the name Chupacabra comes from a combination of Spanish words meaning Goatsucker. Though many have claimed to have seen the Chupacabra, most sightings have been boiled down to dogs or coyotes with severe mange.
Wendigo
The Wendigo has its origins in Algonquian folklore and is described as a malevolent,
cannibalistic, man-eating creature that is used as a cautionary tale of greed and isolation. Well
known throughout the U.S., the Wendigo originates from the Great Lakes region, where the
winters are rough and unforgiving, just like this cryptid. The Wendigo can be seen everywhere in
horror media and is often used to critique our modern, isolated world.
The Jersey Devil
This cryptid is found in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey and is described as a bipedal goat with bat wings. Originating all the way back to the 1700’s the Jersey Devil (or Leeds Devil) was supposedly the thirteenth child of a witch named Mrs. Leeds; however, there are some variations to its origins. Though the Jersey Devil is a little lesser known compared to some of the cryptids on this list, but it still has had many references in popular shows, books, and even comics. It also acted as the origin for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and their minor league affiliates.
Goatman
The final crypted on this list is the Goatman. Described as half man, half goat, myths of the
Goatman can be found all over the U.S., from the woods of Prince George’s County, Maryland,
to the Old Alton Bridge in Texas. Like many cyprids, the origins of the Goatman are as mysterious as it is, but references to the Goatman can be found all over pop culture, with many people even going to places like the Goatman’s bridge in hopes of finding it. The Goatman is said to kill any animal that trespasses on its property with the disappearances of dogs in the areas being attributed to them.
These are just a few examples of the popular cryptids that can be found in the United States with many more attracting attention in their own respective areas. There are cryptid exhibits across the country, making a perfect alternative for Haunted Houses or Pumpkin Patch tours for Halloween.
Edited by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
