Animal Legends

An animal legend, myth, or fable is an unverified story handed down from earlier times, popularly believed to be historical. Such myths can consist of, for instance, mermaids (part fish part human), dragons, and yetis or sasquatches (hairy creatures). However, most animal legends are said to be false as they are supported by little proof, such as blurry photos and vague and varying descriptions. Examples of some popular animal legends would include “The Loch Ness Monster,” “The Ogopogo,” “Bigfoot,” and “The Abominable Snowman.” Firstly, the Loch Ness Monster is a large aquatic animal resembling a serpent like reptile, described with a small head, a long neck, four paddle like limbs, and a short tail. This Loch Ness Monster animal legend has been reported to have been seen in the waters of Loch Ness, Scotland, but not proved to exist. Also, another animal legend is the “Ogopogo” which is the name given to a lake monster, similar to the Loch Ness Monster, reported to live in the Okanagan Lake, in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, “Bigfoot” is an animal legend about an alleged ape-like creature inhabiting forests, mainly in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. “Bigfoot” is usually described as a large, hairy, human-like creature. Lastly, the “Abominable Snowman” is a popular animal legend who is an ape-like creature, similar to Bigfoot, said to inhabit the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet. Overall, most animal myths have been concluded as nonexistent due to a lack of evidence. What are some other animal legends that you have heard of? Do you believe in animal legends? Why or why not?