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Snallygaster
A dragon-like beast with tentacles that swoops down on victims. German settlers in Maryland feared it. The Snallygaster terrorized the region in 1909. Is it still out there?
1700s - Present
Maryland, USA
100+ witnesses
The Snallygaster is a dragon-like cryptid from Maryland folklore, reported by German immigrants and in famous 1909 sightings.
The Legend
According to documented accounts:
The Snallygaster:
- Is a dragon-like creature
- Has tentacles
- Swoops down on victims
- Was feared by German settlers
- Had major sighting wave in 1909
Origin
German immigrants brought stories:
- “Schnelle Geist” (quick spirit)
- Became “Snallygaster”
- Protected against with hex signs
- Part of Pennsylvania Dutch culture
- Spread to Maryland
Description
The creature appears as:
- Part bird, part reptile
- With octopus-like tentacles
- Single eye
- Metal beak
- Wings
- Extremely fast
The 1909 Flap
In February 1909:
- Multiple sightings in Maryland
- Newspapers reported heavily
- People claimed attacks
- Eggs were allegedly found
- May have been a hoax
The Dwayyo
Sometimes paired with:
- The Dwayyo (werewolf-like creature)
- They are said to be enemies
- Both haunt western Maryland
- Part of the same folklore tradition
Modern Legacy
The Snallygaster:
- Is a craft beer brand name
- A Maryland legend
- Part of local tourism
- Still occasionally “sighted”