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Cryptozoology in Europe

For those not familiar with the term ‘cryptozoology’, it is a word that refers to the fascinating study of animals that have not been proven to exist (‘cryptids’). These creatures can range from the relatively ‘believable’ and mundane, to the downright bizarre and occasionally horrific. Here we will address cryptozoology in Europe and some of the European cryptids you might be on the lookout for while travelling there. For many for whom this is a hobby or interest, this can be the purpose of such travels, but for anyone with a passing interest in forteana it can be fun to be on the lookout for cryptozoology in Europe.

The Beast of Bodmin Moor (Cornwall, UK): The beast of bodmin moor, like the beast of Exmoor, is a ‘phantom big cat’ and one of many spotted in England. In these areas the number of sightings has lead to some coming to believe that big cats akin to Panthers live in the UK despite no evidence and the harsh living conditions. Generally scientists reject these claims as there would need to be large numbers of big cats in the area to maintain a ‘breeding population’ and there is not the climate nor food supply to support them in these quantities. However, sightings continue and in one case a young boy was found carrying the upper portion of the skull of a leopard adding to the speculation. A similar case of crypotzoology in Europe – that of the black dog sightings across England, was actually the inspiration for the Sherlock Holme’s story ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.

The Beasts of Gévaudan (Gévaudan, France): This is actually a historical example of cryptozoology in Europe. The beasts of Gévaudan was the name given to alleged ‘man eating wolves’ that attacked the former province of Gévaudan between 1764 and 1767. Reports suggest that there were somewhere in the region of 113 deaths, with victims having their throats ripped out by the attackers. Subsequent suggestions have been made as to the identity of the species. Some claim they were a cross between wild wolves and domestic dogs. Of course more creative suggestions include werewolves or a punishment from God.

The Loch Ness Monster (Loch Ness, Scotland): Also known sometimes as ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster is one of the best known examples of cyrptozoology in Europe and of a cryptid in general. The creature has had thousands of sightings since 1933 and is said to live in the large lake. Described as being similar to prehistoric plesiosaurs it is described as having a long neck that can be seen raised out of the water and to propel itself on four fins and with a large tail. Debate has raged since its introduction as to whether it could be a real creature, and it generates a huge amount of tourism for the Scottish lake. Proposed explanations include that viewers could be seeing giant eels (though these move side to side), an Elephant (escaped from a circus or zoo), seals, or even rocks and trees. For tourists interested in cryptozoology in Europe there is a museum of Nessie nearby.

Wolpertinger (Bavaria, German): Wolpertinger is an example of cryptozoology in Europe from Germany. This time a creature that is said to have the features of many other animals and is often portrayed as part rabbit, part bird, part hooved animal. The creature has found its way into popular culture and even appears in the video game ‘World of Warcraft’. Though the wolpertinger are largely debunked, it is possible to buy many stuffed examples of the creature made from parts of other dead animals.