We all have heard about the Abominable Snowman and “Nessie,” the Loch Ness Monster. But did you know that there might be many other hidden beasts throughout the world? That’s right, plenty of new species are discovered each year, a stark reminder that there are still so many fascinating creatures waiting to be brought to light by orthodox zoology.

In other cases, species that were considered to be goners manage to resurface, astonishing both scientists and cryptozoologists — those who study hidden fauna. For example, the elusive coelacanth was believed to be extinct since the Cretaceous Period before a group of these prehistoric fishes was found living off the South African coast in the 1930s. Reaching into the unknown, there is no telling what humanity will face next in the unchartered parts of the world.

To honor these fabled enigmas, let’s take a look at some of the most famous cryptids — mythical animal species that might or might not be around — from across the globe and examine the legends and folklore attached to these wondrous creatures.

Jackalope — Western U.S.

The plains of the American West are allegedly home to the jackalope, a furry species of cryptid with the body of a rabbit and the antlers of an antelope. While the term jackalope (jackrabbit + antelope) was coined in the 1930s by Wyoming farmers, tales of this beast have persisted since the time of the Old West. Cowboys from the era claimed that jackalopes often played pranks on pioneers by mimicking human voices. Despite the jackalope’s playful nature, they are reportedly also vicious warriors, fending off would-be predators with their powerful antlers.

Today, people of the Western United States — particularly in Douglas County, Wyoming — celebrate the alluring mythology of the jackalope in many ways. Along with jackalope statues and museums, officials with the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce also sell jackalope hunting licenses each year. Would-be jackalope hunters are warned that these licenses can only be used from midnight until 2 a.m. on June 31st.

Tatzelwurm — European Alps

Allegedly menacing the Alps for the past three centuries is the Tatzelwurm, an fierce dragon-like creature with the face of a cat. The first reported sighting of the Tatzelwurm was in 1779, when a man named Hans Fuchs came across two of these creatures and became so frightened that he suffered a heart attack. Since then, people have reported sporadic encounters with the beast that point to its highly territorial and fearsome nature. Some 19th century German hunting and nature manuals even mention the animal and warn of its poisonous breath.

Tatzelwurm sightings continue until this day, with the supposed remains of one of the creatures having been found in Italy in 1990. A skeleton of what is allegedly a Tatzelwurm was also gifted to the Geneva Institute of Science in 2000.

Chupacabra — Southwestern U.S. and Puerto Rico

Reportedly stalking the rich farmlands of the Southwestern United States and Latin America is the chupacabra, a modern urban legend that has gripped the consciousness of believers the world over. The creature is said to be reptilian in nature with giant quills poking out of its spine. The chupacabra’s name directly translates to “goatsucker,” which comes from its diet of the blood of livestock animals.

Since the creature was alleged first sighted in 1995, skeptics have claimed that chupacabras are nothing more than dogs and coyotes infected with mange. Those who believe in the beast remain undaunted, though, pointing to accounts of farmers as proof that the chupacabra is a real creature. Ranchers whose animals have been attacked by the chupacabra claim that it leaves a strange three-tooth bite mark on its victims that is inconsistent with the bite of a canine.

Kappa — Japan

The kappa is a reptilian creature that is said to prowl the rivers and ponds of Japan, and is venerated as a water deity in the Shinto religion. While the physical description of the kappa differs according to region, most stories say that they have scaly skin, a tortoise-like shell on their back, and a small pool of water on top their head known as a sara, which is the source of their power.

Kappas are generally depicted as being hostile to humans, especially to those who do not show them the respect they deserve as gods. While sometimes only pranking humans, more aggressive kappas are said to drown those who are subject to their ire. Offerings of cucumbers, the creature’s favorite food, continue in many Japanese coastal towns in the hopes of appeasing the kappa and keeping them from harming people.

Mokele-mbembe — Congo Basin

One of the most famous cryptids in the world is Mokele-mbembe, a dinosaur-like creature that is said to be dwelling in the Congo River Basin. A part of native folklore for the past three centuries, Mokele-mbembe is purported to be a brontosaurus-like sauropod with a long neck and tail. Those who believe in the creature say that it lives in the deep waters of the Congo River, only coming up to feed on the fruit trees that line the riverbank.

Mokele-mbembe has been the subject of much interest by cryptozoologists, and explorers have launched countless expeditions to find physical evidence, efforts which have thus far turned up nothing except for anecdotal accounts by eyewitnesses who swear to the existence of the creature.

Bunyip — Australia

Aboriginal tales of the Australian bunyip have turned it into one of Australia’s most popular cryptids. Originating in Aboriginal mythology as an evil spirit, the bunyip is reputed to live in the swamps, riverbeds, and billabongs of the Australia. While sightings of the creature have been reported since the early 19th century, accounts of its physical description vary greatly. Some eyewitnesses claim that the bunyip is only as large as a small dog, while others say that it is more comparable in size to a horse.

Nevertheless, all who have allegedly seen the bunyip attest to its fierce disposition. The bunyip’s preferred method of hunting is said to be stalking the waterways of Australia and search for unsuspecting prey. Although an opportunistic predator ready to feed on anything that crosses its path, the bunyip prefers a diet of…women and children!

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Mapinguari — Brazil

Brazilian folklore warns of the mapinguari, a giant sloth that stalks the rainforests of the country. Said to be the size of an elephant with backwards-facing feet, the mapinguari is known for its terrible smell, which often warns humans away from its territory. While descriptions of the mapinguari differ by region, most accounts claim that the creature has a second mouth in its stomach and only one eye.

Some cryptozoologists often liken the mapinguari to Bigfoot. However, unlike its omnivorous North American cousin, the mapinguari seems to mainly survive on a diet of meat. Sometimes found preying on livestock animals, the mapinguari usually avoids humans…so chances are your getaway in Brazil won’t be ruined after all by this colossal enigma!

FAQs:

Q: Are there any ongoing scientific studies about cryptids?
A: Yes, some scientists and cryptozoologists conduct field research, including expeditions and collecting eyewitness accounts, aiming to find evidence of cryptids’ existence.

Q: Can cryptid sightings be reported, and to whom?
A: Sightings can be reported to local wildlife authorities, cryptozoological societies, or researchers who specialize in the study of cryptids. Online databases and forums also exist for sharing such experiences.

Q: Are there any legal protections for cryptids?
A: In some places, cryptids are part of local folklore and may be protected under cultural heritage laws. However, without scientific recognition of their existence, they typically don’t receive wildlife protection.

Q: How does one differentiate between a cryptid and an undiscovered species?
A: Cryptids often stem from folklore with little physical evidence, whereas undiscovered species are based on scientific hypotheses expecting to find new species through research.

Q: Are there any locations where cryptid encounters are more common?
A: Cryptid sightings are often reported in remote, less-traveled areas with dense forests, deep waters, or inaccessible mountains, but they can also occur near rural communities with rich folklore traditions.

Q: Has there ever been a cryptid that was later confirmed to be a real, previously undiscovered species?
A: While many new species are discovered each year, most cryptids remain unverified by the scientific community. Rarely, creatures like the okapi or giant squid, once thought to be mythical, have been recognized as real species after sufficient evidence and study.

Q: What explanations do skeptics offer for cryptid sightings?
A: Skeptics often attribute cryptid sightings to misidentification of known animals, hoaxes, psychological phenomena like pareidolia, or natural explanations like genetic mutations in known species rather than evidence of unknown creatures.

Have you ever gone looking for Bigfoot, or Nessie, or any of their cryptozoological kin? Tell us about it in the comments below!