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Most of the "fearsome critters" were invented as explanations for the difficulties and dangers that were a part of the desolate environment of the 19th-century lumberjack community. Some were, of course, invented as sheer entertainment in " Tall Tales " and were used for teasing newcomers and Gullible cityfolk. The creatures ranged from humorous animals, birds, reptiles, and insects to bizarre Hybrid s of terrifying description. Frequently the creature's name indicates some aspect of its behavior, such as the Come-At-A-Body or the Hidebehind ; in other instances the name is derived from an older word such as the Fibbertigibbet (a witches familiar's name) or Harpy-Hag (a monster of English folklore). Fearsome critter stories have been collected by history, Folklore and Backwoods Enthusiasts .

Some of the fearsome critters, such as the Hidebehind, were derived from , while the Fisher-Cat was a description of a type of Marten . (In some rural areas the term, now often shortened to "fisher", is still used in reference to martens.)


LIST OF FEARSOME CRITTERS

Felines

Snakes

Humanoids
  • Hidebehind - it would seize unwary lumberjacks and devour them, it was said to be so fast that it could hide behind the nearest tree before a man turned around. May be related to the Wendigo .

  • Leprechaun - North American variety of the Irish creature, since become extinct in its native land.

  • Anderbeast - A humanoid creature that stands 3 feet tall and is covered in dark red hair.


Various critters


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