Quote:
Classification
Type 1 :
Animals known from native tradition (folktales, mythology, …). Most mystery animals dealing relevant to cryptozoology are known by tradition and collective memory, and therefore possess a vernacular name (or several ones) among the natives. Artistic representations of animals also fall into this category, unless they are directly related to an actual observation, thus relevant to the following category.
Type 2 :
Animals known by witness' account (sightings). By analyzing visual, auditive, olfactive, tactile, and even gustative information, we can come up with a more accurate description of the specie.
Type 3 :
Animals known by interaction with matter. Tracks and trails, photographies and movies, sonar echoes, injury marks, hybridization marks, evidence of symbiosis with another species or modification of the environment can be considered as potential associated “proofs”.
Type 4 :
Animals known by anatomical fragments: hears, feathers, fur, bone fragments, excrements, blood drops, tissue samples, …
Type 5 :
Animals known by an actual complet specimen. There are some controversial species relevant to cryptozoology, although they have been described from a specimen : for instance, the pygmy elephant (Loxodonta pumilio).
Type 1 :
Animals known from native tradition (folktales, mythology, …). Most mystery animals dealing relevant to cryptozoology are known by tradition and collective memory, and therefore possess a vernacular name (or several ones) among the natives. Artistic representations of animals also fall into this category, unless they are directly related to an actual observation, thus relevant to the following category.
Type 2 :
Animals known by witness' account (sightings). By analyzing visual, auditive, olfactive, tactile, and even gustative information, we can come up with a more accurate description of the specie.
Type 3 :
Animals known by interaction with matter. Tracks and trails, photographies and movies, sonar echoes, injury marks, hybridization marks, evidence of symbiosis with another species or modification of the environment can be considered as potential associated “proofs”.
Type 4 :
Animals known by anatomical fragments: hears, feathers, fur, bone fragments, excrements, blood drops, tissue samples, …
Type 5 :
Animals known by an actual complet specimen. There are some controversial species relevant to cryptozoology, although they have been described from a specimen : for instance, the pygmy elephant (Loxodonta pumilio).
CRYPTID DESCRIPTIONS LIST
This list currently includes 161 cryptids:
This list currently includes 161 cryptids:
Agogwe - A small, humanoid primate sighted in Tanzania. They are between 3 and 4 feet tall, are covered with thick, reddish brown fur, and are known to run quickly. A hunter by the name of William Hitchens once saw two such creatures, but was unable to pursue them because the brush was difficult to penetrate and the beings moved with great speed. They may represent a species of surviving hominids that have hidden from humans in the thick forests of Africa. It is likely classed as a Type #2.
Ahool - A giant bat sighted in Java, Asia. The creature is said to be size of a human, with a 12-foot wingspan, and is named after the loud calls that it makes, which sound like “a-hool!” They are said to venture out of the jungle at night, suggesting that they are nocturnal. Naturalist Dr. Ernst Bartels heard one of the creatures as it flew over his house, making its characteristic call. It is probably a Type #3 cryptid.
Algerian Sea Centipede - A large, multi-finned sea creature sighted near Cape Falcon, Algeria. Observed by a Lieutenant Boothby and his crew aboard the HMS Narcissus, they described it as being 150 feet long, with a row of fins on each side of it’s body. The was also said to have produced spouts of water along its body, and its head was not seen. This may have been a kind of giant arthropod, or a multi-finned whale. It is a Type #1 or Type #3.
Almasti - A hairy humanoid sighted in the Middle East. It is described as being 5 or 6 feet tall, and looking like a human that is covered with brown or black hair. It is said to be nocturnal, making it all the more difficult to find. It sometimes attacks sheep, consuming their liver afterwards. This animal may be a surviving hominid primate that was related to humans. I feel that this cryptid belongs in the Type #2 category.
Altamaha-Ha - A lake monster sighted in the Altamaha River in Georgia, USA. It is described as being 10 to 40 feet long, dark, possessing two humps, and being generally eel-like in appearance. It also has a horizontal tail and two front flippers. This brings to mind a cetacean of some sort, perhaps the extinct, snake-like zeuglodont whale. It may also be an unknown modification of a known cetacean. It is probably a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
American Lion - A lion-like cat sighted in the Americas. This is not to be confused with the now-extinct American Lion called Panthera atrox. This cryptid is similar to the lions that are normally found in Africa. It is claimed that 4 such creatures were killed in 2002, but no DNA analyses were performed on their bodies. This might be a new cat species, or a truly out-of-place lion, making it a Type #3 or Type #4 cryptid.
Atmospheric Jellyfish - A delicate, floating lifeform thought to exist in the atmosphere. Such creatures are more inferred than they are observed. Unexplained burn marks on the bodies of dead birds are thought by some to be caused by jellyfish-like organisms stinging them in the air. An unexplained material, called "Star Jelly", may be the remains of such creatures. Star Jelly often evaporates soon after its discovery. Such a creature would be a Type #1 cryptid.
Batsquatch - A creature with bat and primate attributes sighted near Mt. St. Helens. These animals are described as having purple skin, leathery wings, blood-red eyes, and a head that looks like a combination between that of an ape and a bat. These animals are thought by some cryptozoologists to be a large, unknown bat species. Photographs of the creatures have also been taken. This is a Type #3 cryptid.
Beast of Bodmin Moor - A black, panther-like creature sighted in Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, England. Panthers are not native to this area, so its existence here has been quite puzzling. Though it has never been captured, it has been witnessed and even filmed by locals. It is thought that it might possibly be a smaller species of local wildcats. If the beast is a panther, then it would constitute a Type #4 cryptid.
Beast of ‘Busco - An usually large alligator snapping turtle seen in Churubusco, Indiana. The turtle, which is also called “Bosco” or “Oscar”, reportedly had a shell that was 4 feet across. Witnesses say that it may have weighed between 100 and 500 pounds. Bosco has been sighted several times since 1950. This seems to be merely a freakishly large alligator snapping turtle, which would place it in the Type #3 category.
Beast of Bowness - A winged, hedgehog-like creature sighted near Lake Windermere in Cumbria. Given the nickname of “Tizzie-wizzie”, the animal is described as looking like a spiny hedgehog with wings and a squirrel’s tail. Sightings of the creature are fairly rare. It seems more likely that this animal is an undiscovered type of bat that has bristly quills to protect itself with. This is likely a Type #3 cryptid.
Beast of Gevaudan - A large, wolf-like animal sighted in France. It was described as having the general appearance of a wolf, but it was nearly the size of a cow and had fangs. The monster was very aggressive, killing many people and livestock in the area. The animal was supposedly killed by a hermit. It may be that this was an undiscovered species of canid, showing that this probably belongs in the Type #3 group.
Bergman’s Bear - A very large, black bear sighted in Siberian Asia. There is much folklore in Siberia about such huge bears and how hunters have killed them before. Sten Bergman, a Swedish zoologist, spotted giant bear tracks in Siberia which he attributed to a very large bear. He also shot and killed an enormous black bear in the area, and he gave it the scientific name of Ursus arctos piscator. Likely a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
Big Bird - A large bird or bat sighted in Texas in the United States. It is described as being 5 feet tall, bald, hairless, and having a monkey-like face. It then seems more like a bat than a bird, as it was also said to be beakless. It is also aggressive, attacking people on occasion. This creature seems to be a type of large bat, which would make it be a Type #3 cryptid.
Bigfoot - A tall, muscular, bipedal ape sighted throughout North America. The creature has been sighted many times, and is still being seen today. Several video and audio recordings of Bigfoot have been taken, and giant footprints have also been found. The identity of Bigfoot is thought to be that of a supposedly extinct hominid called Gigantopithecus. If Bigfoot is a group of these creatures, then it’s cryptid status is Type #2.
Bighead - A large-headed, bipedal creature sighted in Richland, Ohio. It was described as being 7 feet tall, having huge, red eyes, and a head larger than its body. It also emitted a foul odor, and produced a loud scream. Footprints and hair of the creature were also reportedly found. It was usually sighted at night, thus making it difficult to see details of its anatomy. A tall creature with such a large head doesn’t correspond to anything known, giving this cryptid a Type #1 status.
Bishopville Lizardman - A large, bipedal lizard sighted in Bishopville, South Carolina. The creature is described as having glowing, red eyes and sharp, black claws. It once attacked a man who was working on his car. The man jumped into his car and sped away, only to see the creature pursuing him at 35 mph. The being eventually gave up the chase. The Lizardman has not been sighted since the late 1980s. It may be a dinosaur, or an unknown lizard species. It is a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
Blue Tiger - A blue-furred tiger sighted in western Asia. It has the same anatomy as other tigers, but has a coloring of deep blue instead of orange. Several sightings of Blue Tigers have been reported, but none have been proven. It is thought that the blue coloration arises from a genetic mutation of fur color, though nothing like it has yet been seen. This azure animal is simply a Type #3 cryptid.
Bray Road Beast - A large wolf-like animal sighted in Southeastern Wisconsin. The furry, bipedal creature fits the stereotypical description of a Werewolf. It was considered to be dangerous, sometimes attacking unsuspecting people. It was also known to slay animals in the area, leaving mutilated carcasses behind. It may be an unknown primate related to the Baboon, or perhaps a species of wolf that has evolved to stand upright, either of which would constitute a Type #3 cryptid.
Brazilian Monkey-trap Tree - A monkey-consuming tree sighted in Brazil. Reported by an explorer named Mariana de Silva, the tree supposedly produced an odor that monkeys found quite attractive. Once the hapless creature climbed the trunk, the trees leaves would envelope the animal and digest it over a period of 3 days. No known tree exhibits this kind of carnivorous behavior, and thus is classified as a Type #1 cryptid.
Broad Top Serpent - A large snake sighted in the Broad Top Mountains in Pennsylvania. It tends to be reported at between 18 and 20 feet long, and may be gray or tan with various markings. Witnesses most often report seeing such snakes as they cross roads, but they have also been seen in cemeteries and briar patches. As with other large snakes, it has been reported to eat deer. This is a Type #3 cryptid.
Bunyip - A strange creature sighted in Australia. Its appearance varies widely, though the most common description gives it a dog-like characteristics. It is often sighted near sources of water, such as bogs and streams. Sometimes the creature is thought to be aggressive, and is quite prominent in aboriginal folklore. With so many varying designs, the Bunyip could belong to any of the cryptid types.
Buru - A large swamp monster sighted in Rilo. The creature was described as being up to 13 feet long, having a long, serpentine body, and degenerate limbs. Some have proposed that this animal was a large monitor lizard, but a more likely explanation is that it is a giant lungfish. It is no longer sighted and may indeed by extinct now. This animal was likely a Type #3 cryptid.
Cadborosaurus - A sea serpent sighted in Cadboro Bay, Victoria. Described as being a giant, dark, snake-like creature, the Cadborosaurus has been one of the most convincing of all cryptids. Highly consistent reports of this horse-headed monster have been reported by many witnesses. Two carcasses of the animal have also been found, although their current whereabouts are unknown. Some believe this animal be a giant snake or eel. It is most likely a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
Cameroon Flashlight Frog - An unusual frog sighted in Cameroon, Africa. This frog has been described as having a glowing light in the tip of its snout. This light is probably produced by a mechanism similar to that of fireflies. The light is probably an adaptive feature that attracts insects towards the frog’s mouth at night, thus giving the frog a survival advantage. Since this seems to merely be an unknown species of amphibian, it is a Type #3 cryptid.
Canvey Island Creature - A bipedal sea creature sighted on the shores of Canvey Island. This creature is known only from two carcasses that washed up on the coast. This animal had bulging eyes, gills, nostrils, sharp teeth, and interestingly, two legs and feet possessing five toes each. The animal would stand around 3 to 4 feet tall if erect, and it is presumed that it was bipedal. This animal can only belong to the Type #1 group.
Champ - A lake monster sighted in Lake Champlain in North America. General sightings of the creature, as well as a photograph, suggest that Champ is a plesiosaur or some relative thereof. Some theorize that the animal is a giant Soft-shelled Turtle, or an extinct whale called a Zeuglodont. It then seems likely, that this cryptid belongs in the Type #2 or Type #3 group.
Chuchunaa - A human-like creature sighted in Siberia, Russia. Unlike other hominids, this being has been known to wear clothing that it has apparently constructed from animal skins. This attribute, along with its broad shoulders, protruding brow ridges and long hair, make this creature seem similar to the Neanderthal, which is presumed to be extinct. It is known to raid barns in the middle of the night. This being could be argued as a Type #2 cryptid.
Chupacabras - A strange humanoid sighted in the Caribbean and South America. It is notorious for killing livestock and completely draining them of blood. It is described as been 4 feet tall, having red eyes, a large head, small wings, colorful quills, and dark fur. It is sometimes said to fly or even levitate. This creature has been associated with UFO activity. This freakish beast is so unlike anything currently known, that it must be a Type #1.
Coleman Frog - A large amphibian sighted in Killarney Lake. There is a story behind the single specimen of this cryptid. According to witness Fred Coleman, he was aware of the existance of a large frog in the lake. He said he fed it buttermilk and whiskey, and it died weighing over 40 pounds. It is now stuffed and on display in a museum. The displayed creature is thought by some as hoax. If real, it would likely be a Type #3 cryptid.
Congolese Giant Snake - A giant, dark snake sighted in the Congolese Rainforest in Africa. The snake was spotted by a man aboard a helicopter, who also photographed the animal. Analysis of the photo revealed that the snake may have been 40 or even 50 feet long, which would make it the largest snake ever recorded. This large size may be permissible if it dwells in water, which would support its weight. It is a Type #3 cryptid.
Congolese Giant Spider - An enormous spider sighted in Zaire, Africa. Locals claimed that the spider lived in the swamps of the Congo, and that they grew to the size of a human pygmy. This would suggest a spider with a leg span of 4 feet. This would be over twice the size of the largest known spider, Megarachne. Such an enormous spider would be a Type #3 cryptid.
Con Rit - A centipede-like animal sighted off the coast of Southeast Asia. It is usually described as having thick plates of segmented armor, and being up to 60 feet long. It is sometimes said to have fins on each of its armored sections. A Con Rit was once said to have beached itself. Though it is possible that this is giant, aquatic arthropod, it seems to be a little beyond anything that has yet been described, putting this animal as a Type #1.
Crawfordsville Monster - A large, flying, serpentine creature sighted in Crawfordsville, Indiana. It seemed to be about 20 feet long, and had a row of fins on either side of its body, perhaps for propulsion. The creature was only seen on two days in 1891, but there were hundreds of eyewitnesses during this time. No known creature can be compared with this airborne monster, making it a Type #1.
Darlington Sky Serpent - A large, flying serpent sighted in Darlington, South Carolina. The creature was described as looking like a giant snake, and it seemed to move through the atmosphere without any visible means of propulsion. The animal was also said to have made a “hissing” sound during its flight. No known species of snake can truly “fly”, though some species can glide for short distances. This is a Type #1 or Type #3 cryptid.
De Loys Ape - An unknown ape sighted and killed between Venezuela and Colombia. Two of the animals reportedly attacked a camp, where one of the creatures was shot and killed. The unknown animal had an appearance similar to a spider monkey, but lacked a tail. The creature was also judged to be about 5 feet tall. The body was propped up and a photograph was taken. This creature is likely a Type #3 cryptid.
Deridder Creature - A furry animal found as a carcass near Derrider, Lousiana. It was located beside a road, presumably killed after being hit by a car in 1996. The carcass was brown and furry, and possessed a baboon-like face. Photographs of it have been produced and circulated widely online. It has been suggested that this creature is a Chupacabras, although the Chupacabras has a widely variable appearance. It may an unknown primate, making it a Type #3 cryptid.
Dobhar-chu - An aquatic, dog-like creature sighted in Ireland. It is usually described as being the size of a dog, with an appearance like that of an otter. Details of the creature’s description seem to vary, with some saying it was black or white, having shaggy fur or no fur at all, and sometimes even having reptilian eyes. It is very aggressive, reportedly attacking several people and killing a woman. It may be a relative of the otter, which would place it as a Type #3 cryptid.
Dodo - A fairly large, flightless bird that lived on the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. It is currently believed that all of these birds are now extinct, due to the human influence in their habitat. However, there are several islands in the vicinity that are largely unexplored, and sporadic sightings of this animal have been reported from them. It would then seem that the Dodo could possibly still be alive, making it a Type #2 cryptid.
Dover Demon - A short, primate-like creature sighted in Dover, Massachusetts. 3 friends came upon the creature at night while traveling by car. It’s color was very pale, or even white. It had hairless, wrinkled skin, a watermelon-sized head, and large, glowing orange eyes. In another sighting, the creature was said to have green eyes. It was also said to have no visible nose or mouth. This could be something totally new, or some unknown primate relative, so it is either a Type #1 or Type #3 cryptid.
Duah - A bird or bat-like creature sighted in New Guinea. They have giant, leathery wings that are 24 feet across, a toothless beak, and a head-crest. This description is very similar to the extinct group of animals called pterosaurs. The Duah reportedly eats fish, and is much feared and respected by the locals. Interestingly, this animal has also been said to display bioluminescence at nighttime. This is most likely a Type #2 cryptid.
Dundass Island Blackflies - Very large flies sighted on Dundass Island. They are said to be up to 6 inches long, having a black body with red and yellow markings, and being extremely dangerous. They are thought to suck blood and eat human flesh, and are also venomous. They are also said to attack in huge swarms. The locals often refuse to travel to the island in fear of the flies. They may be a giant relative of the horsefly, making them a Type #3 cryptid.
Emela-ntouka - A dinosaur-like animal sighted in the Congo in Africa. It is described as being the size of an elephant, with a large, sharp horn on its nose. This creature has been known to kill elephants with this deadly horn, which is said to be made of ivory. This description brings to mind ceratopsian dinosaurs such as Monoclonius. It may be a surviving dinosaur of this type, or even a giant relative of the rhinoceros. It is either a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
Flying Cat - A winged cat sighted in Canada and the USA. It is described as being nearly identical in appearance to a common house cat, but possesses wings on its back. According to witnesses, these wings allow the feline to actually fly. On one occasion, a flying cat was shot 5 times before it died. The animal was photographed and buried. Some cats do have a genetic disorder that produces wing-like appendages, but they never fly. This is a Type #3 cryptid.
Forest Devil - A rodent-like creature sighted in Yugoslavia. An unidentified carcass was found in the area of the Forest Devil’s domain. The carcass was pink, hairless, and sported small, tooth-filled jaws. It was explained away by some examiners as a marten or fisher that had been skinned. The overall anatomy of the body did not coincide with that of either animal however. It seems like this could be an unknown rodent or otter-relative, and so is given status as a Type #3.
Fouke Monster - A furry humanoid sighted in Arkansas, USA. The creature is described as being 7 feet tall, covered in black hair, and possessing sharp claws and red eyes. The creature was first sighted in the early 1970s, and has also been seen many times since then. The creature has also been known to leave behind 13-inch footprints in its wake. The animal has been known to steal and kill farm animals. This may be a hominid-type creature, and so should likely be a Type #2.
Freshwater Octopus - An octopus or octopus-like creature sighted in various locations in the United States. The size of creature can vary depending on the location of the sighting. In some areas, their lengths are thought to be about 3 feet, whilst an Oklahoma example may be the size of a horse. A carcass has been found, but some question if it was a hoax. This is probably a Type #3 cryptid.
Frieburg Shrieker - A black, winged being sighted in Frieburg Germany. The creature was seen at a coal mine, and was blocking the entrance with its large wings. When miners went near it, it generated a deafening screeching, forcing them to withdraw. Later, a subterranean explosion generated a fire in the mine. It appears that the creature may have saved the miner’s lives by keeping them from entering the mine. This weird beast is a Type #1 cryptid.
Gambo - A large, crocodile-like carcass that washed ashore on the Gambian Beach. The body was described as being 15 feet long , with 4 paddle-like limbs and a long, pointy tail. It also had 80 pointed teeth in its huge jaws. This animal is similar to the now-extinct sea crocodiles or mosasaurs that lived with the dinosaurs. If it is either of these two animals, then it belongs in the Type #2 class.
Gazeka - A tapir-like creature sighted in New Guinea. Although it has the general appearance of a tapir, it has non-tapir characteristics such as a horse-like tail, claws and the ability to rise on its hind legs. The Gazeka is reportedly an aggressive animal. It is though that this creature is a living Palorchestes, a marsupial which is thought to be extinct. Thus, this cryptid is considered to be a Type #2.
Giant Jellyfish - An unusually large jellyfish reported from various parts of the ocean. According to one account, a jellyfish that was estimated to weigh 20 tons was caught on the front of a ship called the Kuranda. It killed one of the crew members. Another report claims a sighting of a jellyfish that was 200 feet in diameter. Such creatures are also said to chase divers. It is a Type #3 cryptid.
Giant Marine Turtle - An unusually large sea turtle sighted in the Indian Ocean. These turtles are usually said to be up to 45 feet long, making them by far the largest turtles ever seen. The largest sea turtle currently known is the extinct Archelon, which had a length of only 12 feet. These turtles would then represent a brand new species. These turtles are solid Type #3 cryptids.
Giant Salamander - An extremely large salamander sighted in California’s Trinity Alps. These animals are said to grow up to 9 feet long, being brown in color with dull yellow spots. It has been suggested that these are misplaced Asian Giant Salamanders, which can grow up to 6 feet long. Local genetic mutations might explain why the Trinity Alps salamanders are larger than usual. These are probably Type #3 or Type #4 cryptids.
Giglioli’s Whale - A two-finned baleen whale sighted off the coast of Chile. The whale was seen by Enrico Hillyer Giglioli while onboard a ship named the Magenta. It’s appearance was similar to that of many other Fin Whales, but the fact that it had two dorsal fins sets it apart. No know cetacean has more than one dorsal fin. The scientific name of Amphiptera pacifica has been suggested for this animal. Being an unrecognized species of whale, this cryptid belongs to the Type #3 classification.
Glacier Island Monster - An unidentified carcass sighted in Glacier Island, Alaska. The creature was found to be frozen in a block of ice. The animal had an overall length of 24 feet, with a 14-foot tail, and a snout of over 3 feet long. The carcass was also covered with fur. This has led many to believe that it may have been a Wooly Mammoth, but those animals have tails that are much shorter than 14 feet. It still appeared to be a mammal, perhaps an elephant relative, placing this animal in the Type #3 group.
Gloucester Sea Serpent - A horned sea serpent sighted in the harbor of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The animal was between 60 and 70 feet long, had a turtle-like head, and a foot-long spine sticking out from it. The animal attacked a ship by the name of the British Banner, and all attempts to capture or kill it failed. It may have been a gigantic relative of snakes or eels, but its horn makes it quite unusual. Thus, it is classified as a Type #1 or Type #3 cryptid.
Goatman - A bipedal, goat-like animal sighted throughout the United States. It has the same build as a man, but it possesses a goat-like head and hoofed feet. It is reportedly aggressive, and often attacks people while they are in their cars. Hoof-prints of the monster have also been discovered. According to legend, the Goatman wears a coat and carries an ax. It may be a species of hominid similar to Bigfoot, but more likely seems to be an entirely new animal. It may possibly be a Type #1, Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
Gourd Head - A humanoid creature sighted from different regions in Brazil. Being about 3 feet tall, it has dark skin, a large, bald head, and webbed hands and feet. It tends to inhabit areas near rivers, and is said to be able to breathe underwater. The reported habits of the creature differ depending on who you ask. It doesn't fit the description of any known animal group, and is therefore a Type #1 cryptid.
High-finned Sperm Whale - A possible relative of the Sperm Whale sighted off the Shetland Islands. The whale is described as having a similar body structure to that of known Sperm Whales, but possesses an unusually tall dorsal fin similar to those found in Killer Whales. The scientific name of Physeter tursio has been suggested for this creature. Being a relative of Sperm Whales, this is a Type #3 cryptid.
Hoade’s Monster - A pig-like carcass sighted near Brungle Creek, Australia. A man, who is only known as Mr. Hoade, came upon the strange body while walking. It had apparently washed up on the banks of the creek. It had no distinct head, but it had an elephant-like trunk and a lobster-like tail. The body’s shape was described as “pig-like” and was about 30 feet long. This chimera of animal parts is unlike anything currently known, so this is a Type #1 cryptid.
Hoan Kiem Turtle - A giant, freshwater turtle sighted in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam. It appears to be a soft-shelled turtle, 6.5 feet long and weighing about 400 pounds. In one particular sighting, it is claimed that hundreds of witnesses saw it come out of the lake to sunbathe. The scientific name of Rafetus leloii has been proposed for the creature. This is a Type #3 cryptid.
Honey Island Swamp Monster - A hominid-like creature sighted in the Honey Island Swamp, Louisiana. It is up to 7 feet tall, covered with hair, and possesses powerful claws on its hands and feet. The presence of claws makes this quite an unusual primate. It is apparently predatory in nature, as it has killed many livestock animals and even humans. Four-toed footprints of this animal have also been found. It is probably a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
Inkanyamba - An large, eel-like animal sighted in Southern Africa. Described as having an eel-like body, large flippers, and a mean temperament, these creatures are supposedly able to control the weather. Fights between these creatures or even mating rituals have been witnessed. Photographs have also been taken, but the pictures seem to show more of a sauropod-like animal than an eel. Since it seems to be a giant eel, this would belong in the Type #3 group.
Inkhomi - A snake with the comb and waddles of a rooster sighted in tropical Africa. Also known as the Crowing Crested Cobra, the snake crows like a rooster and grows up to 20 feet long. One of these animals was reportedly run over, the body of which was discovered to have an extendable comb-like structure on its head. Such a strange snake like this is a Type #3 cryptid.
Igopogo - A lake monster sighted in Lake Simcoe in Ontario, Canada. It is often described as being large and having a dog-like face. It has been sighted for over a century and video footage of the animal was taken in 1991. The animal appears to have an anatomy very similar to that of a seal’s, suggesting that it may indeed be an unidentified species of seal or sea lion. This is very likely to be a Type #3 cryptid.
Issie - A lake monster sighted in Lake Ikeda, Kyushu Island, Japan. Being 30 feet long and dinosaur-like in appearance, the animal is said to possess a row of humps along its back. The creature has allegedly been photographed and even filmed. Identification of this beast may lie with some kind of giant eel or snake, or perhaps the extinct zeuglodont whale. Its typology is then likely to be Type #2 or Type #3.
Jaguarete - A jaguar-like cat sighted in Brazil in the 18th century. The animal had dark fur with black spots, and a white or pale gray belly. Its ears were pointed. Two specimens of this animal were said to have been exhibited in London, England. It has been proposed that this animal is merely the result of a color mutation in regular cougars. As a likely explanation, this would place the Jaguarete in the Type #3 category.
Jersey Devil - A dragon-like animal sighted in the New Jersey Pinelands. This unusual monster was described as being 3 or 4 feet tall, bipedal, having a horse-like head, bat-like wings, and hoofed-feet. Many sightings of the creature have been reported, as well as hoof-prints. The devil has also been heard to screech or bark. Nothing known is even similar to the descriptions of the devil, so it is probably a Type #1 cryptid.
Kalmykian Exploding Snake - A worm-like animal sighted in Kalmykia, Russia. Although the natives refer to it as a “short gray snake”, the animal is said to lack bones, and thus cannot be a snake. It is nearly 2 feet long, smooth, gray, and devoid of facial features. The creature gets its name from a curious property of its body: it will explode if hit with a stick, leaving a large patch of slime where it once was. This animal is most likely a worm of sorts, and is thus classified as a Type #3 cryptid.
Kasai Rex - A dinosaur-like animal sighted in the Kasai Valley in Africa. Reports of the creature are very scarce, but the animals are typically described as being similar to a reddish-hued Tyrannosaurus. A man named J.C. Johnson supposedly had an encounter with such a creature in 1932, which was observed to attack and kill a rhinoceros. A photograph of this event has been in circulation, but it is an obvious hoax. If it is real, it would be a Type #2 cryptid.
Kikiyaon - An owl-like humanoid sighted in West Africa. Its greenish-gray body is muscular and human-like in physique, but its head is like that of an owl. It has sharp talons and feathery wings that grow on its shoulders. Its blood-curdling calls can be heard for miles. Legend says that the creature is supernatural and can even kill a human’s soul. Although it is a remote possibility for this animal to be related to owls, it seems to be something totally unknown, so it is possibly a Type #3, but more likely a Type #1.
Kingstie - An aquatic creature sighted in the little Cataraqui Creek in Ontario, Canada. The creature is said to be snake-like, but has small legs. It is about 1 foot in diameter, possibly up to 40 feet long, dark in color, and has "eyes like balls of fire". One report suggests that the creature has only one eye, as well as horns. Reports of the creature have come in as recently as 2004. Such a creature may possibly be a type of undiscovered eel or snake, placing it as a Type #3 cryptid.
Kodiak Monster - An enormous, aquatic animal detected off the coast of Kodiak Island, Alaska. While a shrimp boat was scanning the ocean floor in 1969, its electronic detector located an anomalous object swimming deep below the surface. Analysis of the object revealed that it had a truly incredible length of 200 feet. While details are unknown, this animal is much larger than any other known creature, even the Blue Whale. It could have been a giant whale, giant octopus, or something new. It may be a Type #1 or Type #3.
Kongamato - A flying, reptile-like creature sighted in western Zambia, Africa. Described as having a crocodile-like body, large, leathery wings, and a beak full of teeth, this animal bears a striking resemblance to the extinct reptile called the pterosaur. The creature has reportedly attacked a man while in a local swamp. This animal, if a living pterosaur, is definitely a Type #2 cryptid.
Kraken - A giant cephalopod sighted mostly off the Scandinavian coastline. Though it mostly makes its appearance in legends, the Kraken is now thought to have been a relative of the Giant Squid or Colossal Squid, or perhaps an unknown giant octopus. It was described as being aggressive, and even attempting to sink ships. The existence of this animal seems likely, now that squids over 60 feet long have been found. It is a Type #3 cryptid.
Lake Murray Monster - A snake-like creature sighted in Lake Murray, South Carolina. It is often described as being similar to a giant snake or eel in appearance. It has been sighted by many people, and has even shown aggression towards several fishermen. It also broke the fishing rod of a man who tried to catch it. It may be that this animal is a giant relative of the water moccasin, or perhaps an unknown eel. This animal belongs in a Type #3 category.
Lake Powell Monster - A giant, beaver-like animal sighted in Lake Powell, Utah. The animal was described as being the size of a bear, with large front teeth and hind legs, and a brown or black coloration. It is cited as being “prehistoric” in appearance. Some believe that this animal represents a surviving population of giant beaver called Castoroides ohioensis, which is currently thought to be extinct. If true, then this is a Type #2 cryptid.
Lake Van Monster - A lake monster sighted in Lake Van, Turkey. It is said to be a dark, 50-foot long animal, with small eyes and humps on its back. Reports of the creature started as recently as 1995, after which hundreds of reports have surfaced. An interesting and controversial video was taken of what may have been the monster, which shows what may be an eye poking out of the water. It could be a giant eel, in which case it would be a Type #2 cryptid.
Lindorm - A dragon-like animal sighted in Scandinavia. Being up to 20 feet long, this creature is said to be black with a yellow belly and has large saucer-like eyes. There have been over 40 eyewitness reports of this creature. It is said to move into water when it grows too large to support itself on land. Although one may think of this creature as a snake, no snake has saucer-sized eyes. This may be a completely unknown animal; a Type #1.
Loch Ness Monster - A lake monster sighted in and around Loch Ness in Scotland. Though the description of this animal varies widely, it is most often described as having a small head, a long neck, a large, round body, and a very dark skin color. This common description is similar to that of an extinct animal called the plesiosaur. If indeed, this animal is a surviving example of a plesiosaur, then it would fit into the Type #2 category.
Loveland Frog - A large, frog-like creature sighted in Loveland, Ohio. A police officer came upon the animal while it was lying on the road. The creature then stood up, being 3 or 4 feet tall and having leathery skin. It then hopped off of the road into the Miami River. It was also sighted by another officer later. Being bipedal, the creature may have been a dinosaur, an unknown amphibian, or some kind of weird humanoid. It could be a Type #1, Type #2, or Type #3 cryptid.
Lusca - A giant octopus sighted on Andros Island in the Caribbean. Large, deep caverns of sea water exist on this island called the Blue Holes. The Blue Holes are home to giant crabs, and reportedly, giant octopi called the Lusca. They are said to reach over 100 feet in length. The St. Augustine carcass is thought to be a Lusca. This cryptid should likely be described as a Type #3.
Madagascan Man-eating Tree - A carnivorous tree sighted in Madagascar. Described as looking like an 8-foot tall pineapple with snake-like feelers, the tree secretes a thick, intoxicating liquid at its apex. People are sometimes sacrificed to the tree, in which the tree constricts the victim to death with its serpentine tentacles. This tree is well known to the locals of Madagascar. This tree is a Type #1 cryptid.
Mamlambo - A carnivorous, "half-horse, half-fish" animal sighted in the Mzintlava River, South Africa. This creature is supposedly solitary, and has a taste for blood and brains. It is thought by some to have caused the deaths of several people. Legend describes the creature as being serpentine, whereas more current sightings attribute the creature as having legs, a horse's head, and a fish's body. This is a Type #1 cryptid.
Manipogo - A lake monster sighted in Lake Manitoba in Canada. Described as looking like a giant snake or eel, the creature is dark brown and up to 30 feet long. A photograph was taken of the monster, showing a dark, serpentine animal on the surface of the water. Manipogo is also said to roar, something that neither snakes nor eels do. It is then possible that this animal is a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
Mapinguari - A giant, sloth-like animal sighted in South America. It is described as being over 6 feet tall, having reddish fur, and possessing powerful claws that it uses to rip open trees. It has been reported that bullets do not harm the creature. It is thought that the Mapinguari may be a surviving example of the Giant Ground Sloth, which was thought to be long extinct. If it is a Giant Ground Sloth, then it is a Type #2 cryptid.
Masbate Monster - A plesiosaur-like animal sighted on the island of Masbate in the Philippines. The creature is known only from a decaying carcass that washed up on a beach. The body was very dark, and possessed a long neck, four fins, and a long tail. The animal was about 40 feet long. It is said that the carcass was given to a butcher for its meat. It may be a plesiosaur, or a relative thereof, and is classed as a Type #2.
Megalania - A giant monitor lizard that lived in Australia. The beast attained a length of up to 30 feet, but is now thought to be extinct. However, several sightings seem to challenge this idea. Monitor lizards have been spotted that may have been 15 feet or more long. Giant footprints of the animal have been discovered in plowed fields. This giant lizard has gone from being certainly extinct to becoming a Type #2 cryptid.
Megatooth Shark - A very large, carnivorous shark, also known as Carcharocles megalodon, that is currently thought to be extinct. Giant sharks similar in appearance to Great White Sharks have been seen off the coast of Australia and California though, which entertains the possibility of surviving specimens. There have been reports of ghostly-white Megatooth Sharks attacking lobster-hauling ships before, and their length was described as being over 100 feet. This creature is definitely a Type #2.
Memphre - A large lake monster sighted in Lake Memphremagog, in the northeastern United States. Having a generally snake-like appearance, the animal is reported as being up to 50 feet long and having black skin. The creature’s head is said to be large enough to swallow a human being. Sightings have been reported since the mid 1800s. Likely identifications are that of a giant sea snake or eel. Possibly a Type #3 cryptid.
Merfolk - Humanoid beings with fish-like tails sighted in many areas of the world. Although they are usually taken to be purely legend, many well documented sightings of the creatures were reported in the 19th Century. Their sizes, shapes, and colors vary widely. Some reports of merfolk sightings occurred along the beach, and some merfolk have even washed up on the beach. They may be aquatic primates, cetacean relatives, unknown fish, or brand new animals all together. I classify them as Type #1 or Type #3.
Midwestern Kangaroo - A kangaroo sighted in the Midwestern United States. Several kangaroo sightings have been reported in this area, which is somewhere that kangaroos are not at all native to. They were spotted by police, and also in cornfields and beside roads. It is possible that the kangaroo was an escapee from a local circus, but it may perhaps be representative of a population of kangaroos. This is a Type #4 cryptid.
Minhocao - An enormous worm-like animal sighted in South America. The creature is described as being up to 75 feet long, having black, scaly skin, and having two tentacles or horns on its head. It also digs huge tunnels underground. It reportedly captures livestock and pulls them into the water to drown them. Likely theories on this creature’s identity include a giant lungfish or giant caecilian. It is probably a Type #3 cryptid.
Mngwa - A cat-like animal sighted in Tanzania, Africa. Said to be the size of a donkey, the animal appears to bear tusks and has a black-and-gray-striped body. The creature has been known to attack humans during the 1930's, and all attempts to capture it failed. Despite being such a large animal, it emits a purr rather than a roar. Some think the animal is a surviving Panthera crassidens, while others believe it to be a kind of tiger. One could then speculate on it being a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid.
Mokele-mbembe - A dinosaur-like creature sighted in the Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon. Natives describe it as being the size of an elephant, and possessing a long neck, small head, and long tail. The characteristics of this animal are similar to that of a small sauropod dinosaur. It is thought to have a bad temperament and will kill other animals in its territory. If it is a surviving dinosaur, then it is a Type #2 cryptid.
Momo - A 6-foot tall, black furred creature sighted in Missouri, United States. Though creatures described as momos may vary in appearance, they are generally red-eyed, large, have 3-toed feet, and a pumpkin-shaped head. It is thought to be aggressive. It may be some unknown primate, but the 3-toed feet are unusual for this order of mammal. Probably a Type #3 cryptid.
Mongolian Death Worm - A large, red worm sighted in the Mongolian Desert. Though it has a featureless, intestine-shaped body, it is regarded as being very dangerous. It is said to be capable of killing cattle or even humans. It is believed that the worm electrocutes its victims or perhaps sprays a jet of corrosive chemicals at them. This creature may be an unknown relative of known worms or snakes. This is likely a Type #3 cryptid.
Monongahela Monster - A sea serpent sighted in the Pacific Ocean. A ship called the Monongahela was sailing through these waters when its crew spied a giant sea creature that was producing quite a disturbance in the waters. The creature was pursued and killed by the sailors using harpoons. The animal was 103 feet long, brownish-yellow, and possessed a snake-like head with two blowholes. It is said that the head was preserved although its location is currently unknown. This odd creature seems like a giant zeuglodon, and so may be a Type #2 or Type#3 cryptid.
Morag - A lake monster sighted in Loch Morar, Scotland. It is described as a large, black object swimming in the water. A photograph of the creature shows just this. Interestingly, Loch Morar and Loch Ness have been discovered to be connected by underground tunnels, which leads to the possibility that Morag and the Loch Ness Monster are the same kind of creature. Like Nessie, this animal is likely a Type #2 or Type #3 cryptid
Morgawr - A large sea animal sighted in Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, England. The creature is enormous, sometimes reported as 60 feet long. It has a multiply-humped back, a long neck, and in some reports, small horns on its head. A few photographs of this animal exist, which show the animal’s huge body and long neck. A small individual was supposedly caught in a net, and was said to have a “beak-like” head. Some believe it to be a seal-like animal, and others think of it as a plesiosaur. It is grouped as a Type #2 or Type #3.
Mothman - A humanoid, moth-like creature sighted in West Virginia. Consistent descriptions of the being describe it as being 7 or more feet tall, having glowing red eyes on its headless chest, being covered in gray feathers or scales, and having large wings. The creature was also reported to make high-pitched screeches. It was associated with UFO activity, but is no longer seen. This freakish creature was a solid Type #1 cryptid.
Mulilo - A slug-like animal sighted in Zaire and Zambia, Africa. It’s name means “fire” and is described as being black and up to 4 feet long. This giant slug is said to inhabit the local swamps of the area, perhaps to support its unusually large weight in water. It has also been suggested that this animal is an unidentified water snake. Either way, this cryptid belongs in the Type #3 category.
