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Albatwitch
Small, hairy, apple-throwing creatures of the Susquehanna Valley. The Native Americans knew of them. Early settlers reported them. Pennsylvania's own ape-men—the Albatwitch.
1700s - Present
Pennsylvania, USA
100+ witnesses
The Albatwitch is a small, ape-like cryptid reported from the Susquehanna Valley of Pennsylvania.
The Legend
Local tradition says:
The Albatwitch:
- Is 4-5 feet tall
- Covered in hair
- Lives near Chickies Rock
- Steals and throws apples
- May be related to Bigfoot
Description
Witnesses describe:
- Short, hairy humanoid
- 3-5 feet tall
- Walks upright
- Lives in wooded areas
- Fond of apples (hence “apple-snitch”)
History
The name may derive from:
- “Apple-snitch” (steals apples)
- German “alle bewische” (all whiskers)
- Native American traditions
- The creatures were common knowledge
Chickies Rock
The primary habitat:
- A rock outcropping in Lancaster County
- Overlooks the Susquehanna River
- Long associated with the creatures
- Now a state park
Modern Sightings
Reports continue:
- Various sightings through the 20th century
- Often near orchards
- Small, quick creatures
- Some consider them juvenile Bigfoot
The Festival
Columbia, PA hosts:
- An annual Albatwitch Day
- Celebrating the local legend
- Cryptid enthusiasts attend
- The legend lives on
Sources
- Pennsylvania folklore documentation