Local Bigfoot Names
The Carolinas are rich in folklore, and one of the most persistent legends is that of Bigfoot. While the creature is known by this famous name Bigfoot or Sasquatch across most of the United States, North and South Carolina have their own unique regional names for the elusive beast.
There are many local names of Bigfoot but here are just a few:
Knobby
In Cleveland County, North Carolina, locals have long spoken of Knobby, a large, shaggy creature with glowing red eyes. Sightings date back to the 1970s, when numerous residents claimed to see a massive, bipedal figure roaming the area. Some described Knobby as being up to eight feet tall, covered in thick fur, and possessing a pungent odor. Reports became so frequent that local newspapers and even television stations covered the story.
Boojum
Western North Carolina’s mountains hold legends of a different kind of Bigfoot—the Boojum. This creature is said to be a mysterious, hairy humanoid that lurks in the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unlike the aggressive or territorial Bigfoot legends in other states, the Boojum is often described as being more mischievous than menacing. Folklore suggests that the Boojum had a strange fascination with shiny objects, often stealing them from campers and hikers.
Wood Booger
The Wood Booger is a regional name for Bigfoot, primarily used in the Appalachian Mountains, including parts of North Carolina. Described as a large, hairy, ape-like creature, it’s known for its elusive nature and tendency to roam the dense, wooded areas. The name “Wood Booger” comes from its habit of “boogering off” or disappearing into the forest when spotted. Sightings often include reports of eerie howls, large footprints, and a pungent, musky odor. Locals view the Wood Booger as a mysterious, almost guardian-like presence of the wild.
Woolly Booger
The Woolly Booger is a folklore creature from the Carolinas, often described as a shaggy, ape-like being covered in thick, matted fur. Similar to Bigfoot, it’s known for its large size and elusive nature, wandering through rural and wooded areas. The name “Woolly Booger” reflects its wild, unkempt appearance and the mysterious aura that surrounds its rare sightings. It’s typically associated with eerie nighttime encounters and strange noises echoing from the forest.
Carolina Wild Man
One of the oldest Bigfoot legends in the region dates back to the 19th century, when stories of the Carolina Wild Man began circulating. Descriptions vary, but many accounts describe a feral, ape-like man that terrorized small towns, stealing livestock and frightening travelers. Some reports from the 1800s even describe Wild Man hunters forming groups to track down the creature, though no concrete evidence ever surfaced.
Swamp Ape
The Swamp Ape is a cryptid reported in the swampy lowlands of South Carolina. Often described as a large, bipedal, ape-like creature covered in dark, shaggy hair, it’s known for its strong, foul odor—reminiscent of stagnant water or wet dog. Sightings typically involve the creature lurking near marshes, rivers, or dense wetland areas. The Swamp Ape is believed to be elusive and reclusive, blending into the dense foliage and vanishing when approached.
The Little People’s Protector
In Cherokee folklore, there are legends of a Bigfoot-like creature known as the Little People’s Protector. This being is said to guard the “Little People” of the Appalachian Mountains, spiritual beings who dwell in hidden places. Some Cherokee traditions describe the protector as a tall, hairy creature that keeps outsiders away from sacred lands.
Devil Monkey
Some believe that the Devil Monkey, another cryptid reported in the Appalachian region, could be a type of Bigfoot. Described as a smaller, more aggressive creature with reddish-brown fur and a dog-like snout, the Devil Monkey is said to leap great distances and attack livestock. Reports of this creature have been scattered across western North Carolina for decades.
Fort Fisher Ape
Along the coast of North Carolina, reports of a strange ape-like figure near Fort Fisher have surfaced over the years. First sighted in the early 1970s, this coastal Bigfoot is often described as smaller than the typical Sasquatch but just as elusive. The presence of a Bigfoot-like creature so close to the shore challenges conventional beliefs that these creatures only inhabit deep forests and mountains.
A Lasting Legend – Despite their different names and descriptions, all of these creatures share common traits with Bigfoot. Sightings still occur in both North and South Carolina, with modern reports emerging from hunters, hikers, and even police officers. Whether it’s Knobby, the Boojum, or the Carolina Wild Man ect, the legend of a hidden, wild creature continues to be part of local folklore, keeping mystery and curiosity alive in the region.
Want to know more about Bigfoot than just the names?
If you’re wondering what Bigfoot really is—beyond the legends and local names—take a deeper dive into the theories and possibilities at our sister site: What Is Bigfoot?
Note:
If you think you had any cryptid experiences and want to be added to the database, Please submit your report to: carolinacryptid@hotmail.com