#lochness — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #lochness, aggregated by home.social.
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Brodie has been on holiday. He went swimming every day. Fox Red Labradors possess a range of physical characteristics that make them exceptional swimmers. Their double-layered coat provides insulation and buoyancy, allowing them to stay afloat effortlessly. The outer coat is water-resistant, while the dense undercoat helps to maintain body temperature, even in cold waters.
Brodie has always been confident in the water
#dogsofmastodon #labradorretriever #lochness #scotland #holiday
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Brodie has been on holiday. He went swimming every day. Fox Red Labradors possess a range of physical characteristics that make them exceptional swimmers. Their double-layered coat provides insulation and buoyancy, allowing them to stay afloat effortlessly. The outer coat is water-resistant, while the dense undercoat helps to maintain body temperature, even in cold waters.
Brodie has always been confident in the water
#dogsofmastodon #labradorretriever #lochness #scotland #holiday
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Brodie has been on holiday. He went swimming every day. Fox Red Labradors possess a range of physical characteristics that make them exceptional swimmers. Their double-layered coat provides insulation and buoyancy, allowing them to stay afloat effortlessly. The outer coat is water-resistant, while the dense undercoat helps to maintain body temperature, even in cold waters.
Brodie has always been confident in the water
#dogsofmastodon #labradorretriever #lochness #scotland #holiday
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Brodie has been on holiday. He went swimming every day. Fox Red Labradors possess a range of physical characteristics that make them exceptional swimmers. Their double-layered coat provides insulation and buoyancy, allowing them to stay afloat effortlessly. The outer coat is water-resistant, while the dense undercoat helps to maintain body temperature, even in cold waters.
Brodie has always been confident in the water
#dogsofmastodon #labradorretriever #lochness #scotland #holiday
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Brodie has been on holiday. He went swimming every day. Fox Red Labradors possess a range of physical characteristics that make them exceptional swimmers. Their double-layered coat provides insulation and buoyancy, allowing them to stay afloat effortlessly. The outer coat is water-resistant, while the dense undercoat helps to maintain body temperature, even in cold waters.
Brodie has always been confident in the water
#dogsofmastodon #labradorretriever #lochness #scotland #holiday
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“Thou shalt go no further, nor touch the man; go back with all speed”
The first recorded sighting of a monster connected to Loch Ness is given in Adomnán’s VITA COLUMBÆ (“Life of St Columba”, c.7th/8th century CE). St Columba sends it packing
3/4
https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/basis/columba-e.asp
#Scottish #history #LochNess #LochNessMonster #StColumba #saint
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“Thou shalt go no further, nor touch the man; go back with all speed”
The first recorded sighting of a monster connected to Loch Ness is given in Adomnán’s VITA COLUMBÆ (“Life of St Columba”, c.7th/8th century CE). St Columba sends it packing
3/4
https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/basis/columba-e.asp
#Scottish #history #LochNess #LochNessMonster #StColumba #saint
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A busca pelo Monstro do Loch Ness reuniu entusiastas e pesquisadores de várias partes do mundo neste fim de semana. O evento, que se tornou uma tradição anual, tem como objetivo investigar a possível presença do enigmático ser aquático que habita o famoso lago escocês.
🔗 https://insoniaoculta.com.br/2026/06/caca-ao-monstro-do-loch-ness-2026.html
#monstrolochness #cacaaomonstro #lochness #pesquisadores #eventos2026
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Uma turista americana, Sara Gubicza, relatou ter visto uma nadadeira emergindo das águas de Loch Ness, na Escócia, em 21 de abril de 2026, reavivando o interesse na lenda do monstro do lago.
🔗 https://insoniaoculta.com.br/2026/05/avistamento-nadador-loch-ness.html
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A cage optimistically built in 1933 to catch the Loch Ness Monster. I'd love to say they found the bars torn asunder, but I don't think any of the monster hunters caught anything worse than a cold. #Fortean #cryptozoology #monsters #LochNess #Nessie
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Singapore was a relatively early adopter of DAB radio (in 1999). It stopped using DAB in late 2011, having never widely using DAB+
I say "widely" ... in early 2007 there was a regional test of DAB+. The only thing transmitted was the theme tune to the 1984 British cartoon "The Family-Ness", on loop, for nearly 4 days, along with still images from the title sequence as the station image.
I have no evidence for this (lucky for me!)
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Singapore was a relatively early adopter of DAB radio (in 1999). It stopped using DAB in late 2011, having never widely using DAB+
I say "widely" ... in early 2007 there was a regional test of DAB+. The only thing transmitted was the theme tune to the 1984 British cartoon "The Family-Ness", on loop, for nearly 4 days, along with still images from the title sequence as the station image.
I have no evidence for this (lucky for me!)
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https://www.europesays.com/uk/876435/ The 167-mile road starting in bustling city centre considered the most beautiful in Scotland #ArgyllAndBute #BonnieScotland #Britain #Glasgow #Glencoe #GreatBritain #Highlands #LochLomond #LochNess #Lochs #Perthshire #Scotland #ScottishMountains #Travel #UK #UnitedKingdom #WestDunbartonshire
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Perched on the banks of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, Urquhart Castle offers sweeping lake views framed by rugged hills and dense forests. The historic ruins, rich in tales of clans and battles, evoke the region’s turbulent medieval past. A Scottish flag flutters proudly above the stone walls, enhancing the charm for those drawn to #UrquhartCastle and #HistoricRuins. Surrounded by serene waters and vast green landscapes, the spot is a favourite for #NaturePhotography and a must-see highlight of #ScottishHighlands exploration.
Taken Sep 2009
#UKCountryPic #Photography #MastoGPT #UrquhartCastle #ScottishHighlands #NaturePhotography #HistoricRuins #LakeView #LochNess #Inverness #Scotland #UnitedKingdom
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Perched on the banks of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, Urquhart Castle offers sweeping lake views framed by rugged hills and dense forests. The historic ruins, rich in tales of clans and battles, evoke the region’s turbulent medieval past. A Scottish flag flutters proudly above the stone walls, enhancing the charm for those drawn to #UrquhartCastle and #HistoricRuins. Surrounded by serene waters and vast green landscapes, the spot is a favourite for #NaturePhotography and a must-see highlight of #ScottishHighlands exploration.
Taken Sep 2009
#UKCountryPic #Photography #MastoGPT #UrquhartCastle #ScottishHighlands #NaturePhotography #HistoricRuins #LakeView #LochNess #Inverness #Scotland #UnitedKingdom
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@Natasha_Jay Hey, look, it's Nessie!
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@Natasha_Jay Hey, look, it's Nessie!
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Loch Ness Monster camera restored by Repair Shop experts
#Vintage #camera once used to hunt the #LochNess #Monster has been restored after spending more than 50 years on the #loch’s bed.
The camera was developed in the 1970s by Professor Roy Mackal of the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau and is believed to be the first purpose-built device designed specifically for the task of locating and photographing #Nessie.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25821250.loch-ness-monster-camera-restored-repair-shop-experts/
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Loch Ness Monster camera restored by Repair Shop experts
#Vintage #camera once used to hunt the #LochNess #Monster has been restored after spending more than 50 years on the #loch’s bed.
The camera was developed in the 1970s by Professor Roy Mackal of the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau and is believed to be the first purpose-built device designed specifically for the task of locating and photographing #Nessie.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25821250.loch-ness-monster-camera-restored-repair-shop-experts/
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Most renowned loch
#photography #ipernity #darktable #nature #landscape #sky #dusk #lake #Scotland #LochNess #Dores
Exif and more:
https://www.ipernity.com/doc/geobert/53126544 -
Scottish city named ‘best place to visit’ in January — not Edinburgh or Glasgow
The city is “perfect for nature lovers” looking for a January getaway. 12:44, 12 Jan 2026Updated 08:58, 14…
#Edinburgh #UnitedKingdom #UK #GB #Scotland #Headlines #News #Europe #EU #Aberdeen #Britain #FortWilliam #GreatBritain #LochNess #Travel
https://www.europesays.com/uk/696479/ -
https://www.europesays.com/uk/696479/ Scottish city named ‘best place to visit’ in January — not Edinburgh or Glasgow #Aberdeen #Britain #Edinburgh #FortWilliam #GreatBritain #LochNess #Scotland #Travel #UK #UnitedKingdom
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Never mind a mythical monster, get your Keekypops on this #MorrisMarina ! Probably the best car in the wold. We stock engine bay stickers for them here > http://miniphernalia.co.uk #Lochness
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Ciao Mondo.
Cioé in passato ho fatto anche cose come questa! Uanama!#clay #claymonster #monster #mostro #scultura #fluo #homedecor #handmade #unrealtoys #lochnessmonster #lochness
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Ciao Mondo.
Cioé in passato ho fatto anche cose come questa! Uanama!#clay #claymonster #monster #mostro #scultura #fluo #homedecor #handmade #unrealtoys #lochnessmonster #lochness
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Rainbow across Ness
In a land so enchanted
Bridging Inverness#Haiku #OneHaikuADay #WritersCollective #writingcommunity #BackToHaiku #Seasons #Winter #Holiday #Christmastide #Christmas #NewYear #Travel #Family #Norway #USA #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #GodJul #Scotland #Inverness #RiverNess #Nessie #LochNess #Highlands #Rainbow #Photography
December 28, 2025 -
Rainbow across Ness
In a land so enchanted
Bridging Inverness#Haiku #OneHaikuADay #WritersCollective #writingcommunity #BackToHaiku #Seasons #Winter #Holiday #Christmastide #Christmas #NewYear #Travel #Family #Norway #USA #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #GodJul #Scotland #Inverness #RiverNess #Nessie #LochNess #Highlands #Rainbow #Photography
December 28, 2025 -
Rainbow across Ness
In a land so enchanted
Bridging Inverness#Haiku #OneHaikuADay #WritersCollective #writingcommunity #BackToHaiku #Seasons #Winter #Holiday #Christmastide #Christmas #NewYear #Travel #Family #Norway #USA #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #GodJul #Scotland #Inverness #RiverNess #Nessie #LochNess #Highlands #Rainbow #Photography
December 28, 2025 -
Rainbow across Ness
In a land so enchanted
Bridging Inverness#Haiku #OneHaikuADay #WritersCollective #writingcommunity #BackToHaiku #Seasons #Winter #Holiday #Christmastide #Christmas #NewYear #Travel #Family #Norway #USA #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #GodJul #Scotland #Inverness #RiverNess #Nessie #LochNess #Highlands #Rainbow #Photography
December 28, 2025 -
Rainbow across Ness
In a land so enchanted
Bridging Inverness#Haiku #OneHaikuADay #WritersCollective #writingcommunity #BackToHaiku #Seasons #Winter #Holiday #Christmastide #Christmas #NewYear #Travel #Family #Norway #USA #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #GodJul #Scotland #Inverness #RiverNess #Nessie #LochNess #Highlands #Rainbow #Photography
December 28, 2025 -
'Löchrig' #FotoVorschlag
#LochNess ... zählt das auch als löchrig?
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#LochNess is a natural mega sensory illusion factory. Its no wonder people think they see living things. #cryptology #opticalillusion
youtu.be/9cZ8SQBnYDk -
A little bit of sunshine is needed, now the clocks have changed. youtu.be/3tFy9b8ghsU #scotland #lochness #inverness #drone #notthatsortofdrone #nature #djimini4pro
Loch Ness from the air, Octobe... -
Kind am #LochNess #missbraucht: Polizei fahndet nach Täter. #Trump war doch gerade dort.
https://www.gmx.net/magazine/panorama/kind-loch-ness-missbraucht-polizei-fahndet-taeter-41256482#.wa.mailsentWeitere aktuelle News bei GMX https://www.gmx.net/
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Kind am #LochNess #missbraucht: Polizei fahndet nach Täter. #Trump war doch gerade dort.
https://www.gmx.net/magazine/panorama/kind-loch-ness-missbraucht-polizei-fahndet-taeter-41256482#.wa.mailsentWeitere aktuelle News bei GMX https://www.gmx.net/
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Can anyone recommend a stone circle, barrow or standing stone to visit, with kids, between #Edinburgh , #Glasgow and the #LochNess area in #Scotland ?
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Pop Cryptid Spectator 13
Hello and welcome to the Pop Cryptid Spectator no. 13.
In this edition:
- The crypt-illogical slip into the irrational
- News people don’t know their animals
- AI cryptid articles – It’s how stuff works
- Cryptid merch: Squishables Mothman series
- The Hebridean Mermaid
- Ogopogo float may sink
- Cryptid Media: More podcasts
The crypt-illogical slip into the irrational
I focus very much on the present, popular, news and views of cryptozoology, but when I look at traditional cryptozoology, I find that the most cogent writing clearly points in the direction of today’s Pop Cryptids. For example, Adrian Shine appeared on the latest episode of Monster Talk to discuss his lifelong research into sea serpents, and lake monsters claims in Scotland in his new book A Natural History of Sea Serpents. In this interview, Shine shares his wisdom gained from synthesizing decades of careful observation, and this is enlightening.
Among the wise things he said so eloquently, he noted that cryptozoology was a way to rationalize monsters. At its time of inception, that made sense: cryptozoology attempted to remove the magical aspects about mystery creatures, and apply science to the process of discovering amazing new animals. But, as he also says, hidden animals require lost worlds. We have very few of these “lost worlds” left, and people aren’t exploring them due to our natural limits (such as the ability to spend time in the deep ocean). If there are animals, there, they aren’t cryptids, they are just new to us. Therefore, that negates the formation of lore about them that defines a cryptid.
We aren’t going to find a Yeti or Nessie because it is clear after all these centuries that the stories were not reflecting real animals as collectively described, but a monstrous interpretation fed by cultural factors and confirmation bias. Current monster hunters will disagree but I’m being logical, here. The scientific evidence for real cryptids has not improved.
Today’s shift back to seeing cryptids as less zoological is, in a way, rational – in a cultural sense. As people attempt to create an alternate world of magic and mystery, adding cryptids to the fantasy environment makes sense. The colorful world of pop cryptids is what we get from that reconstruction. The cryptids don’t make zoological sense, but they make cultural sense.
As I wrote in a review of Shine’s book in PCS 7, A Natural History of Sea Serpents is a fantastic book and I could listen to Adrian Shine talk all day long, he’s astute and articulate. I deeply appreciate his careful research that helps me see old cases in a new light, find the through-lines of this complex subject, and understand the wider view.
Meanwhile, I hate to admit, the cryptid content that mostly appears in media – made by amateur researchers, people seeking an alternative reality, or just jokers – is not high quality (with only a few rare exceptions). It’s not even very creative. But because cryptids are a mainstream thing now, anything goes. And anything, no matter how poorly done, how ridiculous, or how misleading, will get clicks. See the following two examples.
News people don’t know their animals
You can bet that the “mystery animal” videos that get shown on the local news reports are going to contain some cringeworthy comments by the reporters. TV news anchors read what’s been written for them and respond and ad lib based only on whatever background info them have. They usually don’t know anything about a natural subject. One sad side effect of Pop Cryptids is that many now know the names of local cryptids and throw them out there as “possibilities”. In the process, they reveal shallow knowledge of the lore and history of the creature, and ignorance of the local wildlife. These three news personnel from Pueblo, Colorado speculate on what this animal is from a dark and grainy video. At least they recognize the red eyes may be a camera artifact, but one suggests it’s a chupacabra. In a broadcast on another station, the pair of presenters also give ridiculous opinions (such as it’s a person dressed up). The Colorado wildlife officials said it might be a raccoon with mange.
Not a chupacabra.My initial thought is that it’s a coati, an animal found as far north as Arizona and sometimes kept as a pet. It’s not unusual to see coati in unexpected places. It’s unclear what it’s doing in Colorado, but it’s only a “cryptid” is the loosest interpretation of the word. Meanwhile, mystery mongering sites like Coast to Coast AM promoted this story with a sensationalist headline. This kind of treatment is really disappointing and leads to the audience being misinformed or alarmed. There is no good excuse for such awful framing of an interesting animal story.
AI cryptid articles – It’s how stuff works
I have mentioned AI generated cryptids several times in this publication – videos, photos, and monsters that came from AI image-generation apps. But now I’m starting to notice that AI-written articles on cryptids are becoming a common thing. Several “infotainment” sites quickly generate pieces to capitalize on a trending news story or subject. Cryptids are one of those topics. The popular site How Stuff Works revealed just how their stuff works, by using AI to produce a recent article on the Loveland Frog. This article followsr news coverage for the frogman’s festival in March. The content is unoriginal, just more AI slop we have to wade through.
Squishables Mothman series
Squishables are sold in many toy and gift stores across the country. Their newest series of cuddly plushies is an array of fun Mothman critters. My favorite is the Rosy Maple mothman (genius!) – modeled after the stunning yellow and pink rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda). I remember the first time I saw a rosy maple moth and could not believe it was real! And now it’s a variety of mothman. Check out the other varieties.
The Hebridean Mermaid
A woman who pretends to be a mermaid landed a gig promoting a new BBC series about mermaid tales and folklore around the waters of northern Scotland. Looks like a cool topic for programming!
Many people “become” mermaids by donning tails and learning how to dance underwater. If you aren’t aware of how popular indulging in mermaid fantasy is these days is, you can check out a series on Netflix called MerPeople. It’s an eye-opener.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7hUc8HVSFk
Old-school cryptozoologist-types reject mermaids as cryptids, calling them “fantasy” creatures. But this take is proof of how the idea of ‘cryptids’ is selective and changes over time. There are undoubtedly cases in the centuries gone by, and even now in non-Western news reports, of people who say they have seen mermaids. It’s no joke. Although many faked videos attempt to capitalize on that belief, most are poorly done hoaxes.
Remember in 2012, there was a huge hubbub about Mermaids: A Body Found aired on the Discovery Network. There was NO doubt that more than a few people who knew nothing of nature accepted that Mermaids: A Body Found was a science show about real mermaids.
Are mermaids cryptids? Absolutely. They are legendary, culturally known, and we have plenty of documented claims asserting they really exist, and some that claim they had been captured. There is no line between cryptids and folklore/fantasy creatures now. It’s all the same concept.
Ogopogo float may sink
The City of Kelowna, B.C. has had a parade float for decades. The most popular design for the float has been that of the local Lake Okanagan monster, Ogopogo. According to The Kelowna Courier, for more than 50 years, the float has featured various representations of Ogopogo. Back in 2016, there was an idea to highlight other tourism opportunities of Kelowna with the float. That didn’t go over well, and after a public outcry, the town’s beloved cryptid was restored. Now the float requires repairs and the city council determined they just can’t afford the steep price tag. So, Canadian parades will be without Ogopogo for a time.
Cryptid Media: More podcasts
Here’s another podcast recommendation. Check out Squaring the Strange episode no 250 – Cryptids go Pop! where I was invited to discuss my interests, and this publication, with Ben and Celestia.
For some deep dives, check out the Bigfoot two-part episode and the Loch Ness Monster three-part treatment from the Mythillogical podcast – a well-researched tour through the folklore aspects of these two cryptids. If Charles and Crofty are reading, feel free to message me if you need help with North American pronunciations.
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 12Pop Cryptid Spectator 11
Pop Cryptid Spectator 10
Pop Cryptid Spectator 9
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Pop Cryptid Spectator 6
Pop Cryptid Spectator 5
Pop Cryptid Spectator 4
Pop Cryptid Spectator 3
Pop Cryptid Spectator 2
Pop Cryptid Spectator 1
#1 #chupacabra #cryptid #Cryptozoology #deathOfAUnicorn #popCryptid #reddit #rollerCoaster #scientific #seaSerpents #Skinwalker #Wendigo
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Pop Cryptid Spectator 10
Welcome to PCS number 10. Spring is nearly here. I can tell because I’ve been noticing a number of media reports ramping up for cryptid spotting. A key feature of pop cryptids is the idea that they are in your neighborhood and should be celebrated and marketed. So, I’m sharing some examples of these observations in this Spectator, as well as past and future ones. If you spot one from your area, drop me a message!
In this edition:
- California’s Bigfoot law – Spot the Sasquatch
- The British Bigfoot
- Wisconsin’s New Cryptid and Paranormal Convention
- Mothman-flavored chips
- First Nessie sighting of the year
California’s Bigfoot law – Spot the Sasquatch
Here is an update to PCS #9 issue that covered the proposed bill to make Bigfoot the official cryptid of California. While I explained that it makes sense to market your local famous monster for tourism dollars, the truth about this proposal appears to be much more… umm, shallow and dumb. In an article for a local CA paper, the assemblyman who introduced the bill admits that it was supposed to be a bit of a joke in terms of a “spot” or placeholder bill:
“…[W]e thought that it would be especially funny to introduce a spot bill regarding Bigfoot because typically spot bills disappear. We thought we would go over-the-top with AB 666 and that down the road if we needed to, we could amend the bill and tell people, ‘Bigfoot disappears; Bigfoot’s elusive.’”
Yeah, funny – wasting time with phony legislation. Hilarious, except the bill got a lot of attention. Now it’s not much of a joke.
The article goes on to note how deeply ingrained the Bigfoot belief is to the county. A volunteer for the Willow Creek China Flat Museum said that they had visitors from all ages and from around the world, noting the boost gained from TV shows:
“I think it’s generational. Every generation it seems to get legs again,” Nelson said. “A friend of mine who has a shop in Willow Creek that has some Bigfoot memorabilia was noticing that he was having grown adult (visitors), parents that were influenced by ‘In Search of …’ with Leonard Nimoy, and their children were motivated by or inspired by ‘Finding Bigfoot.’
“We have so many YouTube creators that come through. There are maybe four or five individual YouTube creators that filmed Bluff Creek content over the summer. It’s continual.”
So the Gen Xers had In Search Of… and the Millennials had Finding Bigfoot! The beat goes on with YouTubers and TikTokkers.
Wisconsin’s New Cryptid and Paranormal Convention
One new event this year is the Wisconsin Cryptids, Anomalies, and Paranormal Convention. This is organized by a local paranormal society: Cryptids, Anomalies and the Paranormal Society (CAPS). From a media report:
“Cryptids, Anomalies and the Paranormal Society is a research-based group out of Wisconsin,” said Barnaby Jones, founder and lead researcher for CAPS. “We research all aspects of the paranormal — UFOs, Bigfoot, the Beast of Bray Road, Mothman — any kind of creatures that are currently unidentified by modern science.”
“I’ve always been interested in the paranormal, ever since I was young,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in cryptids as well — the undiscovered animals. When I was younger, I always thought that Bigfoot was out in the Pacific Northwest. I never realized that he had been sighted in all 49 states aside from Hawaii.
There are a few notable items in these quotes. First, “I’ve always been interested in the paranormal” is a phrase uttered countless times. I could say it for myself, and if you are reading this, there is a good chance to you can also attest to it. Once the itch to read more about the mysterious and unexplained gets to you, it forever needs to be scratched. For Gen Xers and later, we were provided with plenty of paranormal media in books, on TV, and then on the internet, to stoke interest. This is a primary reason why paranormal events are so popular and making money! It’s nostalgic for many and feeds into the chosen identity for others.
Next, it’s important to note, once again, the association of cryptids with paranormal topics. More than ever, there is little to reference regarding the zoology of cryptids. The idea of it rings hollow even though it’s mentioned quite a bit by speakers invited to these conventions. Even though the phrase “modern science” is used in terms of investigating a cryptid, this is lip service only, as nothing in these town festivals is scientific; it is entirely cultural.
Finally, “Bigfoot was out in the Pacific Northwest” until suddenly, it was in every state. This is something I have heard verbatim from those not interested in cryptids but just living their lives and finding cryptids were in their backyard. They were shocked to learn that Bigfoot research was taking place in their state – Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio. In the 1970s, Bigfoot’s relations were noted nationwide and if you had what you considered to be a Bigfoot experience, it would not be considered that weird.
These points are essential to the framing of Pop Goes the Cryptid. The creatures became part of every small town and you knew of it. Then, everyone else knew of it too. Cryptid festivals capitalize on this knowledge and a pride in the local monster that reflects what it means to live in this state or town.
An updated list of cryptid festivals is kept at Modern Cryptozoology where I continue to update it as new events are publicized.
The British Bigfoot
Not only has Bigfoot spread to every US state and much of Canada, but it also made its way across the ocean to Britain. With England being a very unlikely place for a forest-dwelling wilderness creature to live, this great article from Esquire explains that you can pinpoint the surge in popularity of the British Bigfoot to 2015, associated with the arrival of the Finding Bigfoot crew.
“By the late 2010s, everywhere in the UK seemed to have a Bigfoot. Cryptid enthusiast Andy McGrath’s 2017 book Beasts of Britain is full of tales of people’s experiences and most sightings are reported as happening after 2010. Among these eyewitness accounts are the Box Hill Ape, the Haslingden Chewbacca and the Ape-Man of Scotland’s Abernethy Forest.”
Not to burst anyone’s balloon, but this is obviously a cultural phenomenon that has been easily adapted to fill the “wildman” niche for this part of the world.
“There’s a specific bucolic undercurrent in all these sightings, a notion that Bigfoot is a link back to a lost Britain — Edenic, gentle and free of urban sprawl. Believing that Bigfoot is happily sloping through forests and across hillsides makes our country feel like a more beautiful, rural place; at the same time, the improbability of his existence makes us mourn a landscape that is long lost. He’s a ghost of who we were before all the dark satanic mills and whatnot sprang up….He makes mundane surroundings seem vivid with possibility.”
The article keys in on the internet, particularly YouTube, that has aided in population Britain with Bigfoots. The proponents argue among themselves, disputing the legitimacy of tales and the reality of the creature. As is typical, when the zoology doesn’t make sense, the fallback is to the paranormal explanations, or what I call Supernatural Creep. People are insistent on what they saw, but because that doesn’t make natural sense, they drift to the para-natural to explain it rather than give up the belief. What are people seeing? It’s impossible to say except to note they are seeing what they believe in. Back in the day, they might have said they saw fairies and, not too long ago, ghosts or aliens. Today, it’s Bigfoot, because he’s reported to be literally everywhere, but found nowhere.
Mothman flavored chips
I don’t know if I can keep up with all the Mothman inspired products these days. The iconic creature is constantly featured in so many products including clothing, candles, and cocktails. Might as well capitalize on the popularity, right? Mister Bee’s, a snack company from West Virginia has introduced a potato chip flavor inspired by the cryptid legend. The spice blend is undisclosed but available locally in the Parkersburg area of WV. It will be statewide in time for Point Pleasant’s Mothman Festival in September, where I’m sure it will be a hit.
First Nessie sighting of the year
Scottish media outlets report the exciting news that Nessie has been seen for the first time in 2025. It seems the news brings with it hope that it will be a banner year for the creature. It doesn’t take much. The evidence for Nessie is found in ambiguous photos and dramatic eyewitness accounts, which is plenty to keep attention on one of the world’s most famous and beloved cryptids. This new account comes from the Loch Ness Centre, a key tourist destination that offers a museum of history and boat trips. An unnamed witness observed what appeared to be a dark form beneath the calm, still waters of the loch. The account leaves many questions, though. A photo accompanied the story, showing a dark blob under the water that is not exactly “calm”.
The object actually does not look particularly large considering the size of the waves (which are probably 10-12 inches, at most). The pixellation suggested the photo was greately zoomed and cropped. With the witness remaining unnamed, the photo is credited to the Centre, not the photographer. Hmm…. Off to a good start for tourist season, though! To the critical viewer, however, the image is entirely unimpressive.
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!
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#Bigfoot #BritishBigfoot #cryptid #cryptidFestivals #Cryptozoology #LochNess #LochNessMonster #MothmanChips #NessieSighting #popCryptid #PopCryptidSpectator
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Pop Cryptid Spectator 10
Welcome to PCS number 10. Spring is nearly here. I can tell because I’ve been noticing a number of media reports ramping up for cryptid spotting. A key feature of pop cryptids is the idea that they are in your neighborhood and should be celebrated and marketed. So, I’m sharing some examples of these observations in this Spectator, as well as past and future ones. If you spot one from your area, drop me a message!
In this edition:
- California’s Bigfoot law – Spot the Sasquatch
- The British Bigfoot
- Wisconsin’s New Cryptid and Paranormal Convention
- Mothman-flavored chips
- First Nessie sighting of the year
California’s Bigfoot law – Spot the Sasquatch
Here is an update to PCS #9 issue that covered the proposed bill to make Bigfoot the official cryptid of California. While I explained that it makes sense to market your local famous monster for tourism dollars, the truth about this proposal appears to be much more… umm, shallow and dumb. In an article for a local CA paper, the assemblyman who introduced the bill admits that it was supposed to be a bit of a joke in terms of a “spot” or placeholder bill:
“…[W]e thought that it would be especially funny to introduce a spot bill regarding Bigfoot because typically spot bills disappear. We thought we would go over-the-top with AB 666 and that down the road if we needed to, we could amend the bill and tell people, ‘Bigfoot disappears; Bigfoot’s elusive.’”
Yeah, funny – wasting time with phony legislation. Hilarious, except the bill got a lot of attention. Now it’s not much of a joke.
The article goes on to note how deeply ingrained the Bigfoot belief is in the county. A volunteer for the Willow Creek China Flat Museum said that they had visitors from all ages and from around the world, noting the boost gained from TV shows:
“I think it’s generational. Every generation it seems to get legs again,” Nelson said. “A friend of mine who has a shop in Willow Creek that has some Bigfoot memorabilia was noticing that he was having grown adult (visitors), parents that were influenced by ‘In Search of …’ with Leonard Nimoy, and their children were motivated by or inspired by ‘Finding Bigfoot.’
“We have so many YouTube creators that come through. There are maybe four or five individual YouTube creators that filmed Bluff Creek content over the summer. It’s continual.”
So the Gen Xers had In Search Of… and the Millennials had Finding Bigfoot! The beat goes on with YouTubers and TikTokkers.
Wisconsin’s New Cryptid and Paranormal Convention
One new event this year is the Wisconsin Cryptids, Anomalies, and Paranormal Convention. This is organized by a local paranormal society: Cryptids, Anomalies and the Paranormal Society (CAPS). From a media report:
“Cryptids, Anomalies and the Paranormal Society is a research-based group out of Wisconsin,” said Barnaby Jones, founder and lead researcher for CAPS. “We research all aspects of the paranormal — UFOs, Bigfoot, the Beast of Bray Road, Mothman — any kind of creatures that are currently unidentified by modern science.”
“I’ve always been interested in the paranormal, ever since I was young,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in cryptids as well — the undiscovered animals. When I was younger, I always thought that Bigfoot was out in the Pacific Northwest. I never realized that he had been sighted in all 49 states aside from Hawaii.
There are a few notable items in these quotes. First, “I’ve always been interested in the paranormal” is a phrase uttered countless times. I could say it for myself, and if you are reading this, there is a good chance you too can also attest to it. Once the itch to read more about the mysterious and unexplained gets to you, it forever needs to be scratched. For Gen Xers and later, we were provided with plenty of paranormal media in books, on TV, and then on the internet, to stoke interest. This is a primary reason why paranormal events are so popular and making money! It’s nostalgic for many and feeds into the chosen identity for others.
Next, it’s important to note, once again, the association of cryptids with paranormal topics. More than ever, there is little to reference regarding the zoology of cryptids. The idea of it rings hollow even though it’s mentioned quite a bit by speakers invited to these conventions. Even though the phrase “modern science” is used in terms of investigating a cryptid, this is lip service only, as nothing in these town festivals is scientific; it is entirely cultural.
Finally, “Bigfoot was out in the Pacific Northwest” until suddenly, it was in every state. This is something I have heard verbatim from those not interested in cryptids but just living their lives and finding cryptids were in their backyard. They were shocked to learn that Bigfoot research was taking place in their state – Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio. In the 1970s, Bigfoot’s relations were noted nationwide and if you had what you considered to be a Bigfoot experience, it would not be considered that weird.
These points are essential to the framing of Pop Goes the Cryptid. The creatures became part of every small town and you knew of it. Then, everyone else knew of it too. Cryptid festivals capitalize on this knowledge and a pride in the local monster that reflects what it means to live in this state or town.
An updated list of cryptid festivals is kept at Modern Cryptozoology where I continue to update it as new events are publicized.
The British Bigfoot
Not only has Bigfoot spread to every US state and much of Canada, but it also made its way across the ocean to Britain. With England being a very unlikely place for a forest-dwelling wilderness creature to live, this great article from Esquire explains that you can pinpoint the surge in popularity of the British Bigfoot to 2015, associated with the arrival of the Finding Bigfoot crew.
“By the late 2010s, everywhere in the UK seemed to have a Bigfoot. Cryptid enthusiast Andy McGrath’s 2017 book Beasts of Britain is full of tales of people’s experiences and most sightings are reported as happening after 2010. Among these eyewitness accounts are the Box Hill Ape, the Haslingden Chewbacca and the Ape-Man of Scotland’s Abernethy Forest.”
Not to burst anyone’s balloon, but this is obviously a cultural phenomenon that has been easily adapted to fill the “wildman” niche for this part of the world.
“There’s a specific bucolic undercurrent in all these sightings, a notion that Bigfoot is a link back to a lost Britain — Edenic, gentle and free of urban sprawl. Believing that Bigfoot is happily sloping through forests and across hillsides makes our country feel like a more beautiful, rural place; at the same time, the improbability of his existence makes us mourn a landscape that is long lost. He’s a ghost of who we were before all the dark satanic mills and whatnot sprang up….He makes mundane surroundings seem vivid with possibility.”
The article keys in on the internet, particularly YouTube, that has aided in populating Britain with Bigfoots. The proponents argue among themselves, disputing the legitimacy of tales and the reality of the creature. As is typical, when the zoology doesn’t make sense, the fallback is to the paranormal explanations, or what I call Supernatural Creep. People are insistent on what they saw, but because that doesn’t make natural sense, they drift to the para-natural to explain it rather than give up the belief. What are people seeing? It’s impossible to say except to note they are seeing what they believe in. Back in the day, they might have said they saw fairies and, not too long ago, ghosts or aliens. Today, it’s Bigfoot, because he’s reported to be literally everywhere, but found nowhere.
Mothman flavored chips
I don’t know if I can keep up with all the Mothman inspired products these days. The iconic creature is constantly featured in so many products including clothing, candles, and cocktails. Might as well capitalize on the popularity, right? Mister Bee’s, a snack company from West Virginia has introduced a potato chip flavor inspired by the cryptid legend. The spice blend is undisclosed but available locally in the Parkersburg area of WV. It will be statewide in time for Point Pleasant’s Mothman Festival in September, where I’m sure it will be a hit.
First Nessie sighting of the year
Scottish media outlets report the exciting news that Nessie has been seen for the first time in 2025. It seems the news brings with it hope that it will be a banner year for the creature. It doesn’t take much. The evidence for Nessie is found in ambiguous photos and dramatic eyewitness accounts, which is plenty to keep attention on one of the world’s most famous and beloved cryptids. This new account comes from the Loch Ness Centre, a key tourist destination that offers a museum of history and boat trips. An unnamed witness observed what appeared to be a dark form beneath the calm, still waters of the loch. The account leaves many questions, though. A photo accompanied the story, showing a dark blob under the water that is not exactly “calm”.
The object actually does not look particularly large considering the size of the waves (which are probably 10-12 inches, at most). The pixellation suggested the photo was greately zoomed and cropped. With the witness remaining unnamed, the photo is credited to the Centre, not the photographer. Hmm…. Off to a good start for tourist season, though! To the critical viewer, however, the image is entirely unimpressive.
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 9Pop Cryptid Spectator 8
Pop Cryptid Spectator 7
Pop Cryptid Spectator 6
Pop Cryptid Spectator 5
Pop Cryptid Spectator 4
Pop Cryptid Spectator 3
Pop Cryptid Spectator 2
Pop Cryptid Spectator 1
#1 #chupacabra #cryptid #Cryptozoology #deathOfAUnicorn #popCryptid #reddit #rollerCoaster #scientific #seaSerpents #Skinwalker #Wendigo
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❄️ Artist: #DavidZinn in City: #AnnArbor MI USA 🇺🇸 02/2025 - Title:
🟡 "Roger is secretly fond of attention
and the Loch Ness Monster's most
embarrassing cousin." 🐍
🔴 "Roger liebt insgeheim die
Aufmerksamkeit und ist der
peinlichste Cousin des Monsters
von Loch Ness."
#StreetArt #Art #Chalkart #Artist #SidewalkChalk #Seamonster #Nessie #Swimminghole #LochNess #Snake -
❄️ Artist: #DavidZinn in City: #AnnArbor MI USA 🇺🇸 02/2025 - Title:
🟡 "Roger is secretly fond of attention
and the Loch Ness Monster's most
embarrassing cousin." 🐍
🔴 "Roger liebt insgeheim die
Aufmerksamkeit und ist der
peinlichste Cousin des Monsters
von Loch Ness."
#StreetArt #Art #Chalkart #Artist #SidewalkChalk #Seamonster #Nessie #Swimminghole #LochNess #Snake -
❄️ Artist: #DavidZinn in City: #AnnArbor MI USA 🇺🇸 02/2025 - Title:
🟡 "Roger is secretly fond of attention
and the Loch Ness Monster's most
embarrassing cousin." 🐍
🔴 "Roger liebt insgeheim die
Aufmerksamkeit und ist der
peinlichste Cousin des Monsters
von Loch Ness."
#StreetArt #Art #Chalkart #Artist #SidewalkChalk #Seamonster #Nessie #Swimminghole #LochNess #Snake -
❄️ Artist: #DavidZinn in City: #AnnArbor MI USA 🇺🇸 02/2025 - Title:
🟡 "Roger is secretly fond of attention
and the Loch Ness Monster's most
embarrassing cousin." 🐍
🔴 "Roger liebt insgeheim die
Aufmerksamkeit und ist der
peinlichste Cousin des Monsters
von Loch Ness."
#StreetArt #Art #Chalkart #Artist #SidewalkChalk #Seamonster #Nessie #Swimminghole #LochNess #Snake -
❄️ Artist: #DavidZinn in City: #AnnArbor MI USA 🇺🇸 02/2025 - Title:
🟡 "Roger is secretly fond of attention
and the Loch Ness Monster's most
embarrassing cousin." 🐍
🔴 "Roger liebt insgeheim die
Aufmerksamkeit und ist der
peinlichste Cousin des Monsters
von Loch Ness."
#StreetArt #Art #Chalkart #Artist #SidewalkChalk #Seamonster #Nessie #Swimminghole #LochNess #Snake
