Halloween is possibly the most exciting time of the year, besides Christmas of course. But what’s most exciting about this holiday is the resurgence of creepy and spooky stories that get told to us throughout the years. One of my favorite creepy topics is that of Cryptids. Cryptids are, according to the Webster Dictionary definition, an animal whose existence is accepted by some, but lack proof. Here are a few of my favorite cryptids that linger a bit too close to home:
- Chupacabra
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The Chupacabra is an animal with vampiristic tendencies that are mostly directed towards livestock such as cows, goats, and other animals of the sort. The name literally means ‘goat-sucker’ from spanish origin. These creatures are rumored to be that of urban legends because of their mythic and unnatural forms they take. Most sightings have been caught in Puerto Rico, Chile, and even as close to us as Maine. A large part of these documented sightings consist of roughly the same makeup such as being the size of a small bear, with reptile-like features and spines running down it’s back. Most professionals in the scientific fields say that most sightings are usually labeled as a ‘chupacabra’ due to their unfamiliar characteristics. What do you think?
- The Jersey Devil (Leeds Devil)
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This cryptid hits close to home. Originating in south Jersey and Philadelphia, this creature is said to have been sighted many times throughout the years. The Jersey Devil is a cryptid that is usually described as a ‘biped’, which generally means that it walks on two legs. Not only is the biped feature creepy, but the creature also has a large set of wings as well as a head that is typically said to be shaped like that of a horse. Sightings have been reported from the 1800’s even up until this day and they usually consist of ‘unexplained livestock killings’, attacking cars, and even reports of it’s blood curdling screams were heard. So, the next time you’re camping in Pennsylvania and you hear a loud scream, it may be the Jersey Devil lingering over-head.
- Mothman
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I saved my favorite for last because this one is by far the best and most well-known cryptid to this date. The Mothman’s origin begins in the late 1960’s by a group of young adults who were seemingly chased by the Mothman. His features are usually described as a seven-foot biped with the head and eyes of a moth, usually large and glowing red. His eyes are what stick out the most when sightings are reported, as well as his large wings that are far too large to be that of a bird’s. His sightings are usually reported in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, as well as southern Pennsylvania.