rougarou sightings in louisiana

The Rougarou has a varied history, though all variations seem to trace it back to the French. I tend to lean more on the flesh and blood theory but I think it is important to keep all possibilities in play. Despite the fact that it was originally a legend, there are still claimed sightings of the Rougarou to this day, though it has died off a bit in the past decade. The Rougarou has also been tied to the story of the Deridder Roadkill. For the sake of anonymity this family friend will remain nameless, so I will refer to him as Mr. Nameless. I found a report from Civil War veteran Fredrick Kliebert who was walking home from a squirrel hunt when he saw what he described as a giant. Some months prior to this her entire family told her they hear a woman screaming at the top of her lungs, followed by a gurgling noise coming from the woods. However embracing legends, customs and tradition is the very foundation of culture. Another well-known swamp monster born out of Cajun folklore is the Rougarou. Once the rougarou settled into southern Louisianas swampy shadows, it took on some aspects of local Native American cryptids, such as a legendary Choctaw shapeshifting owl-witch. The Rougarou is often also associated with the Skunk Ape or the Honey Island Swamp Monster, likely due to another variation of the myth that states the creature is a shapeshifter that can change forms between human and animal at will, sometimes making it seem more like a swamp Sasquatch than a werewolf. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. The monsters reputed locale, in the Honey Island Swamp, has an ominous and deadly history that precedes the legend. This was a deep dense pine forest with rolling Knolls and the occasion small marsh(bayou). Is there a Louisiana werewolf? There are documentaries about this you can easily find on YouTube. There was a problem saving your notification. mystery of Marie Laveau, Louisianas Voodoo Queen, Jacques St. Germain, The Infamous Louisiana Vampire, Jean Lafitte: Mystery of the Unfound Treasure, History of the Louisiana Snowball and Its Flavors. All rights reserved. The article reported the murder of a man killed because his whiskey was too good and too profitable. There was also a story that was told to kids that if they didnt do what their parents asked, a loup-garou would come and steal them away in the middle of the night. The seminary student had the urge to run back to the monastery to tell someone but a thought emerged NO. "This thing had a flat back. During this time, however, the Rougarou was called Loup-garou. Despite the Rougarou legend seemingly beginning as a way to scare Catholics and children, many locals maintain its existence and have their own personal stories, especially among the older generation. Some have claimed it to be the body of a Rougarou, though others have speculated it might be a Chupacabra or Devil Monkey. The article does not specify if this happened in the same area that he and his friend found the large footprints. Its fingernails are grisly claws. The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Just Might Be Louisianas Biggest And Baddest Foodie Event, The Historic Restaurant In Louisiana Where You Can Still Experience The Old American South, Treat Yourself To A Homemade Ice Cream Cone At The Sweetport In Louisiana, This Train Restaurant In Louisiana Is The Most Enchanting Place To Eat, 7 Folktales, Legends, and Superstitions Every Louisianian Has Heard At Least Once, The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Louisiana Swamp Will Give You Chills, The Story Behind This Legendary Swamp Monster In Louisiana Will Give You The Chills, 7 Creepy Louisiana Ghost Stories That Will Make You Sleep With The Lights On, Wanderluster/E+ Collection via Getty Images, Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images, Troy Harrison/Moment Collection via Getty Images, 2ndLookGraphics/E+ Collection via Getty Images. It was eventually through the Cajun French that the name Rougarou came to be. A year later the boy killed himself and left a letter that the family turned over to the sheriff. Their body would then undergo a transformation, and they would develop a craving for meat. Official Post from Deborah Hatswell BBR Being Believed Research & Investigation This terrifying creature has evolved over millenniabut never lost the need to feed. Across French Louisiana, it is a very common legend, and most Louisiana natives are very familiar with at least the name, if nothing else. A quick browse and youll find many pictures of the Rougarou. The court would ask the public if they believed the accused to be a loup-garou, and usually the public agreed (mainly for fear that theyd be outed as a witch or a loup-garou themselves). A Police officer and his partner, responding to a neighborhood prowler call. He slowed down when he saw it because he got the impression that this was not a man. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. I was thinking the same. Both the officer and his partner got a good look at the creature when it passed under the streetlight. Southeast Louisiana Bigfoot Sightings. For Foret and many other Cajun residents in the area, the real possibility that climate change will eventually force them from their homes is particularly upsetting. The officers came around the corner of the house and saw a creature standing up, pressed against the side of the house, trying to maintain cover. Some sources claim the myth originated in medieval France, when belief in werewolves would have been far more prevalent. For those of you who haven't heard th. Or else you may find yourself prey to the legendary Rougarou. There was a significant belief in the beast by the populace that people were put on trial and found guilty of being the fabled beast. I heard sounds Ive never heard and smells Id never smelled but never spied anything. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have successfully subscribed to the PeachTown newsletter. No matter how you spell it, the Rougarou, Roux-Ga-Roux, Rugaroo, Rugaru, or Loup Garou is a werewolf type creature living in the folklore of Cajun French Louisiana. When many of the French migrated to Canada and the southern United States, they took the legend of the loup-garou with them. A 9ft tall man with a black beard and what appeared to be a cloak of brown fur hanging from his neck by a rope. Makes that morning commute not seem so bad, right? A close friend of the family who was on his way to pick up his girlfriend, she lived down the street from my dad. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. The anonyms Laplace man said he was out near Ruddock with a friend, they were clearing land with a bulldozer when they came across footprints in the mud that were at least 19 inches in length. Strange noise ? Rougarou Fest | Houma, Louisiana The seminary student continued to stand still to observe further when the creature started to pace back in fourth just out of sight, beyond the tree line, all why still producing the strange whimpers. These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. We all have a notion that this world is a lot stranger than it seems on a surface level. This will perplex it, and it will keep recounting until the sun comes up and it must flee. This creature, also called Loup garou, is so popular it was depicted on the hit television series Supernatural. Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. Folklore will have us believe that a Rougarou has the opportunity to change back to a human after 101 days, but only after finding another human who is willing to have the curse transferred to them. A student attending St. Josephs seminary college had an experience that cannot be classified as a sighting, but rather and auditory experience. This will perplex it, and it will keep recounting until the sun comes up and it must flee. 1989 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. In the official report the officer filed he was honest, but kept the details to a minimum, it was a very tall dark figure, with no description of clothing. There also exist more supernatural explanations for the origins of the Rougarou. History of the Rougarou: Louisiana's Werewolf - Pelican State of Mind 61 when they saw a creature pop up out from the bank of the canal that parallels Airline. How did one Louisiana town's name get a bizarre pronunciation? Rougaroux Rum, manufactured by donner-peltier distillers in Thibodaux, Louisiana, has a special praline-flavored version called Rougaroux 13 Pennies. He sees it as an example of the way cryptids evolve alongside the cultures that created them. Your email address will not be published. It is most often described as having a human body with the head of a wolf or dog, with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp teeth. A version from the 16th century paints it as being seen as something similar to a genetic disorder, rather than the curse most other versions of the myth portray the Rougarou as being. The Legends Of The Rougarou In Louisiana May Send Chills Down Your Spine Since the dawn of time, people have been telling stories. The trickster figure really went from being the bad guy, the one to watch out for, to being a hero, says Rabalais, adding that the shift reflected the reality of the people who told and retold the stories. Subscribe to the Pelican State of Mind blog by providing your email below! Had me captured. 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. In 2011, Foret launched Rougarou Fest in Houma, Terrebones parish seat and largest city, as both a fundraiser for the center and a way to revive the fading cryptid tradition. Back in the thick, fog-covered swamplands is where youll find the true beauty of Louisiana and perhaps even a monster or twoincluding the legendary beast called the Rougarou. This beast first sighted in 1963 is reminiscent of the popular DC character known as Swamp Thing. 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. See. 9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails - YouTube Frogs croak their songs in the distance and mosquitos buzz as they fly around looking for their next meal. The three adult men surveyed the area from the inside of the truck. 10 Creepy Facts and Legends about New Orleans - Hotels He flagged me down to speak with me. According to the deputies, the Honey Island Swamp was a hellhole where criminals and monsters thrived. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Rougarou, The Louisiana Swamp Werewolf - YouTube He was only about 100 yards away when it crossed so a person would not of had time to get far enough to disappear into the swamp. Your email address will not be published. The Rougarou ---- The Louisiana Swamp Monster - YouTube The bright lights of the stars flicker in the murky licks of the waves near the towering, ominous Cypress trees. So this happened to me a few years ago, I was visiting a friend's house in the Houston River area, that section of the river is pretty swampy so we were frog hunting at night. Over the decades, numerous people have talked of an ape-like creature or creatures living in swamps. The Giants body appeared to be covered with reddish hair. Curious Louisiana answers. Required fields are marked *. All the cliches are therethey come out at night mostly. It ended up passing within 15 yards of Mr. Klibert. 1990-1992 (early 90s) St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. It was enough just enough working knowledge for me to form an opinion. Once the cousin jumped back on they yelled GO! They did not look back after that. Louisiana has the most unique culture Ive discovered in the US and thats saying something being a native of Appalachia. 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. Don't Miss The Best Festival In Louisiana, The Rougarou Fest 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 being. "The swamp is often seen as a dangerous place, with dangerous animals and everything . Your email address will not be published. Theres a howl in the near distance. Even if I didnt believe his story, I believe his demeanor when recounting it. In the same story from The Nicholls Worth, the author, Brandon Folse, heavily quotes Patricia Perrin, a retired English instructor and folklore specialist. 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. Louisiana's Rougarou Fest - Enchanted Living Magazine For decades, the equivalent of one football field of coastline was lost per hour; while the rate has slowed, the regions long-term prognosis remains grim. Sam and Dean had a struggle with this one. In 1989 this man was alone on top of the levee near Bayou Steel; He was waiting for his brother to meet him to go hunting behind the levee. The different versions of the Rougarou beast are as many as reported sightings of the beast. Why do Bud's Broiler's burger prices conflict? 8 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore | PeachTown Theres a lot of blue tarps still on roofs everywhere, says Foret. For instance, in 2015, the floorless roller coaster Mantis was renamed Rougarou. More than a millennium ago, vampires were demonic vectors of disease, possibly reflecting the very real threat of rabies. The cryptid, usually described as a towering, hairy monster, is allegedly a human cursed to take beastly form. He and his partner were a part of a unit in Jefferson Parish that were first responders to criminal calls, making this a most credible report. The rougarou once served to scare adults into being good Catholics, and children into staying home after dark, Rabalais says, adding, Now there are other things to be scared of, like rising water levels and hurricanes.. I suppose anything is possible, and while the Bigfoot sighting phenomena originated in the Pacific Northwest, it seems more than plausible that such a creature could exist here. There wasnt much to his story, but the seriousness of his delivery, and the apparent reluctance to tell me, gave his words credence. He hides in tall grass near Grunch Road in New Orleans, LA, waiting to prey on teens who park there. Thank you! It now craves human flesh and overturns small boats to devour and feast! That is if we are to believe that these creatures are flesh and blood biological entities. Outside of the infamous Honey Island Swamp Monster, there were not many stories that I found in my preliminary search. Nothing is going to hurt me. The student also stated that he did not want to alarm the creature by running off. He let his mind wander. Rougarou Fest/Facebook. I realized that parts of our folklore and our oral traditions were getting lost, he says. These Louisiana monsters claim they feel lethargic and drained if they dont get the proper serving size of blood in on the regular. It's okay, because we're here to bust them! There was thick wet swamp on both sides. Louisiana has a Nightmare on Bourbon Street situation going on that some arent aware of. The Rougarou, also known as the loup-garou, is essentially Louisiana's bayou-dwelling werewolf, and it's a prominent figure in Cajun folklore. Cauchemar actually means nightmare in Louisiana French and Creole. We can only hope Ruston, LA never decides to build a Grunch Road. The sounds grew faint as the creature traveled deeper into the woods until they faded completely. Full report can be found on bfro.net Report # 56107. We cant make this stuff up. After Ford's death, a grainy film reel was found in his attic that shows a large and hairy figure shuffling upright between the trees. A story in The Nicholls Worth, a local college paper, titled "Rougarou Remains Strong Figure in Cajun Folklore," recounts a story from a woman about an experience in her youth. This version varies from being a Bigfoot legend to resembling something more like a wendigo. Discover Louisiana's legendary werewolf: the Rougarou. Full report can be found at http://www.gcbro.com/LAsttammany0004.html. Save the Swamp: But, Beware the "Rougarou" - The National Wildlife Despite the fact that it was originally a legend, there are still claimed sightings of the Rougarou to this day, though it has died off a bit in the past decade. Louisiana is a lovely place to visit. Back in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame various crimes on loup-garous. 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. In 1974, Ford, a wildlife photographer and former air traffic controller, claimed to have witnessed the creature while exploring potential hunting grounds. Witches?Witch doctors! The seminary student stood still, they got the impression that the source of the noise was moving along a path in the woods and getting closer. Also in Harvey, residents say they've seen it knocking over trashcans and chasing cats. It is most often described as having a human body with the head of a wolf or dog, with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp teeth. Cajun legend says that the beast hunts down Catholics who dont follow the rules of Lent, which is similar to the telling of the old French stories. Have you been told a different story about the Rougarou? Personally, Id never hear about something terrible and say, Yep, thats definitely the work of a werewolf. 9 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Rougarou, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Cauchemar, Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts in 2021. Let us know in the comments below! Generations of youngsters have heard the scary tales. While the officers were talking to the lady, a K-9 unit arrived on scene and when they began their search the dog alerted to something. I used to have nightmares including the Rougarou as a kid and seeing this is crazy that its something based on my home state. 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). The neighbor, who was unaware of the husbands sighting, stated that while walking with his dog in the woods, his dog got spooked and ran back toward their house. Hi, I live in Terrebonne Parish near swampy land that was formerly called Devils Swamp. No one agrees what it looks like because they dont really have wolves in this part of our country, says Nathan J. Rabalais, author of Folklore Figures of French and Creole Louisiana. It happened to three of us on Texas river,not sure if it was real or not ,but what we heard was not native to Texas . The few folks that lay eyes on these creatures are simply catching an interloper just visiting. We know what you are probably thinking. But as someone who lives in Louisiana and knows many Catholics who break Lent, I'm not so sure about this myth's validity. They are a defining characteristic of Louisiana culture and make the state a truly unique place to live. The officer that submitted this report has over 40 years in military and law enforcement, a degree in Anthropology, and self educated in Darwinism, math and quantum physics. You interact with them, theyre dancing and theyre nice. The Rougarou myth is even so prevalent that the term "rougarouing" or similar terms have become used to describe a person who stays up late or is active at night. Driving west on Airline Hwy. Ready for the creatures that will haunt you in your sleep? all proceeds from rougarou fest go to the south louisiana wetlands discovery center click here to learn more. That's how I knew it wasnt a bear, another witness reported. The officer reported that the creature crossed a 22 foot wide street in three strides. A woman reports that several nights before the actual sighting there was something rummaging around underneath ther house. Immense fear or indifference could be contributed to psychic phenomena that are sometimes reported with these types of sightings. Email Joni Hess at joni.hess@theadvocate.com. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. After being spotted, the creature ran between two houses then continued to the street when it passed under a streetlight. A monster? Origins of the Rougarou lie in 16th Century medieval French Folklore. What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. At first he thought it was a bear that was under the house causing a commotion, but as he approached the creature stood up and ran off into the swamp. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of Rougarou supernatural popularity. The story of the Letieche is Louisianas Jungle Book. The two children ran the entire way home, about of a mile. Despite being a monster of legends, just like its cousin the werewolf, the Rougarou has its weakness. Out hunting for deer, Hubert was perched atop an oak tree when he heard heavy sounds approaching from the woods behind him. Can you really only eat oysters in 'r' months? For instance, instead of labourer, meaning to plow, sometimes youll hear Cajuns say rabourer. Bears can stand up and run on their hind legs, whereas, wolves cannot. This sighting took place just north of the Manchac Swamp region, about a quarter mile away from Hwy. We may never really find out.. A close friend of the family who was on . The Rougarou is an important figure in Cajun legends. Their full transformation into their Rougarou form would be completed once they had their first bite of human flesh. Apparently that was a thing they did back then. The lady said, "The next day, a distinguished physician arrived in town with his right arm bandaged and cut. Whether the Rougarou is truly a cryptid stalking the streets at night just waiting to pass its curse on to the next unfortunate soul, or whether it is merely a tool used to scare Catholics into keeping Lent, it is clear that the Rougarou has left its mark on Southern Louisiana. Like the childhood game of telephone, the story morphs over the years as it gets passed down from generation to generation. On a different occasion that same Laplace man was out in the swamp with these two Doberman pinchers when he spotted a 7 foot tall bi-pedal creature that caused the dogs to run off. Many rumors haunt this road, also known as LA-57. There are quite a few roads that are known to be haunted or spirited in Louisiana, but none is quite as infamous as Bayou Sale Road, a long curvy road that connects Dulac, LA to Cocodrie, LA. Could these sightings be and unknown species of hominid living for the most part, undetected in the southeast Louisiana wilderness? That kind of transformation happens and I suspect that whats going on with this festival., But unlike sexy vampires or friendly alligators, Forets rougarou has been reimagined to champion a specific cause: protecting its habitat, which in turn will protect our own. However, according to other accounts, there is no escape from the curse. A lover of tasty meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans. Here's what health officials, restaurants say. If you dont have the stomach to fight the beast, you can protect yourself through other means. It sounds like a wolf, but somethings a little off. According to Breaux, as Hubert retold the story, he began clenching his teeth and breathing rapidly as if he were reliving a terrifying experience. The Rougarou: Louisiana's Cajun Werewolf - Exemplore I remember he kept repeating something to the effect of look, Im not sure what I saw. At that time the only reference I had to Bigfoot was a few TV shows and a book I checked out a few times from my schools library. This is why I always read terms and conditions. Curious Louisiana answers. Since the migration, many of the legends began to change to match the times and the dialect. Variations also associate it with animals such as pigs, cows, and chickens, due to the fact that wolves are not often seen in the area. According to the woman, "The next day a prominent physician appeared in town with his right arm cut and in a sling. In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. When faced with a supernatural beast that has superhuman strength, speed, and sharp claws and teeth, chances are you wouldnt be feeling very lucky. Did your house get ransacked during the night? It was late in the evening and getting dark, so they could not see into the bush. Back in the day of armor, swords and jousting, there was a lot more to fear than the plague and witches. Click the image below to read our free eBook "The Big Book of Credit Union MythsBUSTED! 4. The man heard a noise behind him; he turned around and witnessed two large, red eyes staring back at him. Deep in the rural wooded swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of hers spend the night. We use cookies to provide you with the best possible browsing experience. "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. Some legends of the beast say it can only be killed by fire, others say it can be killed while its in its vulnerable human form. Thats what we in Louisiana call the Rougarou, cher. A simple yet effective trick to protect oneself from the beast. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. Honey Island Swamp Monster Ruston doesnt have a swamp, but if it did. Frequently referred to as beast in the story, the part-man, part-animal with piercing yellow eyes has appeared in several anecdotes by self-styled witnesses since the 1960s. One of the most compelling reports occurred in Marrero, LA circa 1970. What he told me next has stuck in my memory, and was the spark that lit the flame regarding personal interest I took in all things weird, and strange. A cattle bridge that crossed the Yellow Water River was mentioned as a landmark in the report. Its rumored that Lutins can take any form, including cats (especially white ones), hobgoblins, elves, and other strange creatures. He told me how past the railroad track, near the lake they had some deer in a fenced in area. Official Blog of Pelican State Credit Union. Once the human is cursed, it is permanent. Apparently, when a person changes into a Rougarou they forget how to count past 12 (probably since they only worry about midnight and the moon at this point). Theres an annual Rougarou Festival in Houma every year, and the Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has a Rougarou exhibit, which includes a statue of the creature in all its swampy glory. She describes the Rougarou as "an important identification marker for South Louisiana's culture." Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence in local culture and beyond. They take up residence in your home and play harmless tricks on you, so you shouldnt be too alarmed. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book.