Cryptozoology facts for kids

Cryptozoology is the study of animals that people believe might exist, even though there's no solid proof yet. It also looks into animals that many scientists think are extinct, but which people still report seeing. People who study or search for these mysterious creatures are called cryptozoologists. The unproven animals themselves are often called cryptids. The word "cryptid" was first used by John Wall in 1983.

What are Cryptids?

Cryptids are creatures that are part of folklore or legends, or animals that scientists haven't officially discovered or confirmed. They are often described by eyewitnesses, but there isn't enough scientific evidence, like photos, videos, or physical remains, to prove they are real. Cryptozoologists try to find this evidence.

Famous Cryptids Around the World

The famous Loch Ness Monster, often called "Nessie," is said to live in a large lake in Scotland.

Many cryptids are known around the globe. Each one has its own unique story and reported sightings. Here are some of the most well-known:

Bigfoot

Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is a large, ape-like creature said to live in the forests of North America. People describe it as tall, hairy, and walking on two legs. Many people have reported seeing Bigfoot or finding its large footprints.

Chupacabra

The Chupacabra is a creature from the Americas, especially known in Puerto Rico and Mexico. Its name means "goat-sucker" because it's said to attack livestock, like goats, and drink their blood. Descriptions of the Chupacabra vary, from a spiky reptile to a wild dog.

Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie," is perhaps the most famous cryptid. It's believed to live in Loch Ness, a large, deep lake in Scotland. People describe Nessie as a large, long-necked marine creature. There have been many reported sightings and even some blurry photos over the years.

Mokele-mbembe

The Mokele-mbembe is a creature said to live in the Congo Basin of Africa. It's often described as a large, long-necked reptile, similar to a dinosaur. Local legends and some explorers have reported seeing it in the dense jungles and rivers.

Yeti

The Yeti, or "Abominable Snowman," is a mysterious ape-like creature said to live in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal and Tibet. Stories describe it as a large, hairy bipedal (two-legged) creature. Many expeditions have searched for the Yeti, finding large footprints but no solid proof.

Kraken

The Kraken is a giant sea monster from Scandinavian folklore. It's often described as a massive squid or octopus that can pull down ships. While the Kraken itself is a legend, giant squid do exist, which might have inspired some of these tales.

Leviathan

The Leviathan is another legendary sea creature, mentioned in ancient texts and myths. It's often described as a huge, powerful sea serpent or whale. Like the Kraken, it represents the vast and mysterious power of the ocean.

De-Loys Monkey

The De-Loys monkey (Ameranthopoides loysi), also known as Didi or Vasitri, is a primate that was supposedly discovered in South America in the early 20th century. It was described as a large, unknown type of monkey, but its existence is still debated among scientists.

Mongolian Death Worm

The Mongolian Death Worm is a strange, snake-like animal said to live in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. Scientists are not sure if it truly exists. People who report seeing it say it looks like a red, fat worm, about 2 to 4 feet long. The local people in Mongolia call it allghoi khorkhoi. They also say this creature can spit yellow poison that kills instantly and can produce powerful electricity strong enough to kill large animals.

See also

In Spanish: Criptozoología para niños