Cryptids

What is a Cryptid?

We kind of touched on it, but first things first: what is a cryptid?

A cryptid is an animal or creature that is believed to exist but has not been proven to exist by scientific evidence.

These creatures are often the subject of folklore, legends, and myths and are often reported by eyewitnesses who claim to have seen them in the wild.

Think of like a super rare type of animal.

Cryptids are often associated with mystery and the unknown, and many people are fascinated by the idea of discovering a new species that has never been seen before.

However, skeptics argue that many so-called cryptids are simply misidentified animals or hoaxes. Even when details such as photographs or footprints are presented, skeptics often shrug this off as either doctored "proof" or circumstantial evidence. 

There are many cryptid stories that are passed down from generations and cultures. For instance, the Skinwalker is a terrifying cryptid that comes from the Navajo culture. 

However, that doesn't mean all cryptids have built up decades of internal belief. You may just stumble upon an online story of how someone encountered an unknown giant monster and boom, you have yourself a cryptid.

Types of Cryptids

Bigfoot and Other Humanoid Cryptids

Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is one of the most well-known cryptids in North America.

Standing at an average height of 7-10 feet tall, this legendary creature is said to be covered in dark hair, have large feet, and emit a foul odor.

While Bigfoot sightings span multiple stands and regions, it is most often thought to roam around in the Pacific Northwest.

Other humanoid cryptids include the Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman, which is said to inhabit the Himalayan region.

Additional humanoid cryptids include the skunk ape, honey island swamp monster, and the boggy creek monster.

Reports of sightings of these cryptids have been recorded for centuries, with many people claiming to have seen them in forests and mountainous regions. Despite this, there is no concrete evidence to prove their existence.

Sea Serpents and Lake Monsters

A majority of Earth is water, so it would make sense that there would be plenty of sea-based cryptids.

Sea serpents and lake monsters are cryptids that are said to inhabit bodies of water.

The Loch Ness Monster is one of the most famous examples of a lake monster, with sightings dating back to the 6th century. Sea serpents, on the other hand, are said to inhabit oceans and have been reported by sailors for centuries.

Descriptions of these cryptids vary, with some claiming they resemble giant snakes while others say they have a more reptilian appearance. 

Flying Cryptids

Flying cryptids include creatures such as the Mothman and the Thunderbird. The Mothman is said to have a humanoid body with wings, while the Thunderbird is described as a giant bird with a wingspan of up to 20 feet.

Reports of these cryptids have been recorded in various parts of the world, with some claiming to have seen them in the skies above. However, there is no concrete evidence to prove their existence.

Other Cryptids

There are numerous other cryptids that have been reported over the years, including the Chupacabra, Penelope the Sierra Nevada Monster, the Jersey Devil, and the Mongolian Death Worm.

These cryptids are said to inhabit various parts of the world and have been described as having a wide range of appearances.

Despite numerous sightings and expeditions to find evidence of their existence, there is no concrete proof that these cryptids are real. Many believe that they are simply the result of hoaxes, misidentifications, or the human imagination.

Cryptid Sightings and Investigations

Famous Sightings

One of the most famous sightings is the Loch Ness Monster, a creature that is said to inhabit the Scottish Loch Ness. If you've ever been to Loch Ness, you can see why Nessie would want to hang around - it's a beautiful area!

There have been countless sightings of the creature, with some dating back to the 6th century all the way through the 19th Century, 20th Century, and even in the last few years.

Unfortunately, the grainy photo that is incredibly popular is still the best form of evidence we have.

Another famous cryptid sighting is the Chupacabra, a creature that is said to inhabit parts of the Americas.

The Chupacabra is described as a creature with spines or quills running down its back, and it is said to attack and drink the blood of livestock. Despite numerous sightings, investigations have failed to produce any conclusive evidence of the creature's existence.

Finally, a third famous sighting involves The Mothman in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Countless locals began seeing this huge man with moth-like characteristics around town. 

The sightings increased until the fateful day that the Silver Bridge tragically collapsed in the Ohio River. After that incident, Mothman was no longer spotted in Point Pleasant.

Investigative Techniques

It can be difficult to try to investigate the unknown. While cryptid investigating has a leg up over ghost hunting for obvious reasons, you are still analytically searching for something that, frankly, may not even exist.

However, investigators have developed a range of techniques to try and gather evidence of cryptid existence.

First and foremost, it is important to pay attention to the geography of where the cryptid you are searching for is located.

Once you have established a general location, one technique is to set up camera traps in areas where sightings have occurred.

These cameras are triggered by motion and can capture images of any creatures that may be passing through the area. Another technique is to collect physical evidence, such as hair or tissue samples, for DNA analysis.

In addition, investigators often interview witnesses and gather as much information as possible about the sighting.

This can include the time and location of the sighting, the weather conditions, and any other relevant details. Investigators may also try to recreate the sighting to see if it can be explained by natural phenomena or other factors.

Overall, investigating cryptid sightings is a challenging task that requires a combination of scientific rigor and open-mindedness. While many sightings may be explained by natural phenomena or misidentification, there are still many mysteries waiting to be uncovered.