A field guide to Western Pennsylvania's cryptids
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Cryptozoology is the pursuit of elusive creatures often rooted in folklore and travelers' stories — think Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Chupacabra and a whole menagerie of low-res legends.
Why it matters: Science may scoff, but cryptids aren't going anywhere.
- From Appalachian mythic mainstays like Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster to global hall-of-famers like the Yeti, cryptids drive curiosity, tourism, festivals, museums and monster hunts.
Driving the news: Western Pennsylvania has its own lineup of fabled fauna.
The Squonk
First introduced in the early 20th century book "Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods," the Squonk is said to sob its way through northern Pennsylvania's hemlock forests, ashamed of its warts and saggy skin. When cornered, it dissolves into a puddle of tears.
- Some say the pig-like creature followed logging camps to Pennsylvania, avoiding moonlight and its reflection.
- Johnstown celebrates the Squonk at Squonkapalooza each year.
Monongy
Monongy is a legendary river monster said to inhabit the Monongahela River along the West Virginia–Pennsylvania border.
- Described as half-man, half-fish, it derives its name from the river itself. The legend may stem from sightings of eastern hellbenders, North America's largest salamander.
- Swimmers held a "Search for Monongy" race in Pittsburgh 15 years ago, finding no evidence of the slippy serpent.
Butler Gargoyle
Legend has it that this towering terror, standing 8 feet tall with leathery skin, in 2011 gave a businessman driving through rural Butler County a serious scare.
- It rose up on spindly bird legs, unfurled its bat-like wings and vanished in three strides.
White Bigfoot
In 1970s Beaver County, witnesses claimed a creature with glowing red eyes, pinkish skin and ghostly bangs bolted into the woods, clutching a glowing orb.
- Later, in Uniontown, residents spotted two Bigfoot-like figures lurking beneath a UFO. One vanished the moment a woman fired a shotgun — just as the craft lifted off.
- If you're into the classic, down-to-earth Bigfoot, head to Forest County, home of the Bigfoot Festival.
Ogua
The Ogua is an aquatic beast rumored to lurk in the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela rivers.
- It's said to resemble a 20-foot, 500-pound, two-headed alligator-snapping turtle. At times, it may come ashore to feed on deer — or unlucky humans.