Cryptids 101
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Whether you’re a seasoned cryptozoologist or just starting to explore the world of elusive creatures, this page contains just about everything you need to know about cryptids!
What Is A Cryptid?
A cryptid is an animal or creature that people believe is real but there is no solid proof or scientific evidence available to prove that it does actually exist.
Cryptids form the basis of the field of Cryptozoology which formalizes the study of these strange creatures, what they are, and whether they are real.
It can be said that Cryptozoologists are real-life cryptid hunters!
The word Cryptid comes from the Greek word “cryptos” which means “hidden” or “secret”.
List Of Cryptids
Cryptids are elusive creatures that are shrouded in mystery which makes them incredibly intriguing! Stories about them go all the way back to the beginning of human history with myths, legends, folktales, and stories being passed down from generation to generation. There have literally been thousands of unknown creatures and animals that have been recorded throughout the centuries and while scientists are still trying to figure out whether they are real or not, this hasn’t stopped people from believing them!
Here you will find lists of cryptids that we have sorted into different categories and with new ones being added all the time, be sure to check back often!
Hominid / Humanoid Cryptids
Humanoid and hominid creatures are described as being human-like or human hybrids.
The most famous examples of these cryptids include Bigfoot (Sasquatch) and the Yeti (Abominable Snowman).
- Alabama White Thang – Alabama
- Downey Booger – Alabama
- Gugwe – Canada
- Kalanoro – Madagascar
- Lake Worth Monster – Texas
- Michigan Dogman – Michigan
- Mogollon Monster – Arizona
- Momo (The Missouri Monster) – Missouri
- Northfield Pigman – Vermont
- Pope Lick Monster – Kentucky
- Rougarou – Louisiana
- Sheepsquatch – West Virginia
- Solomon Islands Giants – Papua New Guinea
- The Beast Of Bray Road – Wisconsin
- The Beast of Seven Chutes – Canada
- The Flatwoods Monster – West Virginia
- The Grunch – Louisiana
- Ucumar – Andes Mountains
- Woods Devil – New Hampshire
Aquatic / Water Cryptids
This group of creatures live in bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or oceans.
Two of the most famous examples include the Loch Ness Monster and Champ, the Lake Champlain monster.
- Beast of Busco – Indiana
- Bessie of Lake Erie – United States
- Brosno Dragon – Russia
- Cadborosaurus / Caddie – Canada
- Colossal Claude – Oregon
- Coosa River Monster – Alabama/Georgia
- Hawkesbury River Monster – Australia
- Mbielu-Mbielu-Mbielu – Republic Of Congo
- Michigan Merman (Maymaygwashi) – Michigan
- Oklahoma Octopus – Oklahoma
- Sinkhole Sam – Kansas
- Tahoe Tessie – California/Nevada
- The Flathead Lake Monster – Montana
- Tizheruk – Alaska
- Zwaanendael Merman – Delaware
Reptilian Cryptids
These creatures are described as having reptilian, snake-like, or dragon-like features.
The most famous reptilian creatures include the Chupacabra, the Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp, and the Tsuchinko.
- Chupacabra – South America
- Grootslang – South Africa
- Hoop Snake – North America / Canada
- Loveland Frogman – Ohio
- Mbielu-Mbielu-Mbielu – Republic Of Congo
- Mokele-Mbembe – Congo River Basin (Central Africa)
- Sinkhole Sam – Kansas
- Snow Snake – Arctic Regions
- Tatzelwurm – Alps
- The Grunch – Louisiana
- Tsuchinoko – Japan
Flying Cryptids
These are creatures that are said to have wings and have been reported as being able to fly.
Examples of famous flying creatures include the Thunderbird and Mothman.
Feline Cryptids
These creatures are typically described as large, powerful cat-like animals with unusual characteristics, such as glowing eyes, strange markings, or even supernatural abilities.
One of the most famous examples today is The Beast of Bodmin Moor.
Canine Cryptids
These creatures are described as large and powerful dog or wolf-like animals with some having the ability to shapeshift.
Werewolves would fall into this category.
Some famous examples include the Michigan Dogman and the Amarok Wolf.
Supernatural and Folklore Cryptids
These are very unusual animals or creatures that have supernatural or mythological qualities. They are often found in the myths, legends, and folklore of ancient and indigenous peoples.
Famous examples include Skinwalkers and the Windigo.
- Akhlut – Arctic Regions
- Amarok Wolf (Amaroq) – Arctic Regions
- Ao Ao – Paraguay
- Central America Whintosser – California
- Dingmaul – New Hampshire
- Elaphocentaur – Europe
- Fresno Nightcrawler – California
- Huggin Molly – Alabama
- Jackalope – Wyoming
- Kalanoro – Madagascar
- Lou Carcolh – France
- Luferlang – North America
- Michigan Merman (Maymaygwashi) – Michigan
- Northfield Pigman – Vermont
- Pukwudgie – Massachusetts / Indiana
- Roperite – California
- Sliver Cat – North America
- Tarasque – France
- The Billdad – Maine
- The Flatwoods Monster – West Virginia
- Tree Squeak – Maine
- Tripodero – California
- Waheela – Canada
- Wapaloosie – Idaho
- Whirling Whimpus – Tennessee
- Yara-Ma-Yha-Who – Australia
Miscellaneous Cryptids
A diverse group of creatures that don’t fit neatly into any other category.
These could include unusual animals, hybrids, primates, or any other creeping or crawling creatures.
Lumberjack Folklore Cryptids
An unusual group of creatures and critters that are found in the legends and folklore of North American lumberjacks.
One of the most famous examples is the Hodag of Wisconsin.
- Agropelter – Northern United States
- Ball-Tailed Cat – Oregon / Pennsylvania
- Cactus Cat – Southwestern United States
- Central America Whintosser – California
- Dingmaul – New Hampshire
- Funeral Mountain Terrashot – California
- Gumberoo – Oregon / Washington
- Hidebehind – North America
- Hoop Snake – North America / Canada
- Hugag – Lake States Region
- Luferlang – North America
- Roperite – California
- Slide-Rock Bolter (Mountain Whale)- Colorado
- Sliver Cat – North America
- Snow Snake – Arctic Regions
- Snow Wasset – Canada
- Splinter Cat – Oregan
- The Billdad – Maine
- The Hodag – Wisconsin
- The Squonk – Pennsylvania
- Tote Road Shagamaw – Maine
- Tree Squeak – Maine
- Tripodero – California
- Wapaloosie – Idaho
- Whirling Whimpus – Tennessee
Interactive Map
Expand on our list of cryptids by exploring our interactive map which features the locations and information about all the creatures we have added to Crytidophillia so far.
Explore the globe to discover new and unusual creatures in your area and all over the world!
TO BELIEVE OR NOT TO BELIEVE
Are Cryptids Real?
There is a fair amount of controversy, criticism, and skepticism around these creatures and cryptozoology in general. Here we’ll take a look at the reasons why researchers and scientists are hesitant to accept the existence of cryptids.
Ultimately no one really knows whether these creatures are real or not. That said, there are many creatures from the past who were once considered to be cryptids that have now been found to be real! So who’s to say that creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster don’t exist?!
Arguments For The Existence Of Cryptids
While there are many people who argue that cryptids aren’t real, there are just as many who do believe that they do exist, and here’s why…
Arguments Against The Existence Of Cryptids
There are a few reasons why the scientific community in general doesn’t believe cryptids are real. Here are a few of their reasons…
Fun Facts About Cryptids
Lastly, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about cryptids!
- The word “cryptid” was first used by zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans in his book “On the Track of Unknown Animals.”
- There are thousands of different unknown creatures that have been reported all around the world.
- Some creatures are based on real animals that have been extinct for centuries, such as the dodo or the giant ground sloth.
- Other unknown animals are based on mythical creatures, such as unicorns or dragons.
- Cryptozoology is not a recognized scientific discipline, but this hasn’t stopped people from studying it.
- Some scientists believe that cryptids may actually be real, but simply haven’t been discovered yet. After all, until relatively recently, many scientists thought that giant squids and okapi (a giraffe-like animal native to Africa) were just myths. Now we know they are real!
- Bigfoot is probably one of the most famous critters today. But did you know that it is known by different names around the world? For example, in the Himalayas, it is called the Yeti, in Australia, the Yowie, and in the Pacific Northwest, the Sasquatch.
- Despite the name, not all unusual or unknown creatures are necessarily scary or monstrous. Take the shy Jackalope for example. This rabbit is adorned with antlers and some might even say it is cute!
Cryptids are intriguing creatures that remind us of just how big the world truly is and of how many unchartered territories still lie within our own planet waiting to be explored. Whether you believe in cryptids or not, one thing is for sure, the world of these strange and elusive creatures is full of wonder and possibility just waiting for the next cryptid hunter to explore. Could that be you?