Loveland Frogman
A frog-like humanoid has been spotted near Loveland, Ohio for decades. Police officers encountered it in 1972. It stood upright, looked at them, then leaped over a guardrail. Sightings continue.
The Loveland Frogman is a legendary humanoid creature reported near Loveland, Ohio since the 1950s. Police officer encounters in 1972 brought it national attention.
The First Sighting
According to documented accounts:
In May 1955, a businessman reported seeing three strange creatures:
- Under a bridge at night
- About 3-4 feet tall
- Frog-like faces
- Wrinkled skin
- Appeared to be communicating
One allegedly held a wand-like device that emitted sparks.
The 1972 Police Encounters
More famous are two police sightings:
March 3, 1972: Officer Ray Shockey saw what he thought was a dog lying on the road. When he stopped, it stood up on two legs, was 3-4 feet tall, with leathery skin and frog-like features. It jumped over the guardrail into the Little Miami River.
Approximately two weeks later: Officer Mark Matthews had a similar encounter. He shot at the creature. He later said he thought it might have been an iguana.
The Description
Witnesses describe:
- 3-4 feet tall
- Frog or lizard-like face
- Leathery or rough skin
- Walks upright on two legs
- Can leap considerable distances
- Lives near water
Skeptical Reassessment
In 2016, Officer Matthews said:
- He later believed it was a large iguana
- It was probably an escaped or released pet
- The “Frogman” legend grew beyond what he witnessed
- He didn’t want to be associated with a monster story
However…
Other aspects remain unexplained:
- The 1955 sighting was different
- Multiple witnesses over decades
- The creature’s upright posture
- Its ability to communicate (in 1955)
Possible Explanations
Iguana/Large Lizard: An escaped exotic pet.
Misidentification: Normal animals seen in poor conditions.
Cryptid: An unknown amphibious humanoid.
Hoax/Legend: The story grew from minor incidents.
Cultural Impact
The Loveland Frogman has become:
- A local legend
- Subject of an annual festival
- Featured in media and games
- A beloved part of Ohio folklore
Modern Sightings
Reports continue:
- 2016: A sighting while playing Pokémon Go
- Occasional reports from the river area
- Most are dismissed
- The legend persists