Monsters & Strange Creatures of America

Legendary monsters “exist,” if only in legend, worldwide. It is no different in the United States. All cultures have historic mythical tales created long ago to explain things people didn’t understand. Some of these involve scary creatures, which are likely not real, but in some cases, they may be. And history tells us that people are great storytellers.

Europeans brought their superstitions and legends with them when they arrived in America. They soon found more myths and legends of the Native Americans. While many of these tales were, no doubt, perpetuated from a lack of knowledge, they continue to persist. In other cases, these monsters may be real, as evidence has not disproved them.

Water serpents may still lurk within lakes and oceans, Bigfoot or Sasquatch may still be hidden within deep forests, unidentified flying objects have spawned new legends, and ghosts and witches are still blamed for several unexplainable events.

Sea Monsters

Sea Monsters

More Monsters:

Devil’s Hole Cave, Arkansas – A strange and mysterious creature is said to reside within the depths of this seemingly bottomless cave.

El Chupacabra

El Chupacabra

El Chupacabra or the Goat Sucker – This is a heavy creature, the size of a small bear, with a row of spines reaching from the neck to the base of the tail, and it takes its name from the fact that it is supposed to attack animals and drink their blood – especially goats.

The Jersey Devil – One of America’s oldest mysteries, this legendary creature, described as a flying biped with hooves, is said to lurk in the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey.

Minnesota Iceman – In the 1960s, a male, human-like creature was exhibited across America. Described as six foot tall, hairy, with large hands and feet, he was promoted as a Neanderthal, Bigfoot or Yeti.

Murphysboro Mud Monster – Prowling Southern Illinois in the 1970s was a huge, wet, hairy, mud-slathered monstrosity.

The Mystery of the Thunderbird Photo – A mysterious creature was said to have been captured near Tombstone, Arizona, in 1890.

Thunderbirds of Illinois – Tales of strange, monster birds with enormous wingspans large enough to carry away human victims.

Compiled by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated October 2022.

Also See:

American Mysteries

Folklore & Superstition in America

Ghostly Legends

Witchcraft in America