Snallygaster
The Snallygaster hails from my (Tess’) neck of the woods. Sightings of this strange bird-reptile hybrid creature go back as far as the 1730s. It was first reported in the area of Frederick County, Maryland which was settled mainly by German immigrants at the time. Back then, it was called the Schneller Geist...which eventually was changed to just Snallygaster.
Some describe it as a chimera, and others describe the Snallygaster as almost dragon-like. It it said to have its nest deep in South Mountain's cave. Originally called Schneller Geist, which translates to Quick Spirit in Germany. It was likely called that because it was known to quickly swoop down and steal away livestock, or terrify the locals.
Fast forwarding from the 18th century to 1909, the first ever written encounters began to be published by local newspapers. In both February and march 1909, a creature describd as having enormous wings, a long pointed bill, claws as dangerous as steel hooks, and an eye in the dead center of its forehead. Furthermore, it was reported to screech in the night that sounded like a locomotive whistle. It was even reported that the creature grew bold enough to pick up a man and drain him of all of his blood. He was later discovered bloodless on a hillside. If you believe any of this at all.
Soon, it began to be believed that the Snallygaster wasn't a one-off creature and that there were families of them who were sighted throughout the centuries. Over the years, Snallygaster sightings began to grow and a president almost got involved. Allegedly, Theodore Roosevelt considered delaying a trip to Africa to hunt down the beast in central Maryland. Even more so, a team at the Smithsonian was considering sending out an expedition to capture the beast. Although, ultimately, Teddy Roosevelt didn't go on the hunt and the Smithsonian didn't send out a team.
While, of course cryptids always have a chance of existing there is an interesting theory about the reapperane of the Snallygaster in the 1920s and 1930s. This timing, and it’s sudden boost in fame, would have lined up well with prohibition. You see, some of the Snallygaster symptoms -- screeching, dead livestock, hurt people, and the sound of intense wings flapping also align well with illegal alcohol production.
So, was it a mere coincidence? Or something else?
Thanks to Dave G for this blogstonishing suggestion!
The feature image depicts South Mountain, Maryland a place where Snallygaster was sighted. The full title is Oblique air photo of South Mountain in Maryland, looking north. Interstate 70 bisects the image. Taken and uploaded by James Stuby. by Jstuby and is released in the public domain.
