Ozark Howler
This cryptid has been sighted in the Ozark Mountains, which span the Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. Though, there have been a few sightings in Texas too, so maybe a few had issues with living in Oklahoma. Still, what are these creatures supposed to be?
The Ozark Howler is said to be the size of a bear, really hairy, and have horns. Its fur is very dark, which is why it’s sometimes called the Ozark Black Howler. The most important feature of this cryptid is its call. A distinctive howl that has various descriptions such as a wolf mixed with an elk or a half-human scream. Some say that it’s a deep noise while others claim its high-pitched. Strange how a variety of noises is connected to the same creature.
Pictures of the Ozark Howler have been provided, but they are usually a hoax or appear to be a mountain lion. An issue with the latter is that there is apparently no breeding mountain lion breeding population in Arkansas. The best guess there is one has wandered into the area or a big cat has escaped captivity to roam the wilderness. So, the cougar is the most likely physical suspect of this cryptid, but that doesn’t explain the horns and shaggy fur. Although, there is a good argument for the American red wolf even though people tend to describe a feline instead of a canine.
As far as the sounds go, there isn’t a constant description. It seems to simply be loud, creepy noises at night that a person can’t entirely identify. The wolf/elk combo even has a version where a hyena laugh is added. Other possibilities are red foxes, raccoons, and fishers, which live in the area. Since the noise isn’t consistently described, there isn’t any way to get a solid idea of what the Ozark Howler is. Then again, it could come from an older mythology too.
The Ozarks were originally settled by English, Irish, and Scottish settlers. They have a myth of Cu Sith, which was a large black dog with glowing eyes. This was a death omen, so maybe this came about if the original Howler was a mountain lion or bear that also ended up killing people. The Cu Sith was also said to make a piercing howl three times when it was encountered. So, we have a similar physical description along with an auditory component. In the end, we won’t really know for sure, but the Ozark Howler sightings will still turn up from time to time.
