Cryptids are an exciting part of any society, from super famous creatures, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, to regional myths, such as West Virginia’s Mothman. A cryptid is essentially any mysterious monster that people claim to have seen, but no real evidence for it seems to exist. Today, we’re looking at five of the most famous monsters from Texas and see what sort of beasts exist in the Lone Star State.
1. Bear King
The Bear King was supposedly a terrifying beast that ruled over all the bears in the Marble Falls area in the early 1900s. One woman who claimed to have seen the monster described it as a giant bear with human-like qualities that ran on all fours. Supposedly, a group of hunters tracked down and killed the Bear King, but no records detail what happened to the body.
2. Chupacabra
While usually not considered indigenous to Texas, the Chupacabra is a common monster myth from Mexico that supposedly wanders over the border in search of food. Literally Spanish for “goat sucker,” the Chupacabra is a seemingly reptilian beast that drinks the blood of goats and other livestock. Many believe the myth stems from farmers misunderstanding where their missing livestock went after being attacked by coyotes or other natural predators.
3. Ole Hippie
Nessie may be the most famous lake monster, but Texas has one of its own in the form of Ole Hippie. This supposed serpent is one of the many mysteries of Lake Travis, and it gets its name from hanging out near Hippie Hollow. Some claim it may just be a giant catfish, but the reported size would still make this a remarkable creature.
4. Ozark Howler
One of the most famous monsters from Texas, the Ozark Howler, makes apparent appearances in surrounding areas, such as Oklahoma and Arkansas. The beast is the size of a bear but has massive ram horns and surprisingly cat-like features. While the earliest story of this beast appeared in the 1800s, people still hunt for it today.
5. Prairie Devils
While dinosaurs may be extinct, many people claim they still might be around in some way, such as the Prairie Devils. These small, bipedal lizards supposedly resemble small raptors and are about three feet tall with long tails. Believers purport these creatures to be fast, so it’s hard to get a good look at them to snap a photo. However, many doubt their existence and believe that any type of dinosaur wouldn’t survive in Texas’ colder winters.
Categories: Interesting Stuff
