Cryptic Critters

Bigfoot, the Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster: all of these fabled figures are classified as cryptids. Experts in this field of study, called cryptozoologists, define a cryptid as an unusual animal that appears in folklore but careens outside the accepted limits of scientific possibility; meager amounts of evidence often support the idea of a cryptid’s existence. While many cryptozoology enthusiasts regard Bigfoot as the holy grail of their impossible quest, a plethora of additional crafty creatures have allegedly eluded the scientific community for centuries on end, offering an opportunity for imagination and discovery for those adventurous enough to dream.

The cadborosaurus, nicknamed Caddy, is most frequently spotted in the waters of the North American West. From the sandy beaches of California to the icy realm of the Inuits, the cadborosaurus is frequently described by eyewitnesses as a titanic sea serpent with the head of a camel. Many believe this aquatic giant to be a survivor from primeval eras, a living dinosaur. Perhaps the most notable evidence for Caddy’s existence was recovered in 1937 in Naden Harbor, Canada, when whalers discovered what could be the remains of a cadborosaurus. However, the sample disappeared before experts could examine the body, leaving details of Caddy’s actuality subject to speculation.

The mokele-mbembe represents another enigma of the animal kingdom. A possible relative of the Loch Ness Monster, this prehistoric creature is rumored to roam the jungles of the central Africa. Witnesses characterize the mokele-mbembe as a dinosaur-like reptile with a lengthy neck and tail. Some even describe a single horn protruding from this cryptid’s head, intended for defense against the area’s hostile elephants. The mokele-mbembe supposedly frequents the Congo’s waterways, especially Lake Tele. According to folklore, this living fossil dwells in caves it carves out in riverbanks. Although the mokele-mbemebe is rumored to keep a herbivorous diet, this cryptid proves extremely territorial, fiercely warding off any human unfortunate enough to trespass in its domain. While the reality of the mokele-mbembe’s existence is only bolstered by eyewitness accounts, it continues to captivate both locals and inquisitive visitors from abroad with its unmatched mystique.

The thylacine, although now considered a cryptid, once freely roamed the wilderness of Australia and Tasmania. Also called the Tasmanian tiger, this carnivorous marsupial angered the region’s sheep ranchers by preying on domestic flocks; in retaliation, ranchers relentlessly hunted the thylacine. Experts declared this species extinct after the last known thylacine died in captivity in 1936. Hundreds of sightings have poured in since the late 1930s, but biologists have yet to discover conclusive evidence that the thylacine still exists. If you ever find yourself in untamed Tasmania, be on the lookout for a small, dog-like animal with light brown fur and about sixteen black stripes across its back.

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