rougarou sightings in louisiana

In a 2008 Fox News special,people claimed they'd seen the beast. Nope, not The GrinchThe Grunch. An illegal moonshine distilling business once drove much of the area's economy, but competition could be shot down without any repercussions, according to the article. The sound of human cries in the woods is a theme directly from faire lore. I need to do some more research on those spirits! No, you dont become a Rougarou from a bite or scratch, or from losing a bet. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. A recent novel called The Sentence by Louise Erdrich. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. They appear as fluorescent balls of light which loom over the marshlands of Louisiana. The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover One man hopes to turn the wolfish cryptid into a mascot for saving the state's imperiled wetlands. The Grunch: A Chupacabra on the Louisiana Bayou - Exemplore Considering how many hunters love senselessly killing wild boars, we really cant blame the swamp monster. The Bible tells us to test the spirit(s) to see if it (they) come from God. Required fields are marked *. It was still very much daylight when this happened but the only detail he could make out was that the creature was upright and a bipedal hominid, dark in color. Before we get too far into an explanation let's first say it correctly, the proper pronunciation is, "Roo-Ga-Roo.". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com. The short answer is oral tradition. The French actually have a similar story of the Loup-garou. It was also preached that French Catholics that broke the Lent seven years in a row would be hunted down and killed by the beast. In the same story from The Nicholls Worth, the author, Brandon Folse, heavily quotes Patricia Perrin, a retired English instructor and folklore specialist. The cousins were ridding toward the creature when they spotted it walking on side of the road in their direction. In the late summer of the early 90's (actual year up for debate), I was riding my bike. Recently I saw a picture of a bear with severe mange which looked like how people describe werewolves and rougarous. It sounds like a wolf, but somethings a little off. Your email address will not be published. Its true! The New Orleans Pelicans, Louisiana's NBA team, were formerly known as the Hornets. The legend is believed to have originated from French Canadian immigrants in the late 1700's. There are hundreds of light . "Who. Proud foodie. The different versions of the Rougarou beast are as many as reported sightings of the beast. Is there a Louisiana werewolf? Described as looking like a sloth, the creature was covered in a light grey hair, had a small round head and a brown nose. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of Rougarou supernatural popularity. When many of the French migrated to Canada and the southern United States, they took the legend of the loup-garou with them. However, due to its incredibly poor math skills, the beast can only count to 12. This version varies from being a Bigfoot legend to resembling something more like a wendigo. Some versions of the myth involve witchcraft, wherein a witch has the ability to curse someone to be a Rougarou. The two young women decided they would go to the car together. In this version, the Rougarou is in human form during the day, only transforming at night, meaning he could blend in with society and no one would ever know! Immense fear or indifference could be contributed to psychic phenomena that are sometimes reported with these types of sightings. It was near 2am and both parties were hesitant to walk to the car to retrieve the purse. Your email address will not be published. It had a face like a man and the body of an animal, said Herman Broom. 4 Unique Tales of the Rougarou from Southern Louisiana - OnlyInYourState If you thought voodoo was a thing of the past, think again! The unfortunate person is under the spell for 101 days. Since Cajun dialect is a mix of French and English and well-known for changing words completely to roll off the tongue easier, the name of the beast changed from loup-garou to Rougarou (also spelled roux-ga-roux, rugaroo, or rugaru). "Reporting a sighting of Bigfoot, Sasquatch and even the Honey Island Swamp Monster does not get you labeled a crazy person anymore, and therefore, those who believe eyewitnesses are not labeled crazy either," said Dana Holyfield, granddaughter of Harlan Ford a man often credited with having the first recorded encounter with the purported swamp monster. The Rougarou: Louisiana's Werewolf. - Paranomaly Podcast I had almost forgot about it since no one answered phone when I wanted to tell someone what I just seen was so weird. Driving west on Airline Hwy. There was thick wet swamp on both sides. Rougarou - Wikipedia Kliebert was stunned when he saw this giant approaching him. In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. Have you ever heard of the Rougarou or another scary Louisiana monster before? The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The Giants body appeared to be covered with reddish hair. For instance, in 2015, the floorless roller coaster Mantis was renamed Rougarou. The boy saw the dog turn into a man, then ran home to tell his family. Rougaroux Rum, manufactured by donner-peltier distillers in Thibodaux, Louisiana, has a special praline-flavored version called Rougaroux 13 Pennies. It was a fall evening and this student was walking on a road in back of the property that borders cow pastures and piney woods. The line on the trees in this picture taken Nov. 16, 2017, shows the swamp's typical high-water mark, which generally arrives in the spring. By the end, youll know the scariest rumors circulating in cajun land. Louisiana native. When they got to the spot they noticed the earth and surrounding plant life was disturbed like something big frequently passed there, a game trail of sorts. Your email address will not be published. It has the face of a canine with many sharp, frightening teeth. There are also stories of an enormous monster that also shares the bayou with the Rougarou and that is the Honey Island Swamp Monster, which is also known as Louisiana's "bigfoot of the swamp." Another telling of the story says that the Rougarou is under a 101-day curse, unless the affected person can transfer the curse to another human . It was late in the evening and getting dark, so they could not see into the bush. And we value equal representation for allso they deserve a spot on our list of the scariest Louisiana monsters! It is known as the most haunted road in the entire state. "I think it's fascinating,'' said Brettel. one football field of coastline was lost per hour. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. The K-9 unit lost the scent once it ran into the marsh. It is said that you can protect yourself against the Rougarou by laying 13 small objects by your doors. Past participants have described the festival as fun, and until COVID it had managed to attract a decent crowd each year. Children can see and hear everything that happens, but they are unable to move. There also exist more supernatural explanations for the origins of the Rougarou. The article reported the murder of a man killed because his whiskey was too good and too profitable. A close friend of the family who was on his way to pick up his girlfriend, she lived down the street from my dad. What I saw scared the life out of me. There is also a Native American story of the "Rugaru." Get more stories delivered right to your email. The sounds grew faint as the creature traveled deeper into the woods until they faded completely. Thank you! Email Joni Hess at joni.hess@theadvocate.com. Their full transformation into their Rougarou form would be completed once they had their first bite of human flesh. People say, behind the disguises, theyre really the spirits of babies who died before baptism. The Rougarou life involves shapeshifting into its beast form every night, then being forced to transform back into a human at sunrise. We love meat too, but come on. In the article, we will attempt to answer these questions and more. These loup-garous became a fear for many people in the country, leading to them earning their place in legends passed down to children. Today, theyre suave and sexy, thanks in part to pop culture hits such as Interview with the Vampire, Twilight, and True Blood. Legend says that the Rougarou will hunt these individuals down and suck their blood, feeding on their energy for up to 101 days. They described it as a cross between a whimpering dog and human crying. Foret recalls hearing of one legendary rougarou run-in, when a young boy out for a stroll, armed with only his oyster knife, encountered the creature. Offer subject to change without notice. Lougarou | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. The creature was black, hairy, and walking upright on two legs. Southeast Louisiana Bigfoot Sightings - Rougarou's Cursed blog One of the most popular stories that gets passed down from generation to generation is the legend of the Rougarou, Cajun Countrys answer to Bigfoot. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is one example of many as to how popular the folklore surrounding the beast truly is. The same 12 year old child claims that about a month after, they were out with the same cousin in the woods that bordered their neighborhood, when they spotted a bush along the train track shake. It ended up passing within 15 yards of Mr. Klibert. According to the woman, "The next day a prominent physician appeared in town with his right arm cut and in a sling. Witches?Witch doctors! We know what you are probably thinking. The New Orleans Pelicans had originally thought about changing their names from the Hornets to the Rougarous at one point! Perhaps this giant was not a fan of small talk, and from the direction of travel I suspect the giant was heading home to Chackbay. In this article, were going to highlight the top 9 Louisiana monsters from folklore and legends. Who knows what it is? Lover of writing, learning and teaching others about new things. Southeast Louisiana Bigfoot Sightings. With the head of a werewolf and the body of a man, the creature is said to prey on misbehaving children and dates back to medieval France. This suggests an explanation for the abundance of stories from locals about seeing a Rougarou for themselves. Why do Bud's Broiler's burger prices conflict? The brave friend continued on to the car, opened the door and started to feel around in the dark for the purse in the passenger seat. He flagged me down to speak with me. This creature, also called Loup garou, is so popular it was depicted on the hit television series Supernatural. He let his mind wander. This legendary creature of Cajun folklore is often depicted in literature and images as a man with a wolfs or dogs head. 9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails - YouTube all proceeds from rougarou fest go to the south louisiana wetlands discovery center click here to learn more. The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. Stories of the rougarou in Louisiana derive largely from 16th-century French legends of a beast called loup garou, essentially a werewolf. Were not afraid. Last but not least, the pinnacle of mythology in the bayou state and kingpin of all Louisiana monsters the Rougarou. I heard sounds Ive never heard and smells Id never smelled but never spied anything. People who didnt have a lot of physical or social power in society found a way to survive through being clever., Even Louisianas infamous and very real alligators have undergone a rebranding. Once the human is cursed, it is permanent. Some even suggest a mix of biological and fringe. It was eventually through the Cajun French that the name Rougarou came to be. In Assumption Parish it is common place for house to be built substantially off the ground to withstand inevitable flood waters. Mr. Nameless is still is not 100% sure what he saw that evening down Peavine Road, but from time to time he still thinks, and wonders what that large dark figure that crossed his path could be. On a moonless night those are the darkest woods Ive ever trekked through.that includes the Black Forest, Mark Twain National Forest Missouri, the hills of West Virginia, and the Pine Flats in New Jersey. The basic tale of Rougarou is one of a half man, half wolf that prowls the Louisiana swamps, looking for Catholics that have broken Lent or broken Catholic rules in other ways. At this point, you are probably wondering just how the legend began. The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend of the beast to Louisiana. And then I realized that is what I saw! I got more specific with my search terms and soon stumbled upon something that reignited the idea of a creature like Bigfoot existing in our parts. We can only hope Ruston, LA never decides to build a Grunch Road. The Cajuns (also known as Acadians) are an ethnic group that makes up a significant portion of south Louisianas population. Rougarou Sightings According to a lady from Louisiana, a local child was being chased by a dog when he decided to cut it with his pocketknife. By clicking "Accept," you agree to the use of cookies on Pelican State of Mind. In another variation of the story, the half man half wolf monster targets and kills Catholics that have failed to follow the rules of Lent. A 1926 article in the New Orleans States juxtaposes scenes of the wild honeysuckle and vibrant Southern foliage of the area against bushes used as hiding spots for murderers to ambush victims. Save the Swamp: But, Beware the "Rougarou" - The National Wildlife We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. The creature continued on as it reached a woody marsh area near a canal then disappeared. You interact with them, theyre dancing and theyre nice. The three adult men surveyed the area from the inside of the truck. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. Back in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame various crimes on loup-garous. The rougarou is like our Smokey the Bear, says Foret. The creature ran two city blocks before absconding into the marsh. If this witness tells anyone about this encounter within a year and a day, they will become a Rougarou themselves. The source of storms and an (occasional) kidnapper, the massive ancient beast has inspired muscle cars and jet fighters. Sam and Dean had a struggle with this one. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Love Louisiana? Subscribe to the Pelican State of Mind blog by providing your email below! The Rougarou will see the 13 objects, try to count them, and be unable to count them all. 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When travelling down the interstate or the backroads in Louisiana, youll see lots of beautiful scenery. Is there really a Honey Island Swamp Monster, Louisiana's Bigfoot Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. As it gets to 13, it becomes confused. The rougarou is closely related to the European version of the werewolf but has a few very distinct differences from the wolfmen seen in movies and on television. Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. He told himself if whatever that was jumps out at me, I can always hit the accelerator. When he got to the area where the creature crossed the road, he looked out the drivers side window but did not see anything. The lady said, "The next day, a distinguished physician arrived in town with his right arm bandaged and cut. When French settlers came to Louisiana, the story came with them. According to Breaux, as Hubert retold the story, he began clenching his teeth and breathing rapidly as if he were reliving a terrifying experience. A close friend of the family who was on . These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. Other variations say a Rougarou can turn their victims merely by making eye contact. One day her husband was walking back from his shop in the backyard, and was pretty shook up over what he witnessed. Louisiana has a Nightmare on Bourbon Street situation going on that some arent aware of. In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. . 61 when they saw a creature pop up out from the bank of the canal that parallels Airline. In an interview conducted by Carter Buschardt, the officer stated that he went back to look at the end of shift report he filed the night of the encounter, but was unable to find the report. Stories on its origin vary, but some say its a spirit while others claim its a child that was raised by alligators. They are a defining characteristic of Louisiana culture and make the state a truly unique place to live. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. And speaking of scaring Catholics, one French Catholic myth claims that in order for someone to turn into a Rougarou, they must break Lent seven years in a row. This particular evening something strange caught the seminary students ear. When the first drop of blood is drawn, the creature returns to human form and tells the attacker who it really is. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. This beast first sighted in 1963 is reminiscent of the popular DC character known as Swamp Thing. After years of inbreeding, their appearance became less and less human-like, resulting in what people now call The Grunch. According to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and many abnormalities. Your email address will not be published. Here's what health officials, restaurants say. Even today he refuses to let anyone see it.". When this is done on the 101st after the curse was initially placed, the former Rougarou is freed from the curse and allowed to take human form permanently. The student claimed it was the exact same sounds they heard during their encounter. Two dead squirrels and a dead rabbit were found under the house where the creature had been rummaging. Frogs croak their songs in the distance and mosquitos buzz as they fly around looking for their next meal. Years later the seminary student was watching a television program about Bigfoot and they played audio of a suspected Sasquatch. 9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails Darkness Prevails 631K subscribers Subscribe 4.7K 136K views 3 years ago It's like a real life werewolf, but worse. Children are told by their elders to behave or else the Rougarou will get them. Despite your personal beliefs in the supernatural, these legends abound and continue to be told in the cajun lands to this day. Legend says a group of albino dwarves isolated themselves from society in the woods just outside of New Orleans. You can find information on the legend of Cauchemar in folklore from all around the world, and it even exists in the Deep South. Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. As the name implies, it pays homage to the legendary beast. The full moon hangs high over the Louisiana swampland. The Rougarou roams the bayou in search for misbehaving children to frighten. It will begin to recount the pennies, continuously perplexed as it encounters the number 13, until sunrise. I was thinking the same. One of the most compelling reports occurred in Marrero, LA circa 1970. See. Such monster makeovers are common. Louisiana has the most unique culture Ive discovered in the US and thats saying something being a native of Appalachia. The few folks that lay eyes on these creatures are simply catching an interloper just visiting. Required fields are marked *. Where can you find a Rougarou? A simple yet effective trick to protect oneself from the beast. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. In the legend, this beast is often described as having the body of a man and the head of a wolf or a dog and prowls Louisiana swamps looking for misbehaving children. Cajun legend says that the beast hunts down Catholics who don't follow the rules of Lent. The sounds stopped just before it would have broke the tree line and became visible. Theres a lot of blue tarps still on roofs everywhere, says Foret. "I think that there's magic in the swamps that's celebrated at Rougarou," Foret says. The article contained a short anecdotal account of an unnamed Laplace man that in 1983 saw something correlates with what Mr. Nameless saw. Curious Louisiana explains it's not all random. 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The only one I say can I truly believe is the sighting told to me by Mr. Nameless and that is only because I have known him my entire life and trust him. Wow, thank you for that insight! Years later, as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only to learn theyd never heard of it. According to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and many abnormalities. The Rougarou will see the 13 objects, try to count them, and be unable to count them all. Will Seals' home was set afire and he was shot down while trying to escape the flames. In others, they are demonic forces that play tricks and lead you to your demise in the swamps. The creature in question was described by the officer as being an eight foot talk, bipedal hominid, dark hair (not fur), and massively build. When they reached the paved section of the driveway, PB noticed a dead 90 lb male Bobcat laying along the edge. For instance, instead of labourer, meaning to plow, sometimes youll hear Cajuns say rabourer. Feel free to email me at jsutherlin@onlyinyourstate.com.