North Carolina Cryptids
Beast of Bladenboro
The Beast of Bladenboro is a legendary cryptid from North Carolina folklore, first reported in the town of Bladenboro in the 1950s. Described as a large, cat-like creature with eerie glowing eyes, it was blamed for a series of mysterious livestock killings, with victims reportedly drained of blood. Witnesses claimed it emitted terrifying screams and had supernatural strength. Though theories range from a wildcat to a hoax, the Beast remains an enduring mystery and local legend.
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Lake Norman Monster
The Lake Norman Monster, often called “Normie,” is a legendary creature said to inhabit Lake Norman in North Carolina. Descriptions vary, but it is typically depicted as a large, serpent-like creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster. Sightings have been reported for decades, with some claiming to see a long, undulating shape in the water. While no scientific evidence supports its existence, “Normie” remains a popular local legend, inspiring stories, merchandise, and even playful speculation among residents and visitors.
Knobby
Uwharrie Beast
The Uwharrie Beast is a legendary apelike creature said to haunt North Carolina’s Uwharrie National Forest. Described as towering, covered in dark fur, and possessing glowing red eyes, it is often compared to Bigfoot. Witnesses report eerie howls, a musky odor, and fleeting glimpses of its massive form moving through the trees.
Boojum
The Boojum is a legendary Bigfoot-like creature from the Great Balsam Mountains of western North Carolina, especially around Eaglenest Mountain near the town of Waynesville in Haywood County. Described as a large, shaggy, human-like being, the Boojum became part of Appalachian folklore in the early 1900s through tales told by local residents, travelers, and visitors to the historic Eagle’s Nest Hotel. Stories claimed the creature roamed remote mountain forests and caves, sometimes guarding hidden gemstones or frightening hunters with strange cries. Though no scientific evidence supports the legend, the Boojum remains one of western North Carolina’s best-known mountain cryptids and an enduring part of regional folklore.
Wampus Cat
The Wampus Cat is a mythical feline cryptid from Appalachian folklore, often described as a large, panther-like creature with glowing eyes and an eerie scream. Legends vary, with some saying it was once a woman cursed into beast form, while others claim it stalks the woods as a supernatural guardian or omen of bad luck.
The Moon-eyed People
The Moon-eyed People are a legendary race in Appalachian folklore, described as small, pale-skinned beings with large, sensitive eyes who were unable to see in daylight. According to Cherokee legends, they lived in the Appalachian Mountains before being driven away by the Cherokee. Some theories link them to early European settlers, the Welsh prince Madoc, or even pre-Columbian civilizations, but their true origins remain a mystery.
The Little People
The Little People, known as the Yunwi Tsunsdi, not cryptids but more supernatural beings in Cherokee folklore. They are described as small, elf-like spirits who live in remote mountains, caves, and wooded areas. Though generally kind and helpful, they can be mischievous and dislike being disturbed. They are known to assist lost travelers, teach lessons to those who show disrespect, and bring luck to those they favor. However, speaking about them too much or in the wrong way can invite trouble.
The Santer
The Santer is described as a cat-like cryptid from North Carolina. It is often reported to have a feline appearance, with a sleek body, large cat-like eyes, and sharp claws. Some descriptions also mention it having an unusual, long tail and an eerie, almost supernatural presence. Witnesses claim the Santer is elusive and mostly spotted at night, often lurking in dense, swampy areas. Its behavior is often compared to that of a wild cat or panther, and it has become part of local legends, with few sightings but plenty of mystery surrounding it.
The Cape Fear River Monster
The Cape Fear River Monster is a mysterious creature said to inhabit the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. The giant serpent-like creature reported near Wilmington and other stretches of the river. Descriptions of the creature vary, but it is often depicted as a large, snake-like or serpentine entity. It has been the subject of local folklore for years, with occasional sightings fueling speculation and curiosity. The creature is sometimes linked to tales of ancient, undiscovered species or cryptids, and remains a part of the area’s rich history of mysterious legends.
Catawba River Monster
The Catawba River Monster is a cryptid reported to inhabit the Catawba River in North and South Carolina. Descriptions of the creature vary, but it is often described as a large, serpent-like creature with dark scales and a long, snakelike body. Sightings of the monster typically feature it swimming or moving along the river, with some reports suggesting it may be a form of giant eel or prehistoric aquatic reptile. Though the creature has been part of local folklore for generations, there is no concrete evidence to confirm its existence.
The Mermaids at Mermaid Point
The mermaids of Mermaid Point are part of a famous North Carolina folk legend centered at the meeting of the Deep and Haw Rivers in Chatham County, where the Cape Fear River begins. According to stories dating back to the Revolutionary War, travelers and soldiers leaving Ramsey’s Tavern claimed to see beautiful mermaids sitting on a moonlit sandbar, combing seawater from their long hair. Local legend said the mermaids swam inland from the Atlantic Ocean to bathe in the fresh waters of the Cape Fear.
Want to know more about the most popular cryptid – Bigfoot?
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Note: If you believe you’ve had a cryptid encounter in the Carolinas and would like it added to our database, please submit your report to: carolinacryptid@hotmail.com