KnowraCryptidCryptidA cryptid is an animal whose existence is claimed by cryptozoology but has not been confirmed by mainstream science.BriefConnectBigfoot: A large, ape-like cryptid reported primarily in forests of North America. Its footprint reports and sightings made it a defining North American cryptid.Cryptozoology: The study of animals whose existence is claimed but not established by mainstream zoology. It is the field that investigates claims about cryptids.Folklore: Traditional stories, beliefs, and customs transmitted within communities. Local stories often supply the names and traits attached to cryptids.Extant taxon: A formally recognized group of organisms that has living members. Unlike a cryptid, an extant taxon is supported by accepted scientific evidence.Loch Ness Monster: A large aquatic creature said to inhabit Scotland’s Loch Ness. Its enduring lake-monster reports exemplify a cryptid tied to one location.Eyewitness testimony: An account of an event given by someone who claims to have observed it. Many cryptid claims begin with reports of sightings.American folklore: Traditional stories and beliefs originating in the United States. It includes traditions that shaped reports of creatures such as Bigfoot.Mythical creature: A being from myth or legend whose existence is not established as biological fact. Cryptids are claimed as real animals, while mythical creatures belong to legend.Chupacabra: A creature in modern folklore blamed for attacking livestock, especially goats. Reports of livestock attacks show how cryptid descriptions can change over time.Misidentification: The mistaken identification of a person, object, or animal. Known animals or objects can be interpreted as unfamiliar creatures.Show all 20Linked from 8 pagesIvan T. SandersonBroader topic: Cryptids are the proposed animals at the center of Sanderson’s investigations.YowieNarrower topic: The yowie is treated as a cryptid when framed as a potentially undiscovered animal.JackalopeCompared with: Unlike cryptids presented as undiscovered real animals, the jackalope is commonly understood as folklore.MothmanNarrower topic: This label captures how Mothman is commonly categorized outside the historical record of the reports.Legendary creatureCompared with: Cryptids are framed as undiscovered animals, while legendary creatures may be supernatural or symbolic.Show all 8