Jackasslope - Cryptids & Co

Tatzelwurm The tatzelwurm has a snake-like body between 2 and 6 feet in length, with two clawed front legs, but no hind legs. It has smooth hairless skin covered with delicate scales. Its most distinctive trait is a large head with big eyes similar to the head of a cat, except for it having scales instead of fur. The tatzelwurm can grow to at least six feet long, but some specimens, possibly juveniles, are considerably smaller. Local folklore holds that the Tatzelwurm is able to defend itself by expelling poisonous fumes that are capable of killing a human

One claimed photograph of the Tatzelwurm exists. It was taken in 1934 by Swiss photographer named Balkin who took a photo of what he thought was a very peculiar log. When the camera flashed, the “log” darted away.

Cutest Cryptid - The Tizzie Wizzie

The Tizzie Wizzie was reported to be a shy, water-loving cryptid from around the Windermere region of Cumbria. It was allegedly first spotted by a Bowness boatman in 1900, and was reputed to have the body of a hedgehog, the tail of a squirrel or fox, and bee-like wings. 

The above photograph was apparently taken when one was captured in 1906, and was subsequently made and sold as a very popular postcard. It is highly likely that this creature was invented as a cutesy publicity stunt - but still possibly the cutest cryptid I’ve ever heard of!

http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo/explorewindermere/uniquelywindermere

The story of the Black Dog of Aylesbury dates back to the 1890s. The legend tells of a milkman who would travel the same path to get to his field of cattle every day. However, one day, while walking his normal path, the milkman stopped and noted the way was being blocked by an enormous black dog with blazing red eyes. He got the sense that this was no ordinary dog and he backtracked and took the longer route to his cattle. Each day thereafter, the milkman would try to go his shortcut, only to be blocked by that black dog. The milkman felt less and less fear of the dog as the days went by; on one fateful night, when he had a companion with him and he felt braver, the milkman decided enough was enough. He charged at the dog, using the pole that carried his milk pails as a weapon. When he struck at the dog, it simply vanished into thin air.  

Lonely Benjamin

North America got the massive sasquatch

Mexico got the dreaded chupacabra

Japan got ……. fat snake

The English band Faustus created this beautiful song based around the legend of the Gurt Dog of Somerset. It was featured on their October 2016 album Death and Other Animals. The song highlights the protective nature of the Gurt Dog and tells a tale of a child that wandered at night only to be ushered home by a large, gentle canine friend. 

Soundly dream, Sweetly dream, Close your ears and pray. Gurt Dog howls, On the prowl, For children who’ve run away. 

A muzzle pushed into my palm, Velvet it was and warm. The hills were kind, the moor was small, I’d soon be safely home. 

He galloped me up to my door, I stretched to kiss his nose. Then climbed back into my fleece-lined bed, Dry down to my clothes.

Thylacine

Thylacinus cynocephalus

Source: Here