Alabama's most famous cryptids: Legends told around the campfire that haunt the backwoods
Tales of strange sightings and eerie encounters have been passed around campfires for generations. Whether it's backcountry whispers or blurry photos, the legends endure and they're as much a part of Alabama as the pine trees and red clay.
There are Alabama's creepiest cryptids, perfect for your next campfire story.
The White Thang is Alabama's most legendary cryptid, and no one can quite agree on what it is. Some say it looks like a white Bigfoot, while others swear it's more like a giant cat or wolf. Standing nearly eight feet tall with glowing red eyes, the creature is fast, elusive and known for an eerie screech.
Most sightings of the White Thang occur in north Alabama between Morgan, Etowah and Jefferson counties. However, it has also been spotted in Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Walnut Grove and Happy Hallow. The creature's reach isn't limited to one corner of the state; reports have popped up in other areas of Alabama and even in neighboring states.
The last major sighting was reported in the early 2000s, but some say White Thang is still out there. Reports surfaced as recently as last year, and a Facebook group dedicated to the creature has locals swapping stories and asking, "Have you seen it, too?"
The Wolf-Woman of Mobile is one of Alabama's most mysterious legends.
In 1971, people in Mobile reported seeing a creature with a woman's head and a wolf's body. Witnesses described glowing eyes and eerie howls.
Though dozens claimed to see her, no proof had turned up, and then she seemed to disappear. But stories keep popping up, with locals and students saying they've heard strange sounds deep in the swamps.
Whether real or just a spooky tale, the Wolf-Woman remains a haunting part of Alabama folklore.
Alabama's cryptid stories don't stop with the White Thang and Wolf-Woman. There's Hugging Molly, the Witch in the Woods, the Sipsey Creature, the Coosa River Monster and plenty more strange legends lurking in the state's backwoods.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: What are Alabama's most famous cryptids? Here's what to know about them
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Woman Walks Out of Friend's Baby Shower After She Jokes About Her Infertility During Group Game
A woman shared in a viral online Reddit post that she left her friend's baby shower after the expectant mom made a joke about her infertility The pal said the poster would lose a 'trivia game about babies" because she wasn't "exactly an expert" on the matter The Redditor noted that she had been struggling with infertility for years, which was something her friend had known aboutA woman walked out of a friend's baby shower after the expectant mom made an out-of-line joke at her expense. The 35-year-old woman shared in a post on Reddit's popular "Am I Overreacting" forum that she helped plan her 34-year-old friend Anna's baby shower for her second child. "I bought decorations, split costs, baked cupcakes, all the things," she writes. "For context, I've been dealing with infertility for a few years. Anna knows this." During the shower, the guests were playing a 'trivia game about babies,' when Anna made a pointed comment about the poster. "Anna joked, 'Well, [my name] will lose this one, obviously, she's not exactly an expert on babies,'" the woman recalls. The joke rubbed the woman the wrong way, as she had been struggling with infertility for years, which Anna was well aware of. 'Some people laughed awkwardly, and I just… froze,' the woman adds. 'I excused myself and left without saying much.' The woman did not say whether she returned to the party, but noted that Anna later texted her, saying she was 'just kidding' and that the poster 'made things weird' by leaving. 'Another mutual friend said I should've stayed and not made it about me,' the woman adds, asking other Reddit users if she was "overreacting by being hurt and walking out." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Nearly all of the commenters were on the poster's side, noting that Anna 'made it about' her 'when she mentioned your name.' They added that 'if she was a good friend she would know that isn't a topic to joke about.' '... Referring to your lack of children is crossing a line,' another chimed in. 'It's a reasonable boundary that your friends shouldn't even need to be asked not to cross. If she thinks that sticking by this boundary makes you difficult or weird, then she's not a real friend. You deserve better friends…' Others said that the woman's apology also wasn't up to snuff. One person said, 'That was incredibly cruel and you deserve a sincere apology not that text.' Someone else suggested that the woman give her friend a chance to 'muster a sincere apology' and do 'some reflection on why she chose to hurt you like that.' They also noted that if the woman's friend doesn't 'demonstrate' this by the end of the week, they should move on from the friendship. Read the original article on People
USA Today
6 hours ago
- USA Today
What time does 'The Gilded Age' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch
Season 3 of "The Gilded Age" has just begun, but tea and drama are already brewing hot between characters. HBO's lavish period drama, created by "Downton Abbey's" Julian Fellowes, returned for its third season on June 22 to record-high viewership. About 2.7 million U.S. viewers tuned in across platforms within the first three days of the season premiere, HBO said. "The Gilded Age" follows high society and the battle between "old money" and "new money" in 1800s New York. In the new season, the old guard is losing its powerful grip following the Opera War, while the Russells "stand poised to take their place at the head of society," according to the season synopsis. "Bertha sets her sights on a prize that would elevate the family to unimaginable heights while George risks everything on a gambit that could revolutionize the railroad industry — if it doesn't ruin him first," the synopsis says, adding, "across the street, the Brook household is thrown into chaos as Agnes refuses to accept Ada's new position as lady of the house." "As all of New York hastens toward the future, their ambition may come at the cost of what they truly hold dear," it concludes. Here's what to know about when the next episode of "The Gilded Age" Season 3 comes out. Watch 'The Gilded Age' with Sling + Max Russells, Van Rhijns and dukes, oh my! Who's who in 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox When does the next episode of 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 come out? New episodes of "The Gilded Age" Season 3 drop Sundays on HBO and Max at 9 p.m. ET / PT. The next episode will come out on July 6. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. How many episodes will 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 have? See schedule Season 3 of 'The Gilded Age' will have eight episodes. Here's what the upcoming episode schedule looks like: Episodes 1 and 2 have aired and are available to stream on Max. How to watch 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 "The Gilded Age" Season 3 will air on HBO and stream on Max weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Seasons 1 and 2 of "The Gilded Age" are also available to stream on Max. Watch 'The Gilded Age' with Sling + Max 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 cast Watch the 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 trailer Max dropped the trailer for Season 3 of "The Gilded Age" on June 3. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
USA Today
10 hours ago
- USA Today
Julian McMahon remembered by Alyssa Milano, former costars: 'Losing him feels unreal'
Hollywood is celebrating the life of Julian McMahon. The "Nip/Tuck" and "Fantastic Four" actor has died at 56 following a battle with cancer, his wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY on Saturday, July 5. McMahon starred as Christian Troy on the FX series "Nip/Tuck" and as Cole Turner on The WB's "Charmed." He was also known for his role as Doctor Doom in 2005's "Fantastic Four" and its 2007 sequel, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer." In a tribute on Instagram, "Charmed" star Alyssa Milano said she was "heartbroken" to learn of McMahon's death. "He walked into a room and lit it up — not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding," she wrote. Julian McMahon, 'Nip/Tuck' and 'Fantastic Four' actor, dies at 56 "We spent years together on 'Charmed' — years of scenes, stories, and so many in-between moments. He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me. We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other." Milano went on to say that McMahon was a "dear friend," adding, "Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair." In her own tribute, "Charmed" star Holly Marie Combs wrote that McMahon's "unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed," and "the joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered." Ioan Gruffudd, who starred as Reed Richards in "Fantastic Four," noted in his tribute that although he and McMahon played rivals on screen, "there was always so much lightness and laughter working together." Shannen Doherty honored by former 'Beverly Hills, 90210' and 'Charmed' co-stars "Every encounter with him was a joy," the actor wrote. "It was an honor to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. My heart goes out to his wife and family." Michael Chiklis, who played The Thing in "Fantastic Four," said McMahon's death is a reminder that "life is so precious and fragile." Joely Richardson, who starred as Julia McNamara on "Nip/Tuck," remembered on Instagram how the actor "could be hysterically funny" and was "hugely charismatic," adding, "My enormous condolences to your family and children. You lived a large life my friend, Bravo." "Nip/Tuck" star Kelly Carlson, who played Kimber Henry, also shared in an Instagram video that she was "completely shocked and saddened" by the death of her "good friend" McMahon. In a statement to USA TODAY, McMahon's wife Kelly said that his "deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible," adding, "We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life." McMahon shared a child with his ex-wife Brooke Burns. In an Instagram post, Burns shared a photo of McMahon and their daughter along with a broken heart emoji. Contributing: Jay Stahl
