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 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, gave a businessman driving through rural Butler County a serious scare in 2011.

• It rose 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.

Another aquatic beast

With the NFL Draft approaching, die-hard Steelers fans are hoping for picks that can lift the team out of its playoff slump.

Why it matters: Pittsburgh hasn't won a postseason game since the 2016 season, and after six straight playoff losses, Steelers Nation is hungry for a return to glory.

State of play: The Steelers hold the No. 21 pick and are reportedly eyeing offensive linemen, cornerbacks and running backs—positions that could make an immediate impact.

The intrigue: The Steelers don't have a clear franchise quarterback, though rumors are still swirling that four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers is interested in joining the team.

Between the lines: CBS Sports draft insider Ryan Wilson told 93.7 FM on Tuesday that the Steelers are leaning toward picking standout Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

• The Steelers could also trade their No. 21 pick to acquire more late-round picks.

The big picture: This is the first time Green Bay, Wisconsin — the NFL's smallest market — is hosting the major event.

• This week, Gov. Josh Shapiro told Axios he was sending staff to Green Bay to study operations and logistics ahead of Pittsburgh hosting the 2026 NFL Draft.

How it works: The seven draft rounds will begin today and conclude Saturday with 257 picks.

• Round 1: 8pm today
• Round 2 and 3: 7pm tomorrow
• Rounds 4 through 7: Noon Saturday

How to watch: ABC, ESPN and NFL Network will carry the 2025 NFL Draft.

• Livestream on NFL+, NFL.com, the ESPN App, ABC App, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV and Sling TV

View the draft order for all seven rounds here.

Go deeper

🎓 Carnegie Mellon President Farnam Jahanian and Allegheny College President Ronald Cole were among 200 university leaders who signed a letter Tuesday denouncing the Trump administration's "political interference and coercive use of public research funding." (Letter)

🏭 Our region ranks 16th worst for air quality in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" report, which found that 46% of Americans are living in places with failing grades for air quality. (WESA)

🎙️Mayor Ed Gainey and Democratic challenger Corey O'Connor clashed over key issues like affordable housing, public safety and nonprofit contributions during their second televised debate on Tuesday — less than a month out from the May 20 primary. Watch the full debate here.

🌱 City Councilmember Barb Warwick introduced a bill Tuesday to let residents grow native and pollinator gardens by creating a registry for managed natural landscapes, exempting them from the city's 10-inch height limit on plant growth. (KDKA)

Pittsburgh kicks off spooky season early this weekend, marking six months to Halloween.

Here are a few ways to celebrate.

Dress to possess at Inner Groove Brewing for a full night of music, horror movies, trivia, candy and festive cocktails on Friday at both taprooms.

• 📍 827 E. Warrington Ave., Allentown and 751 E. Railroad Ave., Verona
• ⏰ 4pm-10pm
• 💵 No cover

Stir up some scares at Sidequest on 44th on Friday with local EDM DJS, costumes and themed food and drinks at Closet of Horrors.

• 📍 146 44th St., Lawrenceville
• ⏰ 9pm-2am
• 💵 $22 presale; higher at the door

Shop for creepy art, decor and collectibles from local makers at the Halfway to Halloween Marketplace at the Monroeville Mall's Time and Space Event Space on Sunday.

• 📍200 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville
• ⏰ 11am-5pm
• 💵 $5 for adults; free for children 12 and under

Explore Downtown's haunted past on the Black & Ghost Tour with Walk the Burgh Tours. Hear eerie tales and take in the city's nighttime architecture any night Friday-Sunday.

• 📍1049 Penn Ave., Downtown
• ⏰ 7pm-9pm
• 💵 $29 for adults, $16 for children ages 6–13, and free for children under 5

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