Half rabbit, half antelope—and all mischief. This week, we dig into one of America’s most enduring mythological mashups: the jackalope.
Beloved hoax? Ancient cryptid? Viral taxidermy? We trace the jackalope’s strange evolution—from drunken Wyoming prank to echoes of medieval horned hares and Mesoamerican myths. With antlers on its head, a taste for whiskey, and the uncanny ability to mimic human speech, the jackalope straddles the line between folklore and Frankenstein taxidermy.
Plus: its bizarre mating habits, ancient global cousins like the Wolpertinger and Al-Mi'raj, and the virus that might explain everything.
Strap in for antlers, absurdity, and a surprising amount of historical receipts.
Sources
Fantastically Wrong: The Disturbing Reality That Spawned the Mythical Jackalope | WIRED
The majestic jackalope and how it became a folklore legend | CBC Radio
The Story Of The Jackalope, The Legendary Rabbit With Antlers Said To Roam Wyoming
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Beneath the pristine waters of Oregon’s Wallowa Lake, something ancient stirs.
This week, we dive into the chilling legend of Wally, the Wallowa Lake Monster—an elusive, hump-backed serpent feared by many. From a tragic love story punished by a furious lake spirit, to 50-foot serpents and monstrous black heads breaking the surface, the sightings span centuries.
Plus: could a crustacean the size of a horse be hiding beneath the waves? And what do Arab folklore and crab-zilla hoaxes have to do with it?
Legends, love, and lake monsters—tune in now.
Sources
The Nez Perce Legend of Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake Monster | Cryptid Wiki
Wallowa Lake Freshwater Crustaceans | Cryptid Wiki
Cryptid Profile: Big Wally (AKA: The Wallowa Lake Monster) — THE PINE BARRENS INSTITUTE
Music Attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Small, pale, and disturbingly human—this week on Creatures Unknown, we dive into the twisted legend of the Melon Heads. With bulbous skulls, razor teeth, and a violent streak, these creatures are said to haunt the forests of Michigan, Ohio, and Connecticut.
Were they tortured orphans? Inbred cannibals? Or figments of fevered local lore? From secret asylums to shadowy roads like “Dracula Drive,” each region has its own dark twist on the myth. Join us as we unravel the eerie origins—and possible truths—behind one of America's strangest urban legends.
Sources
Revenge of The Melonheads: Urban Legend or Real Life Horror? (PART 1) | Geauga County Maple Leaf
Revenge of The Melonheads: Urban Legend or Real Life Horror? (PART 2) | Geauga County Maple Leaf
Music Attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cryptid legends captivate us, but not all are what they seem. This episode of Creatures Unknown uncovers some of history’s strangest and most elaborate hoaxes. From the Ozark Howler, a beast fabricated by a college prankster, to the grotesque Feejee (Fiji) Mermaid, a stitched-together abomination P.T. Barnum turned into a sensation—these hoaxes prove belief and deception go hand in hand. But what makes people believe in the unbelievable? And could some of these legends hold a grain of truth? Tune in to uncover some fun hoaxes!
Sources
House of Geekery | Great Cryptozoology Hoaxes
Hangar 1 Publishing | Exploring Famous Cryptid Hoaxes That Captivated the World
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
A chilling wail in the night. A ghostly figure by the water’s edge. A legend that spans generations and cultures. In this episode of Creatures Unknown, we explore the terrifying story of La Llorona, the vengeful spirit cursed to wander the earth in search of her drowned children.
From her tragic origins in Mexican folklore to eerie encounters reported across the Americas, La Llorona has haunted the dreams of children and adults alike for centuries. Is she a cautionary tale, a restless ghost, or something even more sinister? We’ll dive into regional variations, historical connections to Aztec mythology, and real-life encounters that will send shivers down your spine.
Lock your doors, stay away from the riverbanks, and whatever you do—don’t follow the sound of her cries.
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sources
La Llorona | Legend, Description, History, & Facts | Britannica
La Llorona: An Introduction to the Weeping Woman | Folklife Today
Deep in the murky swamps of Louisiana lurks the Rougarou, a fearsome, red-eyed beast that blends Cajun folklore with werewolf legend. Said to be a shapeshifter cursed by disobedience or witchcraft, this swamp-dwelling terror stalks those who break the rules of Lent or dare to wander too far into the bayou at night. From eerie encounters to its lasting legacy in festivals, theme parks, and pop culture, we unravel the chilling tales of the Rougarou—along with other Louisiana legends like the Honey Island Swamp Monster and the sinister Grunch. Join us at Creatures Unknown to explore!
Sources
Rougarou: The Swamp Werewolf - Terrebonne Parish Library System
Honey Island Swamp monster - Wikipedia
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this fun, new episode of Creatures Unknown, we dive into the bizarre tale of the Enfield Monster, also known as the Enfield Horror. With firsthand accounts of a three-legged, flashlight-eyed creature terrorizing a small Illinois town in 1973, cryptozoologist Loren Coleman joins the hunt to uncover its secrets. Could it be an escaped kangaroo, the Devil Monkey cryptid, or something far more sinister? From alien theories to swamp apes, join us as we unravel the mystery that left researchers, locals, and monster hunters scratching their heads—and occasionally running for their lives.
Sources
Cryptids Fandom - Enfield Horror
The Mystery of the Enfield Monster [Horror IRL]
Honey Island Swamp Monster | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this fun new episode of Creatures Unknown, your hosts read excerpts from "Fearsome Creatures Of The Lumberwoods,” a book written by William T. Cox. It’s a collection of fictional stories about various creatures that supposedly inhabit the forests, deserts, and mountains of North America. From the Gumberoo, to the Hugag, to the Wampus Cat, this compendium covers creatures both fantastical and bizarre. Join us as we have fun with folklore across the United States!
Sources
Fearsome Creatures Of The Lumberwoods: With A Few Desert And Mountain Beasts by William T Cox (Author), Coert DuBois (Illustrator)
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this chilling episode of Creatures Unknown, we delve into the fiery legend of the Glocester Ghoul, a terrifying creature said to haunt the dark forests of Rhode Island. From Albert Hicks—the notorious pirate who claimed the devil himself was his protector—to eerie encounters in the late 1800s, this episode explores the strange stories surrounding this bat-winged, fire-breathing monster with eyes like burning coals. Was it a guardian of hidden treasure, a misidentified animal, or the inspiration for Lovecraftian folklore? Join us as we unravel the legend, try separate fact from fiction, and speculate on the mysterious origins of this monstrous tale.
Dare to walk the haunted paths with us?
Sources
The Glocester Ghoul - Strange New England
Glocester Ghoul | Urban Legends Wiki
NEW ENGLAND FOLKLORE: The Glocester Ghoul: A Monster and A Pirate in Rhode Island
Glocester Ghoul: Legend of Fiendish Cryptid Still Breathing Fire in Rhode Island
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this episode of Creatures Unknown, we delve into the story of the Grafton Monster, a mysterious cryptid sighted in 1964 in Taylor County, West Virginia. Described as a towering figure with slick, white seal-like skin and a head set into its chest, this creature sparked surprise and fascination. We recount journalist Robert Cockrell's encounter, the teenager-led search that followed, and the creature's enduring legacy. Join us to chat about theories of extraterrestrials and alternate dimensions, its presence in pop culture, and good ole West Virginia cryptid festivals!
Sources
Grafton Monster | Cryptid Wiki
Grafton Monster | Myth and Folklore Wiki
What is the Grafton Monster? - Paranormal W.Va.
Grafton Monster Festival begins in Taylor County
The Curious Case of the Grafton Monster | Skeptical Inquirer
Dewey Lake Monster - Wikipedia
Dewey Lake Monster | Cryptid Wiki
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this episode of Creatures Unknown, we venture into the icy waters of the Arctic to uncover tales of mysterious sea serpents and frozen monsters. With reports of enormous, serpent-like creatures, bizarre marine mammals, and shadowy figures lurking beneath the waves, these legends have fascinated and frightened for centuries. We explore eyewitness accounts, scientific theories, and the enduring allure of these elusive predators of the cold, open sea. So grab your parka and dive in with us as we unravel the frosty mysteries of the deep—if you dare.
Sources
Bernard Heuvelmans | Encyclopaedia of Cryptozoology
Super-otter | Encyclopaedia of Cryptozoology
List of sea serpent sightings in the Arctic Ocean | Encyclopaedia of Cryptozoology | Fandom
Hook Island Sea Monster | Cryptid Wiki
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this episode of Creatures Unknown, we explore the Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman, a legendary figure from Himalayan folklore and Tibetan Buddhism. Revered as a spiritual guardian and feared as an omen, the Yeti is described as a towering, bipedal creature with powerful arms and sharp teeth. We trace its origins, sightings, and cultural significance, from early footprints and firsthand accounts to its possible connections to extinct species or misidentified animals. Join us as we unravel the mystery of this enduring cryptid and its place in legend and popular culture.
Sources
The Yeti, aka Abominable Snowman: A Classic Cryptid | HowStuffWorks
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
What kind of beast crashes through the forest, towering like a tree, hairless and monstrous, with legs so rigid it can’t even kneel? On this episode of Creatures Unknown, we explore the chilling legend of the Stiff-Legged Bear—a man-eating giant said to haunt the forests of North America, spanning Native American folklore across tribes like the Cree, Penobscot, Shawnee, and Iroquois.
We’ll examine its terrifying descriptions, from its immense head and razor-sharp teeth to its invulnerability to human attacks—except for one strange weakness. Then, we’ll trace historical sightings that blur the lines between myth and reality and discuss whether this cryptid could be a misremembered mammoth, an ancient bear, or a cautionary tale woven to keep children out of the woods.
Join us as we unravel the mystery behind an enigmatic legend.
Sources
Stiff-Legged Bear Monsters of Native American Legends
Native American Legends: Katshituashku, the Stiff-Jointed Bear
Great Naked Bear (Nyah-Gwaheh), the monster bear of the Iroquois
Stiff-Legged Bear | It's Something Wiki
Ten Native American Legendary Creatures You Need to Know - World History Encyclopedia.
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
What prowls the Appalachian Mountains with glowing yellow eyes, piercing screams, and the stealth of a predator? This week on Creatures Unknown, we dive into the legend of the Wampus Cat—a cryptid shrouded in mystery and steeped in Cherokee folklore.
We’ll explore its chilling physical descriptions, from its feline grace to its rumored six legs and supernatural abilities. Discover the Cherokee stories of Running Deer alongside eerie sightings from Texas to Tennessee that have left witnesses rattled for over a century.
From folklore to Fearsome Critters, and even its place in modern pop culture, this episode unravels the fascinating—and terrifying—legacy of the Wampus Cat. Tune in, and beware of what watches from the woods.SourcesThe Wampus Cat Myth Explained: Origins and Sightings | HowStuffWorks
Wampus Cat | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom
The story of the Wampus Cat - Appalachian History
The Child-Eating Wampus Cat Prowling the American South
Native American Cherokee Booger Mask | Ulster Museum
Ball-Tailed Cat | Cryptid Wiki
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This week on Creatures Unknown, we explore the eerie legend of the Pope Lick Monster, Kentucky's infamous Goatman. Residing beneath a treacherous railroad trestle, this half-human, half-goat cryptid is said to use mimicry and even sheer terror to lure victims into fatal encounters with oncoming trains. We delve into its sinister origins, from circus sideshow horrors to twisted tales of satanic rituals, and unravel the grim reality of how this lore has claimed lives over the years. The story doesn’t stop there—we also discuss similar Goatman legends across America, their cultural impact, and how these chilling tales continue to evolve.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions of death, murder, and suicide, both in folklore and real events.
Sources
Pope Lick Monster | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom
Lake Worth Monster - Wikipedia
https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Goatman
Maryland Goatman | Cryptid Wiki
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this episode, we dive into the wild world of the Hodag, a mythical creature with bull horns, a spiked back, and a mischievous grin straight out of American folklore. Born from the ashes of oxen, this elusive creature became a legend thanks to Wisconsin timberman Eugene Shepherd, who “captured” a Hodag with a mix of dark humor and theatrical flair. From 19th-century hoax to small-town mascot, discover how the Hodag left an indelible mark on Rhinelander, sparking tourism, festivals, and even a Hodag calling contest. Join us as we unravel the fierce, funny, and fearsome tale of Wisconsin's beloved beast!
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hodag
Hodag Heritage Festival - Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce
Meet the Hodag - Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Episode 24 of Creatures Unknown brings you the final installment of our Halloween month special episodes! The best way we know to wrap up spooky season is to swap spooky stories! Join us and listen to real and fictional eerie stories we’ve pulled from Reddit. Share your scary tales with us in the comments or on Instagram @creaturesunknownpodcast!
Sources
Distorted Warning Signals : r/nosleep
Ickbarr Bigelsteine : r/scarystories
Any good ghost stories from New York City? : r/Paranormal - comment from u/SidAndFinancy
What are your real-life ghost stories you like to tell on dark and stormy nights? : r/AskReddit - comment from u/Majora420
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Prepare for goosebumps as we dive into two spine-chilling topics that unnerve even your fearless hosts! In this eerie episode, we explore the uncanny valley—why human-like robots and CGI characters can feel so disturbingly off—and the unsettling folklore of Appalachia. From the unnatural movement of nearly human androids to the ghostly legends of the Appalachian mountains, these tales will send shivers down your spine. Tune in for an episode packed with spooky vibes, scary stories, and the unsettling sense of the eerie and uncomfortable.
Trigger warning: themes of discomfort, fear, and revulsion which includes discussions of mortality, disease, bodily control, and disturbing imagery.
Sources
Uncanny Valley: What is it and why do we experience it? - BBC Science Focus Magazine
A Psychologist Explains The Eerie ‘Uncanny Valley’ Phenomenon
The Uncanny Valley And Its Role In Sci-Fi Horror
Like Humans, Monkeys Fall Into The 'Uncanny Valley' | ScienceDaily
Reddit - r/Ruleshorror
Appalachian Legends by Kim Dinan
Appalachian Legends | Mothman, Bell Witch, Brown Mountain Lights
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this chilling episode of Creatures Unknown, we sink our teeth into the world of vampires! From ancient demon lore to Vlad Dracula's brutal reign, we uncover the origins of vampire myths across history. Explore how Enlightenment-era Europe became gripped by fear of the undead and how Bram Stoker's *Dracula* solidified Romania as the home of these bloodthirsty creatures. We dive deep into the folklore, science, and superstition behind vampires, tracing their evolution from demonic flesh-eaters to the cinematic icons we know today. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of history’s most enduring monsters!
Sources
Mythical Beasts “Curse of the Vampire” (Show on Discovery+)
Carnegie Museum of Natural History Booseum: Vampires!.
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In this eerie episode of Creatures Unknown, we dive into the spine-chilling world of internet folklore—Creepypasta. From the faceless menace of Slenderman to the bone-chilling Rake, and the endless halls of the Backrooms, these modern-day scary tales have taken on lives of their own. We also explore the unsettling tales of Ted the Caver, the Russian Sleep Experiment, and more. Discover how these stories, once shared anonymously across forums, blurred the lines between fiction and reality, and how they continue to haunt the internet. Prepare for a deep dive into the digital darkness!
Trigger Warning: Some conversations of murder and suicide.
Sources
Siren Head | Creepypasta Files Wikia
The Rake | Creepypasta Files Wikia | Fandom
Russian Sleep Experiment - Wikipedia
The Russian Sleep Experiment - Creepypasta
Music attributions
Bent and Broken (intro)
"Bent and Broken" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Awkward Meeting (outro)
"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
