The Fouke Monster
A hairy, ape-like creature terrorized residents of this small Arkansas town and inspired 'The Legend of Boggy Creek.'
The Fouke Monster
The Fouke Monster, also known as the Boggy Creek Monster, gained notoriety in 1971 when it allegedly attacked a home near Fouke, Arkansas. The subsequent media attention and a 1972 documentary film made the creature one of the most famous cryptids in American folklore.
The Ford Incident
On May 1, 1971, Bobby Ford reported that a large, hairy creature had attacked his home in the early morning hours. Ford said the creature reached through a screen window and grabbed him. He fired at the beast with a shotgun as it retreated into the darkness.
The creature was described as approximately seven feet tall, weighing 250 to 300 pounds, with dark hair covering its body and red eyes that reflected light. It walked on two legs and had a strong, unpleasant odor.
Police investigated and found scratch marks on the porch and unusual three-toed tracks in the area.
Earlier Reports
While the Ford incident brought the creature to national attention, locals had reported sightings going back decades. Hunters and farmers in the swampy bottomlands near Boggy Creek had long spoken of a large, ape-like creature that roamed the area.
After the Ford incident, numerous other witnesses came forward with their own experiences. The creature was reported raiding gardens, killing livestock, and leaving large footprints along creek banks.
The Legend of Boggy Creek
In 1972, filmmaker Charles B. Pierce released “The Legend of Boggy Creek,” a docudrama about the creature. Made for approximately $160,000, the film grossed over $20 million and became a drive-in sensation.
The film brought thousands of curious visitors to Fouke and established the creature in popular culture. Several sequels followed, though none matched the original’s success.
Continuing Reports
Sightings of the Fouke Monster continue to the present day. Hunters report large footprints and strange vocalizations in the swampy woodlands. Occasionally, motorists report seeing a large, bipedal figure crossing roads at night. The town of Fouke embraces its cryptid heritage.