Cryptid of the Day - The Maryland Goatman

Cryptid of the Day: August 14th

The Maryland Goatman

              

Part goat, part man, the Maryland Goatman is coming for you! Complete with evil-looking horns and hooves instead of feet, this mysterious cryptid bears a spooky resemblence to the Jersey Devil.  First reported (officially) in 1957, the Goatman was said to stalk areas of Forestville and Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, Maryland. In the early 1960s, the Goatman was reportedly responsible for murdering 14 hikers (12 of them being children.) Sightings have since been documented in other states, even extending west to the pacific coast and south into Mexico.

There are numerous sources that claim to know the origin of the Maryland Goatman, however the most well-known theory involves Dr. Stephen Fletcher, a scientist working for the U.S. Department of Agricultule. Dr. Fletcher assumed responsibilty for the creature, claiming it was an experiment gone wrong. The experiment involved crossing of human and goat DNA.

The Goatman is said to favor bridges, which may lead back to old stories of trolls collecting a "tax" to cross their bridge. This legend, unfortunately, doesn't seem to have much evidence to hold up its claim. Stories and reports of this creature are probably nothing more than cases of (very) mistaken identity or a product of fear and paranoia. Even if nothing more than local lore, the story of the Maryland Goatman is still interesting enough for us paranormal and supernatural loves to check into!

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