Unraveling the Mysteries of Pennsylvania's Squonk

Discover the secrets of the elusive Squonk, a mythical creature said to inhabit the hemlock forests of Pennsylvania near the Pocono Mountains. Squonks are described as shy, wart-covered beings that weep incessantly due to their unattractive appearance. According to legend, one can track them down by following the trail of tears they leave behind. Reports of squonks date back to the early 1900s, and since then, they have become emblematic figures in Pennsylvania culture, inspiring literature, music, and even festivals like Squonkapalooza. Let's delve deeper into this fascinating legend!

The legend of the squonk traces back to early 1900s lumberjack lore. Initially documented by William Thomas Cox in his 1910 book, Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods, squonks were believed to inhabit Pennsylvania's hemlock forests during the peak of the state's timber industry. Henry D. Tryon later speculated in his 1939 work, Fearsome Critters, that squonks might have originated from the high plains before migrating to swampy regions.

The squonk is depicted with drooping skin, warts, moles, and webbed feet. According to Cox, squonks are perpetually sorrowful creatures with limited intellects, constantly shedding tears due to their unsightly visage. Tryon added further details, describing squonks with webbed feet on their left side, causing them to swim in endless circles.

Squonks are active during twilight and dusk. They move slowly or remain stationary during clear moonlit nights to avoid catching their reflection in illuminated water bodies. It's rumored that their mournful cries can sometimes be heard during the night. Some tales even suggest that squonks reproduce through binary fission, splitting their bodies to create new ones.

When captured, squonks are said to dissolve into pools of tears. Few have successfully captured these elusive creatures, with one hunter, J. P. Wentling, reportedly luring a squonk into a bag by mimicking its sorrowful cries. Upon returning home, however, all that remained inside the bag was a pool of tears and bubbles.

Track the squonk's path of tears during clear nights in the Hemlock forest. Legend suggests that aspiring cryptid hunters can follow the tear-stained trail of a squonk to its dwelling in the hemlock trees. Given their tendency to dissolve when startled, it's advisable to merely attempt to photograph the creature.

Johnstown, Pennsylvania hosts Squonkapalooza annually in August. Squonkapalooza is a family-friendly festival dedicated to celebrating the squonk and other creatures from Appalachian folklore and cryptozoology. The festival aims to spread joy and laughter, with performances by groups like Squonk Opera.

Squonks have been referenced in songs by rock bands such as Genesis. Pennsylvania artists and musicians have embraced the legend, with Genesis even dedicating an entire song to the squonk. Additionally, Steely Dan's song 'Any Major Dude Will Tell You' includes the line, 'Have you seen a squonk’s tears? Well look at mine.'

The squonk is also featured in the book Paul Bunyan and His Great Blue Ox. Written by Wallace Wadsworth in 1964, the story narrates how one of the loggers captures a squonk in his bag after mimicking its cry. However, upon opening the bag, he discovers it filled with saltwater and bubbles.