Cryptids like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster stir imaginations worldwide. Defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “a creature that is found in stories and that some people believe exists or say they have seen, but that has never been proven to exist,” cryptids capture the intrigue of many. But could Maryland have cryptids of its own? According to enthusiasts and local folklore, the state does have its share of mysterious creatures. However, Maryland’s cryptids might have origins rooted in the state’s native wildlife.
At the Maryland State Fair, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service showcased a cryptids display, engaging with visitors who shared stories about the state’s mythical creatures. Some of these creatures, like Chessie and the Goatman, have become iconic in Maryland lore, while others, such as the Wendigo, Snallygaster, Dewayo, and Chupacabra, continue to captivate residents’ imaginations.
Chessie: Maryland’s Iconic Sea Monster
One of the most famous cryptids in Maryland is Chessie, a sea monster reportedly first seen in a 1936 flyover. Described as a large, snake-like creature that arches its back or waves a flipper, Chessie has become an environmental symbol for Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts. Organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have adopted Chessie’s image to promote efforts to clean up the Bay.
Many Chessie sightings may be attributed to real marine life. The Atlantic sturgeon, a federally endangered species, could explain some reports. These ancient fish, along with the shortnose sturgeon, can be found in Chesapeake waters. It is also possible that Chessie sightings are actually misidentified dolphins, whales, or even manatees, which have occasionally ventured into the Bay.
Goatman: A Half-Man, Half-Animal Legend
The Goatman is a cryptid with deep roots in Prince George’s County folklore. Described as a half-man, half-goat figure that walks on two feet, the Goatman is blamed for a variety of local misdeeds, including attacks on dogs. The creature first surfaced in the early 20th century but gained renewed attention in the 1970s.
Some variations of the legend suggest that the Goatman was once a scientist at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center who became the victim of his own experiment gone wrong. However, more plausible explanations include injured wildlife, such as deer suffering from piebaldism or skin conditions like mange. It’s also possible that the Goatman is simply a tale born from encounters with a wild or unkempt human.
Wendigo: Native American Folklore in Maryland
Originating in Native American stories, the Wendigo is another cryptid associated with Maryland. These creatures are often depicted as large, antlered beasts with claws. The legend of the Wendigo predates the 1800s, a time when elk still roamed Maryland. These animals, known to stand on their hind legs while reaching for high leaves, might have been the inspiration for Wendigo sightings.
In modern interpretations, the Wendigo could simply be an elk or deer mistaken for a monstrous figure, or even a person dressed in antlers for theatrical effect.
The Snallygaster: A Fearsome Creature with Dark Origins
The Snallygaster is a dragon-like cryptid described as having sharp teeth, claws, wings, and sometimes a single eye or tentacles. Originating from the German immigrant community in 18th-century Frederick County, the term “Schnelle geist” translates to “quick ghost.” The creature was said to haunt areas around distilleries and moonshine stills.
While the Snallygaster legend has become part of local folklore, it also has darker undertones. During the 1900s to the 1970s, some stories took on racial overtones, portraying the creature as preying on people of color or specifically targeting Black voters during election seasons. These accounts are believed to have been used as racist scare tactics. The original creature may have been inspired by sightings of large birds, such as the great blue heron, which can make alarming sounds when disturbed.
Dewayo: A Wolf-Like Cryptid
The Dewayo, another cryptid from Frederick County, is described as a six-foot-tall, wolf-like creature that walks on two legs. The legend emerged in the 1940s, at a time when wolves had been eradicated from Maryland, and before coyotes became common.
The Dewayo could be inspired by defensive behavior from canine species like foxes or coyotes. When threatened, these animals raise their hackles and sometimes rear up on their hind legs. They also leap into the air while hunting, which may have given rise to stories of a large, upright predator.
Chupacabra: A Fearsome but Familiar Beast
Although the legend of the chupacabra originated in Puerto Rico in the 1990s, it has spread across the United States, with occasional sightings in Maryland. The creature is said to be hairless, with large teeth and a penchant for killing small livestock.
In most cases, these sightings turn out to be canines afflicted with mange, a skin condition caused by mites. One such sighting in Maryland in 2011 was later revealed to be a fox suffering from mange. Diseases like rabies may also explain some of the strange behavior attributed to chupacabras.
Maryland’s Cryptids: Wildlife or Myth?
While many of Maryland’s cryptids may have roots in the state’s wildlife, these creatures continue to captivate imaginations and live on through folklore. Whether inspired by deer, wolves, sturgeon, or human behavior, these myths offer a glimpse into the region’s cultural history and connection to its natural environment.
