#bigfoot — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #bigfoot, aggregated by home.social.
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Mountain Calling "Hiking through the mountains hunting for Bigfoot wasn't her idea of a great time, but a paycheck was a paycheck" Sale: $3.99 to FREE by Janice Whiteaker Rating: 4.4/5 (1,726 Reviews) #romance #paranormal #werewolves #shifters #mountain #bigfoot #smalltown #booksky #books #free
Mountain Calling -
Mountain Calling "Hiking through the mountains hunting for Bigfoot wasn't her idea of a great time, but a paycheck was a paycheck" Sale: $3.99 to FREE by Janice Whiteaker Rating: 4.4/5 (1,726 Reviews) #romance #paranormal #werewolves #shifters #mountain #bigfoot #smalltown #booksky #books #free
Mountain Calling -
Mountain Calling "Hiking through the mountains hunting for Bigfoot wasn't her idea of a great time, but a paycheck was a paycheck" Sale: $3.99 to FREE by Janice Whiteaker Rating: 4.4/5 (1,726 Reviews) #romance #paranormal #werewolves #shifters #mountain #bigfoot #smalltown #booksky #books #free
Mountain Calling -
Mountain Calling "Hiking through the mountains hunting for Bigfoot wasn't her idea of a great time, but a paycheck was a paycheck" Sale: $3.99 to FREE by Janice Whiteaker Rating: 4.4/5 (1,726 Reviews) #romance #paranormal #werewolves #shifters #mountain #bigfoot #smalltown #booksky #books #free
Mountain Calling -
Immer wieder bestaune ich die im Coop oder Migros aufgehängten Inserate.
Immer wieder stolpere ich über Erstaunliches ...
(Das könnte von mir sein ... 😉)
#migros #coop #migroschind #inserat #kleinanzeigen #bigfoot #yeti -
Immer wieder bestaune ich die im Coop oder Migros aufgehängten Inserate.
Immer wieder stolpere ich über Erstaunliches ...
(Das könnte von mir sein ... 😉)
#migros #coop #migroschind #inserat #kleinanzeigen #bigfoot #yeti -
Immer wieder bestaune ich die im Coop oder Migros aufgehängten Inserate.
Immer wieder stolpere ich über Erstaunliches ...
(Das könnte von mir sein ... 😉)
#migros #coop #migroschind #inserat #kleinanzeigen #bigfoot #yeti -
Immer wieder bestaune ich die im Coop oder Migros aufgehängten Inserate.
Immer wieder stolpere ich über Erstaunliches ...
(Das könnte von mir sein ... 😉)
#migros #coop #migroschind #inserat #kleinanzeigen #bigfoot #yeti -
Immer wieder bestaune ich die im Coop oder Migros aufgehängten Inserate.
Immer wieder stolpere ich über Erstaunliches ...
(Das könnte von mir sein ... 😉)
#migros #coop #migroschind #inserat #kleinanzeigen #bigfoot #yeti -
A centaur, but it's a Yeti head-arms-torso on a wooly mammoth body. Move the trunk and tusks to the Yeti head. (Oh, you think that would look silly? That boundary was already crossed.) Don't let it in the house, it sheds an enormous amount, and would accidentally tip over furniture and tear doors loose. It will be fine outside as long as the weather is cold enough. 🦣
#Yeti #Bigfoot #chimera #megafauna -
Bigfoot and the Yeti are legendary humanoid creatures from different cultural backgrounds. The Yeti, found in Himalayan folklore, is a mountain guardian, while Bigfoot, prominent in North American stories, symbolizes nature’s mystery. #bigfoot #yeti https://connectparanormal.net/2024/11/25/bigfoot-vs-yeti-myths-and-cultural-significance/
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#SasquatchTheory has this extraordinary empathic man tell his mind-blowing experiences with sadquatch since he was 7 yrs old.
#GifsArtidote: this is what i listen to at night when i struggle sleeping. positive vibes & the truth, just what my battered mind needs in these apocalyptic times. 🐍🖤🏴
#press #UFOs #UAPs #bigfoot #LandProtectors #EarthGuardians #GreenMan #ForestPeople #ExtendedHumanFamily #WeAreOne 🌏🌎🌍☮️🖤🏴
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#SasquatchTheory has this extraordinary empathic man tell his mind-blowing experiences with sadquatch since he was 7 yrs old.
#GifsArtidote: this is what i listen to at night when i struggle sleeping. positive vibes & the truth, just what my battered mind needs in these apocalyptic times. 🐍🖤🏴
#press #UFOs #UAPs #bigfoot #LandProtectors #EarthGuardians #GreenMan #ForestPeople #ExtendedHumanFamily #WeAreOne 🌏🌎🌍☮️🖤🏴
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#SasquatchTheory has this extraordinary empathic man tell his mind-blowing experiences with sadquatch since he was 7 yrs old.
#GifsArtidote: this is what i listen to at night when i struggle sleeping. positive vibes & the truth, just what my battered mind needs in these apocalyptic times. 🐍🖤🏴
#press #UFOs #UAPs #bigfoot #LandProtectors #EarthGuardians #GreenMan #ForestPeople #ExtendedHumanFamily #WeAreOne 🌏🌎🌍☮️🖤🏴
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#SasquatchTheory has this extraordinary empathic man tell his mind-blowing experiences with sadquatch since he was 7 yrs old.
#GifsArtidote: this is what i listen to at night when i struggle sleeping. positive vibes & the truth, just what my battered mind needs in these apocalyptic times. 🐍🖤🏴
#press #UFOs #UAPs #bigfoot #LandProtectors #EarthGuardians #GreenMan #ForestPeople #ExtendedHumanFamily #WeAreOne 🌏🌎🌍☮️🖤🏴
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Here's a couple more blurry photos. It was about the size of a loaf of banana bread, too big for a rat, nearly the size of a football. The blunt head and lack of a tail are pretty definitive. You can't see in the photos but its tiny eyes gave it an expression like I'd woken it up from a nap. #bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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Here's a couple more blurry photos. It was about the size of a loaf of banana bread, too big for a rat, nearly the size of a football. The blunt head and lack of a tail are pretty definitive. You can't see in the photos but its tiny eyes gave it an expression like I'd woken it up from a nap. #bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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Here's a couple more blurry photos. It was about the size of a loaf of banana bread, too big for a rat, nearly the size of a football. The blunt head and lack of a tail are pretty definitive. You can't see in the photos but its tiny eyes gave it an expression like I'd woken it up from a nap. #bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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Here's a couple more blurry photos. It was about the size of a loaf of banana bread, too big for a rat, nearly the size of a football. The blunt head and lack of a tail are pretty definitive. You can't see in the photos but its tiny eyes gave it an expression like I'd woken it up from a nap. #bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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Here's a couple more blurry photos. It was about the size of a loaf of banana bread, too big for a rat, nearly the size of a football. The blunt head and lack of a tail are pretty definitive. You can't see in the photos but its tiny eyes gave it an expression like I'd woken it up from a nap. #bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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The funny thing is that I didn't see this mountain beaver in any of our vast wilderness areas or national parks. It was in Saltwater State Park in suburban Des Moines Washington! Looking it up online it seems my experience is typical. Although they are fairly common, almost no one ever sees mountain beavers in action. Here's a Seattle Times article with more info. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/the-pacific-northwests-elusive-mountain-beaver/
#bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography -
The funny thing is that I didn't see this mountain beaver in any of our vast wilderness areas or national parks. It was in Saltwater State Park in suburban Des Moines Washington! Looking it up online it seems my experience is typical. Although they are fairly common, almost no one ever sees mountain beavers in action. Here's a Seattle Times article with more info. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/the-pacific-northwests-elusive-mountain-beaver/
#bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography -
The funny thing is that I didn't see this mountain beaver in any of our vast wilderness areas or national parks. It was in Saltwater State Park in suburban Des Moines Washington! Looking it up online it seems my experience is typical. Although they are fairly common, almost no one ever sees mountain beavers in action. Here's a Seattle Times article with more info. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/the-pacific-northwests-elusive-mountain-beaver/
#bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography -
The funny thing is that I didn't see this mountain beaver in any of our vast wilderness areas or national parks. It was in Saltwater State Park in suburban Des Moines Washington! Looking it up online it seems my experience is typical. Although they are fairly common, almost no one ever sees mountain beavers in action. Here's a Seattle Times article with more info. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/the-pacific-northwests-elusive-mountain-beaver/
#bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography -
The funny thing is that I didn't see this mountain beaver in any of our vast wilderness areas or national parks. It was in Saltwater State Park in suburban Des Moines Washington! Looking it up online it seems my experience is typical. Although they are fairly common, almost no one ever sees mountain beavers in action. Here's a Seattle Times article with more info. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/the-pacific-northwests-elusive-mountain-beaver/
#bigfoot #PNW #Washington #cryptid #WildLife #wildlifephotography -
It's not exactly a #bigfoot sighting, but maybe the next closest thing.... I saw a mountain beaver! They're not actually beavers, but a kind of "living fossil" rodent that's found only in the #PNW. I've been been hiking #Washington for literally decades, and known about them for almost that long, but this is the first time I've actually laid eyes on one. And yes like all good #cryptid photos these are blurry. #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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It's not exactly a #bigfoot sighting, but maybe the next closest thing.... I saw a mountain beaver! They're not actually beavers, but a kind of "living fossil" rodent that's found only in the #PNW. I've been been hiking #Washington for literally decades, and known about them for almost that long, but this is the first time I've actually laid eyes on one. And yes like all good #cryptid photos these are blurry. #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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It's not exactly a #bigfoot sighting, but maybe the next closest thing.... I saw a mountain beaver! They're not actually beavers, but a kind of "living fossil" rodent that's found only in the #PNW. I've been been hiking #Washington for literally decades, and known about them for almost that long, but this is the first time I've actually laid eyes on one. And yes like all good #cryptid photos these are blurry. #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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It's not exactly a #bigfoot sighting, but maybe the next closest thing.... I saw a mountain beaver! They're not actually beavers, but a kind of "living fossil" rodent that's found only in the #PNW. I've been been hiking #Washington for literally decades, and known about them for almost that long, but this is the first time I've actually laid eyes on one. And yes like all good #cryptid photos these are blurry. #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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It's not exactly a #bigfoot sighting, but maybe the next closest thing.... I saw a mountain beaver! They're not actually beavers, but a kind of "living fossil" rodent that's found only in the #PNW. I've been been hiking #Washington for literally decades, and known about them for almost that long, but this is the first time I've actually laid eyes on one. And yes like all good #cryptid photos these are blurry. #WildLife #wildlifephotography
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I guess Bigfoot is my neighbor now? 😂
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I guess Bigfoot is my neighbor now? 😂
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I guess Bigfoot is my neighbor now? 😂
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I guess Bigfoot is my neighbor now? 😂
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Witness accounts frequently mention a connection between Bigfoot and caves, which has become a significant part of Sasquatch research. #bigfoot #caves https://bigfootbeat.blog/post/813231621899681792/bigfoots-secret-underground-world-revealed
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NEW EPISODE: Mark Tufo does it again, & doubles down on the apocalypse, in this sequel that's worth reading for any of his fans. Check out my experience with Devils Desk 2! #apocalypse #yeti #bigfoot #sff https://youtu.be/eRcmU0BzLWQ
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The intertwining of Mormon theology and Bigfoot lore has created a distinctive folklore that reflects cultural adaptations and beliefs. Bigfoot is often linked to the biblical character Cain. #bigfoot #mormon #cain https://connectparanormal.net/2025/03/05/mormon-bigfoot-the-connection-to-cain/
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The intertwining of Mormon theology and Bigfoot lore has created a distinctive folklore that reflects cultural adaptations and beliefs. Bigfoot is often linked to the biblical character Cain. #bigfoot #mormon #cain https://connectparanormal.net/2025/03/05/mormon-bigfoot-the-connection-to-cain/
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The intertwining of Mormon theology and Bigfoot lore has created a distinctive folklore that reflects cultural adaptations and beliefs. Bigfoot is often linked to the biblical character Cain. #bigfoot #mormon #cain https://connectparanormal.net/2025/03/05/mormon-bigfoot-the-connection-to-cain/
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another thing adding to all the other hidden, secretive events happening everywhere is #bigfoot / #sasquatch / #dogman but together with #orbs & #paranormal activity it's fucking unbelievable right?
this dude analyses & discusses it all- the sheer amount of genuine sightings, photos & other (recent) evidence is so overwhelming, at what point do you call it #truth?
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another thing adding to all the other hidden, secretive events happening everywhere is #bigfoot / #sasquatch / #dogman but together with #orbs & #paranormal activity it's fucking unbelievable right?
this dude analyses & discusses it all- the sheer amount of genuine sightings, photos & other (recent) evidence is so overwhelming, at what point do you call it #truth?
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another thing adding to all the other hidden, secretive events happening everywhere is #bigfoot / #sasquatch / #dogman but together with #orbs & #paranormal activity it's fucking unbelievable right?
this dude analyses & discusses it all- the sheer amount of genuine sightings, photos & other (recent) evidence is so overwhelming, at what point do you call it #truth?
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another thing adding to all the other hidden, secretive events happening everywhere is #bigfoot / #sasquatch / #dogman but together with #orbs & #paranormal activity it's fucking unbelievable right?
this dude analyses & discusses it all- the sheer amount of genuine sightings, photos & other (recent) evidence is so overwhelming, at what point do you call it #truth?
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World UFO Day.
#ufos #ufo #aliens #alien #ufology #ufosighting #extraterrestrial #ufologia #ovnis #ovni #area #ufosightings #ancientaliens #aliensarereal #space #extraterrestrials #paranormal #alienabduction #ufofiles #uap #extraterrestre #universe #nasa #extraterrestres #ghosts #flyingsaucer #ufohunter #et #bigfoot #roswell
https://itsmostamazingindia.wordpress.com/2025/07/02/world-ufo-day/
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Pop Cryptid Spectator 17
Hello everyone. Welcome to the 17th issue of Pop Cryptid Spectator featuring cryptids in mainstream popular culture.
As I scroll through news feeds, I keep an eye out for examples of pop cryptids. They are NOT hidden, they are ubiquitous, making their appearance known every day in movies, TV, games, social media, folk culture, and consumer culture. I’ve collected more examples over the past few weeks. I’ll never be short of them!
In this edition:
- Bear Lake monster marker
- Join the cryptid crawl
- Cryptids as sports icons
- New York Times Monster Quest Strands puzzle
- Blue Ridge Hunting game features Appalachian cryptids
- Seeking Mothgirl
- Another fake Bigfoot promo video
- Nessie Quest 2025 is a bust
Bear Lake monster marker
A Utah State University student headed a project to give Bear Lake its own official cryptid commemorative sign. The Bear Lake monster, a typical Nessie-like creature legend common to dozens of lakes in North America, is the subject of Utah’s first “Legends & Lore” sign. According to the USU press on the unveiling of the sign, the modern legend began in 1868, when Joseph C. Rich, a local Mormon writer, popularized a tale that was likely adapted from Shoshone oral traditions via a letter to the Deseret News. Rich later admitted that the story was fiction, but that never stood in the way of a good monster story. The co-opting of a Native legend of a spirit animal to fuel a story about a potentially dangerous lake creature is a ploy used over and over again. The older legends add credibility, but are used without proper context. The newly revamped tale catches on.
People will see what they believe. The Bear Lake monster’s disparate descriptions range from sea serpent-like, to resembling plesiosaurs, mosasaurs, crocodiles, or large fish. It’s clearly imaginary, which actually gives it limitless flexibility in the current culture.
Certain lakes are particularly prone to reports of lake monsters thanks to a combination of popular cultural depictions and wakes on the lake that are mistaken for humped creatures. The surfacing of large fish or the occasional swimming mammal will also do wonders to propel the legend. The USU write-up was clear that there is no real undiscovered animal in the lake; instead, the sign celebrates the value of community that is evident in their beloved shared story of the monster. Melissa Anderson, the grad student who won the grant to erect the sign, expressed this very pop cryptid sentiment:
“Whether the story of the Bear Lake Monster is true or not, there’s truth in its impact, which is really awesome,” Anderson said. “And I think monsters are fun.”
Join the cryptid crawl
In PCS 16, I mentioned a cryptid crawl taking place in Ohio. Up popped another one in Lancaster, PA! The Tales from the Shadows weekend event features cryptid and paranormal activities in the downtown area aimed at families and in support of small businesses. The cryptid crawl features popular legendary creatures included Pennsylvania’s own Squonk, a top pop cryptid these days. The crawl encourages participants to visit locations around town to collect stickers and, when complete, to receive a commemorative prize. Look for this type of community event to catch on.
Cryptids as sports icons
In PCS 4 and 5, I linked to the saga of the Utah Hockey Club trying and failing to obtain the name “Yetis” for their team. There are many North American sports teams that use cryptids as team names or as their mascots. Check out this article I wrote back in 2024 with several examples and some background on why cryptids are so popular in this role. I recently updated the article with the addition of a football club from Texas called the Chupacabras. Of course, there is an awesome logo!
New York Times Monster Quest Strands puzzle
Forteans and cryptid fans rejoiced on June 4 as the NYT “strands” puzzle featured a cryptid theme. What a stellar example of how cryptids have hit the mainstream! “Cryptids” was the “spangram” word.
Blue Ridge Hunting game features Appalachian cryptids
A new 3D graphics video game joins a growing list of games that invoke Appalachian folk horror as a theme for an immersive and spooky experience. The Blue Ridge Hunting game uses the trope about seeing something in the woods, but no one believes you or doesn’t want to hear about it. (“No, you didn’t.”) While you aim to hunt the monsters, they are hunting you. So, don’t be too noisy….
Blue Ridge Hunting allows you to team up with your friends to investigate some of the most infamous cryptids said to haunt the Appalachian region. Players can utilize various tools to collect evidence and track down creatures. Income from successful hunts can be invested in new equipment – but be careful! Creatures are always listening and looking; utilize proximity voice chat and your radio for communication, but be careful not to attract too much attention…
In a way, I rather like that idea. People walking in the woods need to stop talking so loudly, hooting and hollering. Just listen, you may hear something.
Seeking Mothgirl
Are you getting the gist that cryptids are huge in gaming? If you don’t like camo-wearing, gun-wielding games, you might enjoy Lost Records: Bloom & Rage where you go looking for the Moth Girl via a theme within the game called Capturing the Cryptid. The Moth Girl cryptid is a cutified version of Mothman. Various versions of a “moth girl” can be found in art, cosplay, and fiction. Cute versions of cryptids are a predominant theme of pop cryptids.
Another fake Bigfoot promo video
It’s a thing, now, for outdoor companies in the US west to stage “Bigfoot” sightings for tourism promotion. Sometimes they do it live for tourists passing by. Other times, they stage a cheap stunt for social media promotion. That’s what was done in late May for Colorado River Expeditions. They put someone in the standard Bigfoot suit:
And made them pose for the camera. See for yourself in this video by ParaBreakdown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mtGC1Ymjn4
Nessie Quest 2025 is a bust
The annual Nessie Quest weekend in May, bringing hundreds of people together in person and online to search for the mystery cryptid, turned up zero evidence this year. It seems a bit silly after all these decades to keep trying to find scientific evidence when Nessie is obviously far more valuable as a legend. But the event is a good ploy for people to play pretend scientists. This year, there wasn’t even blurry footage of waves to speculate about. The best that the news media could find was an image of a pike eyeing some bait. The Glasgow media spun this in the most optimistic light possible by saying “experts hunters” (how can you be an expert if you’ve never gotten a creature?!) say the large fish would serve as food for a large predator. Sure, sure.
Thanks for reading! Send comments, questions, or suggestions to sharon(at)sharonahill.com. If you want to send some cryptid plushies or other merch, or books to review, email for my physical mailing address.
For more, click on Pop goes the Cryptid landing page. Make sure you subscribe to all the posts – it’s always free and I don’t send annoying spam.
Pop Cryptid Spectator is also available on Substack. Please share this with cryptid fans you know!
Pop Cryptid Spectator Pop Cryptid Spectator 16Pop Cryptid Spectator 15
Pop Cryptid Spectator 14
Pop Cryptid Spectator 13
Pop Cryptid Spectator 12
Pop Cryptid Spectator 11
#AICryptids #cryptids #cryptidtiktok #folklore #hoax #LochNessMonster #Nessie #nightmarefuel #TheSasqualogist #VeggieMan #WestVirginia
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Pop Cryptid Spectator 17
Hello everyone. Welcome to the 17th issue of Pop Cryptid Spectator featuring cryptids in mainstream popular culture.
As I scroll through news feeds, I keep an eye out for examples of pop cryptids. They are NOT hidden, they are ubiquitous, making their appearance known every day in movies, TV, games, social media, folk culture, and consumer culture. I’ve collected more examples over the past few weeks. I’ll never be short of them!
In this edition:
- Bear Lake monster marker
- Join the cryptid crawl
- Cryptids as sports icons
- New York Times Monster Quest Strands puzzle
- Blue Ridge Hunting game features Appalachian cryptids
- Seeking Mothgirl
- Another fake Bigfoot promo video
- Nessie Quest 2025 is a bust
Bear Lake monster marker
A Utah State University student headed a project to give Bear Lake its own official cryptid commemorative sign. The Bear Lake monster, a typical Nessie-like creature legend common to dozens of lakes in North America, is the subject of Utah’s first “Legends & Lore” sign. According to the USU press on the unveiling of the sign, the modern legend began in 1868, when Joseph C. Rich, a local Mormon writer, popularized a tale that was likely adapted from Shoshone oral traditions via a letter to the Deseret News. Rich later admitted that the story was fiction, but that never stood in the way of a good monster story. The co-opting of a Native legend of a spirit animal to fuel a story about a potentially dangerous lake creature is a ploy used over and over again. The older legends add credibility, but are used without proper context. The newly revamped tale catches on.
People will see what they believe. The Bear Lake monster’s disparate descriptions range from sea serpent-like, to resembling plesiosaurs, mosasaurs, crocodiles, or large fish. It’s clearly imaginary, which actually gives it limitless flexibility in the current culture.
Certain lakes are particularly prone to reports of lake monsters thanks to a combination of popular cultural depictions and wakes on the lake that are mistaken for humped creatures. The surfacing of large fish or the occasional swimming mammal will also do wonders to propel the legend. The USU write-up was clear that there is no real undiscovered animal in the lake; instead, the sign celebrates the value of community that is evident in their beloved shared story of the monster. Melissa Anderson, the grad student who won the grant to erect the sign, expressed this very pop cryptid sentiment:
“Whether the story of the Bear Lake Monster is true or not, there’s truth in its impact, which is really awesome,” Anderson said. “And I think monsters are fun.”
Join the cryptid crawl
In PCS 16, I mentioned a cryptid crawl taking place in Ohio. Up popped another one in Lancaster, PA! The Tales from the Shadows weekend event features cryptid and paranormal activities in the downtown area aimed at families and in support of small businesses. The cryptid crawl features popular legendary creatures included Pennsylvania’s own Squonk, a top pop cryptid these days. The crawl encourages participants to visit locations around town to collect stickers and, when complete, to receive a commemorative prize. Look for this type of community event to catch on.
Cryptids as sports icons
In PCS 4 and 5, I linked to the saga of the Utah Hockey Club trying and failing to obtain the name “Yetis” for their team. There are many North American sports teams that use cryptids as team names or as their mascots. Check out this article I wrote back in 2024 with several examples and some background on why cryptids are so popular in this role. I recently updated the article with the addition of a football club from Texas called the Chupacabras. Of course, there is an awesome logo!
New York Times Monster Quest Strands puzzle
Forteans and cryptid fans rejoiced on June 4 as the NYT “strands” puzzle featured a cryptid theme. What a stellar example of how cryptids have hit the mainstream! “Cryptids” was the “spangram” word.
Blue Ridge Hunting game features Appalachian cryptids
A new 3D graphics video game joins a growing list of games that invoke Appalachian folk horror as a theme for an immersive and spooky experience. The Blue Ridge Hunting game uses the trope about seeing something in the woods, but no one believes you or doesn’t want to hear about it. (“No, you didn’t.”) While you aim to hunt the monsters, they are hunting you. So, don’t be too noisy….
Blue Ridge Hunting allows you to team up with your friends to investigate some of the most infamous cryptids said to haunt the Appalachian region. Players can utilize various tools to collect evidence and track down creatures. Income from successful hunts can be invested in new equipment – but be careful! Creatures are always listening and looking; utilize proximity voice chat and your radio for communication, but be careful not to attract too much attention…
In a way, I rather like that idea. People walking in the woods need to stop talking so loudly, hooting and hollering. Just listen, you may hear something.
Seeking Mothgirl
Are you getting the gist that cryptids are huge in gaming? If you don’t like camo-wearing, gun-wielding games, you might enjoy Lost Records: Bloom & Rage where you go looking for the Moth Girl via a theme within the game called Capturing the Cryptid. The Moth Girl cryptid is a cutified version of Mothman. Various versions of a “moth girl” can be found in art, cosplay, and fiction. Cute versions of cryptids are a predominant theme of pop cryptids.
Another fake Bigfoot promo video
It’s a thing, now, for outdoor companies in the US west to stage “Bigfoot” sightings for tourism promotion. Sometimes they do it live for tourists passing by. Other times, they stage a cheap stunt for social media promotion. That’s what was done in late May for Colorado River Expeditions. They put someone in the standard Bigfoot suit:
And made them pose for the camera. See for yourself in this video by ParaBreakdown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mtGC1Ymjn4
Nessie Quest 2025 is a bust
The annual Nessie Quest weekend in May, bringing hundreds of people together in person and online to search for the mystery cryptid, turned up zero evidence this year. It seems a bit silly after all these decades to keep trying to find scientific evidence when Nessie is obviously far more valuable as a legend. But the event is a good ploy for people to play pretend scientists. This year, there wasn’t even blurry footage of waves to speculate about. The best that the news media could find was an image of a pike eyeing some bait. The Glasgow media spun this in the most optimistic light possible by saying “experts hunters” (how can you be an expert if you’ve never gotten a creature?!) say the large fish would serve as food for a large predator. Sure, sure.
Thanks for reading! Send comments, questions, or suggestions to sharon(at)sharonahill.com. If you want to send some cryptid plushies or other merch, or books to review, email for my physical mailing address.
For more, click on Pop goes the Cryptid landing page. Make sure you subscribe to all the posts – it’s always free and I don’t send annoying spam.
Pop Cryptid Spectator is also available on Substack. Please share this with cryptid fans you know!
Pop Cryptid Spectator Pop Cryptid Spectator 16Pop Cryptid Spectator 15
Pop Cryptid Spectator 14
Pop Cryptid Spectator 13
Pop Cryptid Spectator 12
Pop Cryptid Spectator 11
#AICryptids #cryptids #cryptidtiktok #folklore #hoax #LochNessMonster #Nessie #nightmarefuel #TheSasqualogist #VeggieMan #WestVirginia
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Pop Cryptid Spectator 17
Hello everyone. Welcome to the 17th issue of Pop Cryptid Spectator featuring cryptids in mainstream popular culture.
As I scroll through news feeds, I keep an eye out for examples of pop cryptids. They are NOT hidden, they are ubiquitous, making their appearance known every day in movies, TV, games, social media, folk culture, and consumer culture. I’ve collected more examples over the past few weeks. I’ll never be short of them!
In this edition:
- Bear Lake monster marker
- Join the cryptid crawl
- Cryptids as sports icons
- New York Times Monster Quest Strands puzzle
- Blue Ridge Hunting game features Appalachian cryptids
- Seeking Mothgirl
- Another fake Bigfoot promo video
- Nessie Quest 2025 is a bust
Bear Lake monster marker
A Utah State University student headed a project to give Bear Lake its own official cryptid commemorative sign. The Bear Lake monster, a typical Nessie-like creature legend common to dozens of lakes in North America, is the subject of Utah’s first “Legends & Lore” sign. According to the USU press on the unveiling of the sign, the modern legend began in 1868, when Joseph C. Rich, a local Mormon writer, popularized a tale that was likely adapted from Shoshone oral traditions via a letter to the Deseret News. Rich later admitted that the story was fiction, but that never stood in the way of a good monster story. The co-opting of a Native legend of a spirit animal to fuel a story about a potentially dangerous lake creature is a ploy used over and over again. The older legends add credibility, but are used without proper context. The newly revamped tale catches on.
People will see what they believe. The Bear Lake monster’s disparate descriptions range from sea serpent-like, to resembling plesiosaurs, mosasaurs, crocodiles, or large fish. It’s clearly imaginary, which actually gives it limitless flexibility in the current culture.
Certain lakes are particularly prone to reports of lake monsters thanks to a combination of popular cultural depictions and wakes on the lake that are mistaken for humped creatures. The surfacing of large fish or the occasional swimming mammal will also do wonders to propel the legend. The USU write-up was clear that there is no real undiscovered animal in the lake; instead, the sign celebrates the value of community that is evident in their beloved shared story of the monster. Melissa Anderson, the grad student who won the grant to erect the sign, expressed this very pop cryptid sentiment:
“Whether the story of the Bear Lake Monster is true or not, there’s truth in its impact, which is really awesome,” Anderson said. “And I think monsters are fun.”
Join the cryptid crawl
In PCS 16, I mentioned a cryptid crawl taking place in Ohio. Up popped another one in Lancaster, PA! The Tales from the Shadows weekend event features cryptid and paranormal activities in the downtown area aimed at families and in support of small businesses. The cryptid crawl features popular legendary creatures included Pennsylvania’s own Squonk, a top pop cryptid these days. The crawl encourages participants to visit locations around town to collect stickers and, when complete, to receive a commemorative prize. Look for this type of community event to catch on.
Cryptids as sports icons
In PCS 4 and 5, I linked to the saga of the Utah Hockey Club trying and failing to obtain the name “Yetis” for their team. There are many North American sports teams that use cryptids as team names or as their mascots. Check out this article I wrote back in 2024 with several examples and some background on why cryptids are so popular in this role. I recently updated the article with the addition of a football club from Texas called the Chupacabras. Of course, there is an awesome logo!
New York Times Monster Quest Strands puzzle
Forteans and cryptid fans rejoiced on June 4 as the NYT “strands” puzzle featured a cryptid theme. What a stellar example of how cryptids have hit the mainstream! “Cryptids” was the “spangram” word.
Blue Ridge Hunting game features Appalachian cryptids
A new 3D graphics video game joins a growing list of games that invoke Appalachian folk horror as a theme for an immersive and spooky experience. The Blue Ridge Hunting game uses the trope about seeing something in the woods, but no one believes you or doesn’t want to hear about it. (“No, you didn’t.”) While you aim to hunt the monsters, they are hunting you. So, don’t be too noisy….
Blue Ridge Hunting allows you to team up with your friends to investigate some of the most infamous cryptids said to haunt the Appalachian region. Players can utilize various tools to collect evidence and track down creatures. Income from successful hunts can be invested in new equipment – but be careful! Creatures are always listening and looking; utilize proximity voice chat and your radio for communication, but be careful not to attract too much attention…
In a way, I rather like that idea. People walking in the woods need to stop talking so loudly, hooting and hollering. Just listen, you may hear something.
Seeking Mothgirl
Are you getting the gist that cryptids are huge in gaming? If you don’t like camo-wearing, gun-wielding games, you might enjoy Lost Records: Bloom & Rage where you go looking for the Moth Girl via a theme within the game called Capturing the Cryptid. The Moth Girl cryptid is a cutified version of Mothman. Various versions of a “moth girl” can be found in art, cosplay, and fiction. Cute versions of cryptids are a predominant theme of pop cryptids.
Another fake Bigfoot promo video
It’s a thing, now, for outdoor companies in the US west to stage “Bigfoot” sightings for tourism promotion. Sometimes they do it live for tourists passing by. Other times, they stage a cheap stunt for social media promotion. That’s what was done in late May for Colorado River Expeditions. They put someone in the standard Bigfoot suit:
And made them pose for the camera. See for yourself in this video by ParaBreakdown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mtGC1Ymjn4
Nessie Quest 2025 is a bust
The annual Nessie Quest weekend in May, bringing hundreds of people together in person and online to search for the mystery cryptid, turned up zero evidence this year. It seems a bit silly after all these decades to keep trying to find scientific evidence when Nessie is obviously far more valuable as a legend. But the event is a good ploy for people to play pretend scientists. This year, there wasn’t even blurry footage of waves to speculate about. The best that the news media could find was an image of a pike eyeing some bait. The Glasgow media spun this in the most optimistic light possible by saying “experts hunters” (how can you be an expert if you’ve never gotten a creature?!) say the large fish would serve as food for a large predator. Sure, sure.
Thanks for reading! Send comments, questions, or suggestions to sharon(at)sharonahill.com. If you want to send some cryptid plushies or other merch, or books to review, email for my physical mailing address.
For more, click on Pop goes the Cryptid landing page. Make sure you subscribe to all the posts – it’s always free and I don’t send annoying spam.
Pop Cryptid Spectator is also available on Substack. Please share this with cryptid fans you know!
Pop Cryptid Spectator Pop Cryptid Spectator 16Pop Cryptid Spectator 15
Pop Cryptid Spectator 14
Pop Cryptid Spectator 13
Pop Cryptid Spectator 12
Pop Cryptid Spectator 11
#AICryptids #cryptids #cryptidtiktok #folklore #hoax #LochNessMonster #Nessie #nightmarefuel #TheSasqualogist #VeggieMan #WestVirginia
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Pop Cryptid Spectator 17
Hello everyone. Welcome to the 17th issue of Pop Cryptid Spectator featuring cryptids in mainstream popular culture.
As I scroll through news feeds, I keep an eye out for examples of pop cryptids. They are NOT hidden, they are ubiquitous, making their appearance known every day in movies, TV, games, social media, folk culture, and consumer culture. I’ve collected more examples over the past few weeks. I’ll never be short of them!
In this edition:
- Bear Lake monster marker
- Join the cryptid crawl
- Cryptids as sports icons
- New York Times Monster Quest Strands puzzle
- Blue Ridge Hunting game features Appalachian cryptids
- Seeking Mothgirl
- Another fake Bigfoot promo video
- Nessie Quest 2025 is a bust
Bear Lake monster marker
A Utah State University student headed a project to give Bear Lake its own official cryptid commemorative sign. The Bear Lake monster, a typical Nessie-like creature legend common to dozens of lakes in North America, is the subject of Utah’s first “Legends & Lore” sign. According to the USU press on the unveiling of the sign, the modern legend began in 1868, when Joseph C. Rich, a local Mormon writer, popularized a tale that was likely adapted from Shoshone oral traditions via a letter to the Deseret News. Rich later admitted that the story was fiction, but that never stood in the way of a good monster story. The co-opting of a Native legend of a spirit animal to fuel a story about a potentially dangerous lake creature is a ploy used over and over again. The older legends add credibility, but are used without proper context. The newly revamped tale catches on.
People will see what they believe. The Bear Lake monster’s disparate descriptions range from sea serpent-like, to resembling plesiosaurs, mosasaurs, crocodiles, or large fish. It’s clearly imaginary, which actually gives it limitless flexibility in the current culture.
Certain lakes are particularly prone to reports of lake monsters thanks to a combination of popular cultural depictions and wakes on the lake that are mistaken for humped creatures. The surfacing of large fish or the occasional swimming mammal will also do wonders to propel the legend. The USU write-up was clear that there is no real undiscovered animal in the lake; instead, the sign celebrates the value of community that is evident in their beloved shared story of the monster. Melissa Anderson, the grad student who won the grant to erect the sign, expressed this very pop cryptid sentiment:
“Whether the story of the Bear Lake Monster is true or not, there’s truth in its impact, which is really awesome,” Anderson said. “And I think monsters are fun.”
Join the cryptid crawl
In PCS 16, I mentioned a cryptid crawl taking place in Ohio. Up popped another one in Lancaster, PA! The Tales from the Shadows weekend event features cryptid and paranormal activities in the downtown area aimed at families and in support of small businesses. The cryptid crawl features popular legendary creatures included Pennsylvania’s own Squonk, a top pop cryptid these days. The crawl encourages participants to visit locations around town to collect stickers and, when complete, to receive a commemorative prize. Look for this type of community event to catch on.
Cryptids as sports icons
In PCS 4 and 5, I linked to the saga of the Utah Hockey Club trying and failing to obtain the name “Yetis” for their team. There are many North American sports teams that use cryptids as team names or as their mascots. Check out this article I wrote back in 2024 with several examples and some background on why cryptids are so popular in this role. I recently updated the article with the addition of a football club from Texas called the Chupacabras. Of course, there is an awesome logo!
New York Times Monster Quest Strands puzzle
Forteans and cryptid fans rejoiced on June 4 as the NYT “strands” puzzle featured a cryptid theme. What a stellar example of how cryptids have hit the mainstream! “Cryptids” was the “spangram” word.
Blue Ridge Hunting game features Appalachian cryptids
A new 3D graphics video game joins a growing list of games that invoke Appalachian folk horror as a theme for an immersive and spooky experience. The Blue Ridge Hunting game uses the trope about seeing something in the woods, but no one believes you or doesn’t want to hear about it. (“No, you didn’t.”) While you aim to hunt the monsters, they are hunting you. So, don’t be too noisy….
Blue Ridge Hunting allows you to team up with your friends to investigate some of the most infamous cryptids said to haunt the Appalachian region. Players can utilize various tools to collect evidence and track down creatures. Income from successful hunts can be invested in new equipment – but be careful! Creatures are always listening and looking; utilize proximity voice chat and your radio for communication, but be careful not to attract too much attention…
In a way, I rather like that idea. People walking in the woods need to stop talking so loudly, hooting and hollering. Just listen, you may hear something.
Seeking Mothgirl
Are you getting the gist that cryptids are huge in gaming? If you don’t like camo-wearing, gun-wielding games, you might enjoy Lost Records: Bloom & Rage where you go looking for the Moth Girl via a theme within the game called Capturing the Cryptid. The Moth Girl cryptid is a cutified version of Mothman. Various versions of a “moth girl” can be found in art, cosplay, and fiction. Cute versions of cryptids are a predominant theme of pop cryptids.
Another fake Bigfoot promo video
It’s a thing, now, for outdoor companies in the US west to stage “Bigfoot” sightings for tourism promotion. Sometimes they do it live for tourists passing by. Other times, they stage a cheap stunt for social media promotion. That’s what was done in late May for Colorado River Expeditions. They put someone in the standard Bigfoot suit:
And made them pose for the camera. See for yourself in this video by ParaBreakdown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mtGC1Ymjn4
Nessie Quest 2025 is a bust
The annual Nessie Quest weekend in May, bringing hundreds of people together in person and online to search for the mystery cryptid, turned up zero evidence this year. It seems a bit silly after all these decades to keep trying to find scientific evidence when Nessie is obviously far more valuable as a legend. But the event is a good ploy for people to play pretend scientists. This year, there wasn’t even blurry footage of waves to speculate about. The best that the news media could find was an image of a pike eyeing some bait. The Glasgow media spun this in the most optimistic light possible by saying “experts hunters” (how can you be an expert if you’ve never gotten a creature?!) say the large fish would serve as food for a large predator. Sure, sure.
Thanks for reading! Send comments, questions, or suggestions to sharon(at)sharonahill.com. If you want to send some cryptid plushies or other merch, or books to review, email for my physical mailing address.
For more, click on Pop goes the Cryptid landing page. Make sure you subscribe to all the posts – it’s always free and I don’t send annoying spam.
Pop Cryptid Spectator is also available on Substack. Please share this with cryptid fans you know!
Pop Cryptid Spectator Pop Cryptid Spectator 16Pop Cryptid Spectator 15
Pop Cryptid Spectator 14
Pop Cryptid Spectator 13
Pop Cryptid Spectator 12
Pop Cryptid Spectator 11
#AICryptids #cryptids #cryptidtiktok #folklore #hoax #LochNessMonster #Nessie #nightmarefuel #TheSasqualogist #VeggieMan #WestVirginia