Buzz
Cryptids have fascinated many of us, with countless internet posts, forums, and even high-budget TV shows debating their existence or poking fun at the idea. Scientific efforts have also been made to explain the numerous sightings of these mysterious creatures, suggesting that the truth behind these myths might be simpler than we think.
Many of these sightings, ranging from widely known to incredibly obscure, can be traced back to real animals or stories. These tales are often exaggerated or influenced by external factors, making the creatures appear more mythical, terrifying, or fantastical than they truly are.
10. Bigfoot – Bears
Bigfoot, also known as sasquatch or yeti, is a large, hairy primate-like creature with notably big feet and a reputation for being elusive and intelligent. It stands as one of the most famous—or infamous—cryptids, deeply embedded in pop culture and American folklore, rivaled only by UFOs in prominence.
Every year, numerous sightings are reported, many of which turn out to be hoaxes or cases of mistaken identity. Yet, the mystery surrounding this alleged relative of ours persists. So, what could explain these sightings? Often, the answer is surprisingly straightforward: bears, or sometimes, bears suffering from mange.
Mange and other medical conditions that drastically change an animal’s appearance are frequently behind cryptid sightings. Much of the evidence attributed to Bigfoot has been linked to bears, with many sightings revealing that the so-called Bigfoot was actually a bear with patchy fur and unusual behavior caused by mange. To date, there is no substantial evidence suggesting otherwise.
Despite this, some individuals remain convinced that Bigfoot exists. Others speculate that sightings could be explained by surviving populations of Gigantopithecus, a massive ape believed to be extinct but potentially still living in isolated regions around the world.
9. Chupacabra – Dog with mange
The Chupacabra, another infamous cryptid, originates from Puerto Rican, Mexican, and broader Mesoamerican folklore. Its name, meaning 'goat sucker' in Spanish, has sparked significant attention and debate over the years, cementing its place in popular culture.
The explanation for this cryptid, however, is even simpler and more verifiable than that of Bigfoot, yet it follows a similar pattern: mange. Specifically, dogs suffering from mange.
Although numerous tales describe farmers losing goats to this creature, most sightings are simply dogs or coyotes afflicted with a condition that gives them a monstrous appearance. Patchy fur, an unusual look, heightened nighttime activity due to skin sensitivity, and weight loss from the condition’s effects can make these animals appear terrifying, especially when encountered in the dark.
8. Jackalope – Rabbits, Shope papilloma virus
Though not taken as seriously as other folklore creatures, the jackalope has a long history. The idea of a rabbit-like creature with antlers is straightforward and something people working in fields might claim to have seen multiple times.
And they might have, as the cause is once again a disease that alters appearance.
The Shope papilloma virus (SPV) is responsible for causing leporids, such as rabbits and hares, to develop keratinous, cancerous growths on their bodies. These growths can sometimes resemble horns, small antlers, or other bizarre, almost supernatural features.
Since the infection often affects the head area, it’s understandable that people encountering rabbits with this condition might mistake them for a new species or even a mythical creature. However, the truth is far less fantastical—jackalopes are simply rabbits suffering from a distressing illness.
7. Kraken – Giant Squid
The Kraken, an ancient legend, and other similar tales of enormous squid- or octopus-like creatures that attack ships and dwell in the ocean depths have been around for centuries. While these stories are often exaggerated, they are rooted in something very real and equally astonishing.
The Colossal squid closely matches the descriptions in these legends. While it doesn’t typically attack ships, its enormous size and appearance make it seem capable of such feats. There have been unverified accounts of such encounters, adding to the mythos.
These enormous creatures are believed to reach lengths of up to 14 meters (46 feet) and weigh as much as 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds). Given these staggering dimensions, it’s no wonder the legends surrounding them seem so plausible.
6. Giant Spider – Both real and impossible
This entry is a bit peculiar, as the explanation hinges entirely on how we define 'giant.' In some ways, giant spiders already exist—species like the Goliath birdeater tarantula and certain Huntsman spiders can have leg spans of up to 30 cm (1 foot), which many would consider enormous.
However, if we’re talking about spiders larger than that, the prospects are slim—or, for those with arachnophobia, quite reassuring. Scientifically, spiders are constrained in size, and the Goliath birdeater and Huntsman spiders may represent the upper limit of how big spiders can grow.
Spiders lack proper lungs, so their size is largely determined by the oxygen levels in the atmosphere. Even the largest prehistoric arachnids discovered never exceeded a meter in length. Until spiders evolve lungs or atmospheric oxygen increases dramatically, giant spiders beyond what we already have will remain a myth.
5. Mongolian death worm – Tartar sand boa
The Mongolian death worm, known locally as 'olgoi-khorkhoi' or 'large intestine worm,' has long been a subject of fascination and debate. Described as a massive red worm living in the Gobi Desert, it is said to burrow underground, possess a terrifying jaw, and have the ability to spit venom or emit electric shocks. Legend claims that mere contact with it results in instant death.
Numerous expeditions have sought to uncover this fearsome creature, only to discover... a snake. When shown to locals who claimed to have seen the death worm, they identified it as the same creature. In reality, it was the Tartar sand boa (Eryx miliaris), a snake that resembles a worm but lacks the red coloration or any supernatural powers.
4. Mothman – Owl
The Mothman, another iconic figure in American folklore, is arguably even more bizarre than the jackalope. Despite its outlandish description, it has cultivated a significant cultural following over the years.
Many regard the Mothman not as a cryptid but as an extraterrestrial or supernatural entity. As its name suggests, it is often depicted as a hybrid of a moth and a man—a large, winged, insect-like humanoid. It is frequently described as an omen, either warning of impending disasters or causing them directly. Sightings have been reported during tragic events, such as the collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant.
In reality, while the concept seems far-fetched, some sightings are genuine yet easily explained. Barn owls, with their sizable wingspans, mysterious appearance, and reflective eyes, could easily be mistaken for the Mothman’s glowing eyes in the dark.
Barn owls are often found in abandoned areas, and while their presence near tragic events might seem ominous, the human mind tends to link neutral occurrences to disasters in an attempt to make sense of tragedy.
3. Nessie – Eels, Greenland shark, and many more
Concluding the list is Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, arguably the most famous cryptid in history. It’s no surprise that Nessie has been the subject of numerous plausible animal misidentifications over the years.
Described as a long-necked aquatic creature resembling the extinct Plesiosaur, the Loch Ness Monster is said to inhabit Scotland’s Loch Ness. This deep, expansive lake has fueled imaginations with the idea of an ancient creature surviving into modern times. However, the truth is far simpler: eels. Experts believe many sightings of Nessie can be attributed to large eels, whose slender, elongated bodies match the descriptions and images often associated with the monster.
The Loch Ness Monster’s numerous sightings have also been linked to bird and boat wakes, as well as the Greenland shark, a real but unusual creature that might occasionally enter the lake. With countless hoaxes and cases of mistaken identity, the reality of Nessie, while fascinating, remains highly unlikely.
2. Mermaid – Manatee and Dugong
Mermaids are often envisioned as enchanting, half-human, half-fish beings, typically depicted as women. Their allure has made them a staple in fantasy and pop culture, further popularized by an Animal Planet documentary that claimed to explore their existence, though it was later exposed as entirely fabricated.
While mermaids are portrayed as beautiful and majestic in folklore—or terrifying, as in the case of sirens who lured sailors to their deaths—the reality is far less dramatic. In fact, the inspiration behind these tales is much more mundane.
The truth behind mermaid sightings often points to two marine mammals: manatees and dugongs. While these creatures are impressive in their own way, they are far from the enchanting or sinister half-human, half-fish beings depicted in folklore. Their reality, though fascinating, may seem underwhelming compared to the mythical tales.
1. Jersey Devil – Sandhill Crane
The Jersey Devil, a legendary creature from New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, is often described as a winged, bipedal beast with a horse or goat-like head, hooves, and a terrifying scream. This myth has evolved over centuries, dating back to the early days of American history, with countless variations adding to its mystique.
Despite its eerie reputation, the explanation for the Jersey Devil is straightforward. The legend likely originated from English settlers and has persisted for over 250 years without a single verified sighting. Many believe the creature is inspired by the Sandhill crane, a large, striking bird native to New Jersey, which, while remarkable, lacks any supernatural traits.
