Thats what we in Louisiana call the Rougarou, cher. 1983 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Required fields are marked *. So normally I dont believe it till I see it but in this case I saw it before I even heard about it and now I totally believe it. There was a significant belief in the beast by the populace that people were put on trial and found guilty of being the fabled beast. But first, lets dive into some of its histories. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have successfully subscribed to the PeachTown newsletter. There are also stories of an enormous monster that also shares the bayou with the Rougarou and that is the Honey Island Swamp Monster, which is also known as Louisiana's "bigfoot of the swamp." Another telling of the story says that the Rougarou is under a 101-day curse, unless the affected person can transfer the curse to another human . Its fingernails are grisly claws. The giant was walking westerly at a quick pace with a sorrowful but purposeful look. 2023 Atlas Obscura. The rougarou once served to scare adults into being good Catholics, and children into staying home after dark, Rabalais says, adding, Now there are other things to be scared of, like rising water levels and hurricanes.. There are many people in Louisiana who practice magic and wish curses upon us. The creature ran two city blocks before absconding into the marsh. These Louisiana monsters claim they feel lethargic and drained if they dont get the proper serving size of blood in on the regular. And then I realized that is what I saw! A 1926 article in the New Orleans States juxtaposes scenes of the wild honeysuckle and vibrant Southern foliage of the area against bushes used as hiding spots for murderers to ambush victims. I got more specific with my search terms and soon stumbled upon something that reignited the idea of a creature like Bigfoot existing in our parts. We use cookies to provide you with the best possible browsing experience. The monster has its own Wikipedia pageand has been the source of numerous news stories and documentaries. I am using it as research for a short story that I am wtiting. Well, the rougarou of the Bayou country has a pretty strong link to the werewolf of ancient times in Europe and France. Like other "monsters" Loch Ness, Bigfoot the Honey Island Swamp Monster has developed an enduring legend. Coming across this story made me reach out to Mr. Nameless to see if he would entertain the idea answering some questions about the experience he had in the early 90s. Foret is now director of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit that educates students, in the classroom and on field trips, about the challenges of sea level rise, climate change, and living in a coastal communityone still recovering from 2021s Hurricane Ida. She finally located the purse she grabbed it and quickly ran inside the house. Louisiana has a Nightmare on Bourbon Street situation going on that some arent aware of. At the annual October events rougarou costume contest, the fests mascot is reimagined hundreds of different ways, including as an eco-activist. One of the most popular stories that gets passed down from generation to generation is the legend of the Rougarou, Cajun Country's answer to Bigfoot. Only you can prevent forest fires, and so only you can save Louisianas wetlands.. The few folks that lay eyes on these creatures are simply catching an interloper just visiting. Sam and Dean had a struggle with this one. Out hunting for deer, Hubert was perched atop an oak tree when he heard heavy sounds approaching from the woods behind him. Curious Louisiana explains it's not all random. The different versions of the Rougarou beast are as many as reported sightings of the beast. In Assumption Parish it is common place for house to be built substantially off the ground to withstand inevitable flood waters. I heard sounds Ive never heard and smells Id never smelled but never spied anything. The Rougarou, or as others may say, Loup garou, is a bayou-dwelling werewolf. This a great article!! Nothing is going to hurt me. The student also stated that he did not want to alarm the creature by running off. In this version, the Rougarou is in human form during the day, only transforming at night, meaning he could blend in with society and no one would ever know! It is known as the most haunted road in the entire state. The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover. A Police officer and his partner, responding to a neighborhood prowler call. The boy saw the dog turn into a man, then ran home to tell his family. The French actually have a similar story of the Loup-garou. We can only hope Ruston, LA never decides to build a Grunch Road. It was a fall evening and this student was walking on a road in back of the property that borders cow pastures and piney woods. Nope, not The GrinchThe Grunch. The two children ran the entire way home, about of a mile. The Legends Of The Rougarou In Louisiana May Send Chills Down Your Spine Since the dawn of time, people have been telling stories. People say, behind the disguises, theyre really the spirits of babies who died before baptism. Your email address will not be published. I want more! It throws its head back, letting out a blood-curdling howl to the moon. A 1981 report bywriter Jerry Breaux pulled from The Advocate archives recalls a conversation the writer had with his long-time friend, Hubert. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Did a child disappear from the village without a trace? In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. These canine-humanoid shapeshifters travel between worlds using magical doors. Apparently that was a thing they did back then. Sometimes I mix all of these subjects together. Did your house get ransacked during the night? The hybrid whimpering could still be heard, and was clear and near, but still no visible sign of what was producing these sounds. Outside of the infamous Honey Island Swamp Monster, there were not many stories that I found in my preliminary search. Children can see and hear everything that happens, but they are unable to move. That gator is looking pretty good right now, huh? French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend of the beast to Louisiana. The creature stood upright on two legs. 61 when they saw a creature pop up out from the bank of the canal that parallels Airline. These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. Another telling of the story says that the Rougarou is under a 101-day curse, unless the affected person can transfer the curse to another human being. In the article, we will attempt to answer these questions and more. Hi, I live in Terrebonne Parish near swampy land that was formerly called Devils Swamp. Generations of youngsters have heard the scary tales. The human animal sobbing sounds were also accompanied by the snapping of branches and the crackling of leaves that gave the impression of something large moving through the woods. About four weeks ago, PB and his 5-year-old daughter were walking along their long dirt driveway that leads to their home. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Email Joni Hess at joni.hess@theadvocate.com. In this article, were going to highlight the top 9 Louisiana monsters from folklore and legends. Since the dawn of time, people have been telling stories. Out of the shaking bush came a large hairy arm, grabbed a handful of leaves then went back in. The next day Mr. Nameless, his older brother, and a mutual friend went ride back out to Peavine. The French Catholics claimed that you would be turned into a loup-garou if you did not follow the rules of Lent for seven consecutive years. The officer that submitted this report has over 40 years in military and law enforcement, a degree in Anthropology, and self educated in Darwinism, math and quantum physics. It's okay, because we're here to bust them! Your email address will not be published. "The swamp is often seen as a dangerous place, with dangerous animals and everything . Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Often the story of the Rougarou has been used to instill fear in the hearts of Cajun children as a way to command obedience. Some months prior to this her entire family told her they hear a woman screaming at the top of her lungs, followed by a gurgling noise coming from the woods. A year later the boy killed himself and left a letter that the family turned over to the sheriff. In another variation of the story, the half man half wolf monster targets and kills Catholics that have failed to follow the rules of Lent. all proceeds from rougarou fest go to the south louisiana wetlands discovery center click here to learn more. As the name implies, it pays homage to the legendary beast. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is one example of many as to how popular the folklore surrounding the beast truly is. In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. Makes that morning commute not seem so bad, right? The question nagged him into adulthood. Could these sightings be and unknown species of hominid living for the most part, undetected in the southeast Louisiana wilderness? Some sources claim the myth originated in medieval France, when belief in werewolves would have been far more prevalent. I believe that people are seeing these poor mangy bears instead of werewolves. 1990-1992 (early 90s) St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. The sounds grew faint as the creature traveled deeper into the woods until they faded completely. The officer reported that the creature crossed a 22 foot wide street in three strides. Had me captured. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you werent already aware, New Orleans has a prominent vampire subculture. Many rumors haunt this road, also known as LA-57. The creature is only vaguely seen in the film with a head resembling a bear. The Rougarou has a varied history, though all variations seem to trace it back to the French. The creature in question was described by the officer as being an eight foot talk, bipedal hominid, dark hair (not fur), and massively build. Described as looking like a sloth, the creature was covered in a light grey hair, had a small round head and a brown nose. Lapin, the trickster rabbit rooted in African folklore traditions that were brought to Louisiana by enslaved people, has also seen a transformation. Even the act of self-defense could be life-altering. An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. Our parents would say things like, you better behave or the rougarou is gonna get you, says Jonathan Foret, a native of Terrebonne Parish, a patchwork of bayou and lowlands on the Gulf shore. I remember he kept repeating something to the effect of look, Im not sure what I saw. At that time the only reference I had to Bigfoot was a few TV shows and a book I checked out a few times from my schools library. There also exist more supernatural explanations for the origins of the Rougarou. I spent a couple summers in Sabine Parish out on North Fort Fort Polk on a tract of ground called Peason Ridge(Little Nam). In the official report the officer filed he was honest, but kept the details to a minimum, it was a very tall dark figure, with no description of clothing. While most likely these stories are cautionary tales meant to keep kids from wandering into dangerous situations, it does make you think! Catholics are told it will hunt down and kill them if they don't obey Lent. We love meat too, but come on. By clicking "Accept," you agree to the use of cookies on Pelican State of Mind. In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. Over the years there have been many different stories about this mythical creature in Louisiana, a common occurrence with oral traditions like this one. On a moonless night those are the darkest woods Ive ever trekked through.that includes the Black Forest, Mark Twain National Forest Missouri, the hills of West Virginia, and the Pine Flats in New Jersey. They look for blood donors who are willing to sell them blood, and yes, they drink it. What is the Rougarou? Love Louisiana? A student attending St. Josephs seminary college had an experience that cannot be classified as a sighting, but rather and auditory experience. [12] The legend of the Rougaou goes back hundreds of years, originating in France. The Rougarou life involves shapeshifting into its beast form every night, then being forced to transform back into a human at sunrise. Some Louisiana monsters are walking around in plain sight! He let his mind wander. Required fields are marked *. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. According to the woman, "The next day a prominent physician appeared in town with his right arm cut and in a sling. The two young women decided they would go to the car together. The Husband also described the creature as being dark in color and large. Full report can be found on http://www.gcbro.com/LAassumption03-12-2016.html. On the last Saturday in October in the city of Houma, Rougarou Fest is held. For the sake of anonymity this family friend will remain nameless, so I will refer to him as Mr. Nameless. Despite being a monster of legends, just like its cousin the werewolf, the Rougarou has its weakness. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Origins of the Rougarou lie in 16th Century medieval French Folklore. In 1974, Ford, a wildlife photographer and former air traffic controller, claimed to have witnessed the creature while exploring potential hunting grounds. Its popularity has seen it placed on shirts, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen roller coasters named after it. What he told me next has stuck in my memory, and was the spark that lit the flame regarding personal interest I took in all things weird, and strange. According to folklore, a Rougarou is a human that has been placed under a spell. The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. A story in The Daily Comet titled "Tales of The Rougarou Still Haunt Local Memories" states, "In the past, rumors about strange or eccentric neighbors would float through small bayou communities, labeling various people as the dreaded Rougarou." Remnants of history freckle the map, whether its old and potentially haunted buildings, abandoned theme parks or even museums with some very strange collections. He flagged me down to speak with me. People claim he leaves behind webbed footprints (presumably to navigate the swamps effectively) and mutilates wild boars. If this witness tells anyone about this encounter within a year and a day, they will become a Rougarou themselves. Lurking in the woods and wetlands of southern Louisiana, according to Cajun legend, theres a ferocious monster that attacks the wayward and the wanderer. Generations of children have heard the scary. The trickster figure really went from being the bad guy, the one to watch out for, to being a hero, says Rabalais, adding that the shift reflected the reality of the people who told and retold the stories. The commuter stated that the headlights of his car shined directly onto the creature so they got a pretty good look at it. Legend says a group of albino dwarves isolated themselves from society in the woods just outside of New Orleans. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The brave friend continued on to the car, opened the door and started to feel around in the dark for the purse in the passenger seat. If you thought voodoo was a thing of the past, think again! Also in Harvey, residents say they've seen it knocking over trashcans and chasing cats. This particular evening something strange caught the seminary students ear. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. Cauchemar actually means nightmare in Louisiana French and Creole. A few seconds passes and she started to feel a fear building inside. 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Rougarou Sightings According to a lady from Louisiana, a local child was being chased by a dog when he decided to cut it with his pocketknife. The student waited 5 more minutes to see if the sounds would return but the encounter was over. That's how I knew it wasnt a bear, another witness reported. Their full transformation into their Rougarou form would be completed once they had their first bite of human flesh. When they reached the paved section of the driveway, PB noticed a dead 90 lb male Bobcat laying along the edge. Years later, as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only to learn theyd never heard of it. The lady said, "The next day, a distinguished physician arrived in town with his right arm bandaged and cut. In a new subdivision that was still being developed named Sheryls Meadows, a 12 year old riding their mini-bike along with their cousin saw a lumbering creature approximately 500 yards away. Immense fear or indifference could be contributed to psychic phenomena that are sometimes reported with these types of sightings. Your email address will not be published. Growing up, my Mom always called it the Wigawoo, and I never knew any different til I was 30something. When faced with a supernatural beast that has superhuman strength, speed, and sharp claws and teeth, chances are you wouldnt be feeling very lucky. It now craves human flesh and overturns small boats to devour and feast! Despite your personal beliefs in the supernatural, these legends abound and continue to be told in the cajun lands to this day. The Rougarou: Southern Louisiana The legends of the rougarou, or loup-garou, have been passed down from generation to generation as long as Louisiana has been inhabited by modern man. Whether the Rougarou is truly a cryptid stalking the streets at night just waiting to pass its curse on to the next unfortunate soul, or whether it is merely a tool used to scare Catholics into keeping Lent, it is clear that the Rougarou has left its mark on Southern Louisiana. There are multiple categories you can enter, including ones for kids and pets. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. Get monthly email updates and the chance to win a prize. With the head of a werewolf and the body of a man, the creature is said to prey on misbehaving children and dates back to medieval France. The Rougarou is an important figure in Cajun legends. There are documentaries about this you can easily find on YouTube. Oh wow that sounds like an interested read, Bill! Local sanitation workers have supposedly reported seeing them raiding garbage cans or chasing trucks. The Rougarou has even been made into an action figure, part of a series that also features Sasquatch and the Yeti. There are quite a few roads that are known to be haunted or spirited in Louisiana, but none is quite as infamous as Bayou Sale Road, a long curvy road that connects Dulac, LA to Cocodrie, LA. When travelling down the interstate or the backroads in Louisiana, youll see lots of beautiful scenery. Curious Louisiana answers. I came across a LObservateur article that ran around Halloween 2002, titled: Let the haunting good times roll. The brave friend dismissed what she saw for a moment and continued to search for the purse in the dark. As it gets to 13, it becomes confused. A large dark figure on two legs crossed the road. Theres an annual Rougarou Festival in Houma every year, and the Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has a Rougarou exhibit, which includes a statue of the creature in all its swampy glory. Cajun legend says that the beast hunts down Catholics who don't follow the rules of Lent. The only one I say can I truly believe is the sighting told to me by Mr. Nameless and that is only because I have known him my entire life and trust him. we have similar creatures in northeastern NY along with a few other cryptids like pig men and Bigfoot but i also have seen a panther like cat with black bat like wings by the tree line in a small town along lake Champlain. Have you ever heard of the Rougarou or another scary Louisiana monster before? When the first drop of blood is drawn, the creature returns to human form and tells the attacker who it really is. Were not afraid. The rougarou is closely related to the European version of the werewolf but has a few very distinct differences from the wolfmen seen in movies and on television. Its rumored that Lutins can take any form, including cats (especially white ones), hobgoblins, elves, and other strange creatures. We do have water spirits, such as Leviathan, a giant alligator spirit, who is actually mentioned in the Bible. There was a problem saving your notification. Theres a howl in the near distance. According to Cajun folklore, the monster is said to inhabit the swamps and sugar cane fields around the Acadiana and Greater New Orleans regions. Thats no werewolf, though. The bright lights of the stars flicker in the murky licks of the waves near the towering, ominous Cypress trees. About half way back to the railroad crossing, 100 yards up the road. That kind of transformation happens and I suspect that whats going on with this festival., But unlike sexy vampires or friendly alligators, Forets rougarou has been reimagined to champion a specific cause: protecting its habitat, which in turn will protect our own. It is most often described as having a human body with the head of a wolf or dog, with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp teeth. Kliebert tried to communicate with the giant, asking who are you? While the officers were talking to the lady, a K-9 unit arrived on scene and when they began their search the dog alerted to something. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. This was a deep dense pine forest with rolling Knolls and the occasion small marsh(bayou). For Foret and many other Cajun residents in the area, the real possibility that climate change will eventually force them from their homes is particularly upsetting. After years of inbreeding, their appearance became less and less human-like, resulting in what people now call The Grunch. According to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and many abnormalities. The story was born in France in medieval times, when they actually believed in werewolves. When this is done on the 101st after the curse was initially placed, the former Rougarou is freed from the curse and allowed to take human form permanently. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. This continued for 15 minutes until the sound started to travel away. I found a report from Civil War veteran Fredrick Kliebert who was walking home from a squirrel hunt when he saw what he described as a giant. I hunt all over america and even in Africa a couple times ive run across crap that has made me avoid entire states and run across other things that i tried to stalk and kill one of these things i tried to kill is a loup garou i lived in deep louisiana until i was 11 i know about these things your gonna need some back story for this i subscribe to the idea that they are cursed humans and will have the curse till they die like wherewolves and the loup garou may even be a wherewolf because the only time ive ever found a claim of one that i couldnt easily blow off the description was the same as a where wolf like a humanoid grizzly bear on two legs with lots of steroids that aside i was doing some hunting one night for hog and saw a huge animal walk out stood 6 or 7 feet tall on two legs couldnt make out fine details due to light but i took a shot at it after i saw enough to realize it wasnt human i shot it in the head with a 45-70 those of you who dont get that its a rifle capable of taking large game like an elephant with one shot very strong round and for those of you who are gun people ill give some specs it was a 500 grain soft lead bullet hot loaded on 72 grains of powder (that doesnt sound like much but i shoot black powder in it not smokeless and no its not a muzzle loader it shoots brass cased bullets like a normal gun) anyway i hit it in the head and it got really pissed of and started to charge from about 200 yards away i shot it again in the chest and it ran off i spent the night tracking it mind you this all happemed at about 10 i only quit when i lost blood trail and foot print trail right around daylight i went home and that night there was a story of a man whos body had been found with two large holes that resembled bullet holes but it was ruled out because there was no trace of any lead or powder and he was drained of all his blood that chalked it up to a satanic ritual now to me it sounds like i killed a loup garou but hey maybe its still out there and just really pissed off. The article reported the murder of a man killed because his whiskey was too good and too profitable. I used to have nightmares including the Rougarou as a kid and seeing this is crazy that its something based on my home state. He checked out the deer kept driving and turned around at the lake headed back towards Hwy. This terrifying creature has evolved over millenniabut never lost the need to feed. There has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends. By the end, youll know the scariest rumors circulating in cajun land. The line on the trees in this picture taken Nov. 16, 2017, shows the swamp's typical high-water mark, which generally arrives in the spring. According to the deputies, the Honey Island Swamp was a hellhole where criminals and monsters thrived. For the original report of this sighting visit bfro.net Report #2764, Late October, near Sorrento, Louisiana a commuter was heading home. But you should 100% be on the lookout for alligators if you find yourself in the swamps at night. Over the last century, hurricanes, sea level rise, and problematic development projects, such as damming the Mississippi River, have caused Louisiana to lose more than 2,000 square miles of land. One day her husband was walking back from his shop in the backyard, and was pretty shook up over what he witnessed. The only credibility I can give to these reports is that they ran in the paper. At first he thought it was a bear that was under the house causing a commotion, but as he approached the creature stood up and ran off into the swamp. It was late in the evening and getting dark, so they could not see into the bush. 4. The only way to arrive at the truth is to keep your mind open to weirdness. I am a journalist from Louisiana who has always been fascinated by folk lore and its cultural impact. The mud was too sloppy to retain any prints. And above all else, remember thisdont go into the swamps alone! Long, thin arm attached to a 6 to 7 foot frame. . He and his partner were a part of a unit in Jefferson Parish that were first responders to criminal calls, making this a most credible report. Some versions of the myth involve witchcraft, wherein a witch has the ability to curse someone to be a Rougarou. People who didnt have a lot of physical or social power in society found a way to survive through being clever., Even Louisianas infamous and very real alligators have undergone a rebranding. Strange noise ? Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. Near Avenue A around 9pm, He arrived at the scene and spoke to the lady that called it in. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. A 9ft tall man with a black beard and what appeared to be a cloak of brown fur hanging from his neck by a rope. The Rougarou has also been tied to the story of the Deridder Roadkill. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. It was still very much daylight when this happened but the only detail he could make out was that the creature was upright and a bipedal hominid, dark in color. The friend forgot her purse in the car. Tell your version of this mythical creature in Louisiana in the comments below!