Flashlight Frog

by Cole Herrold

New animal species are discovered daily, and with each new discovery, there are more exciting and bizarre features and elements in each species. While we accept the notion that there are still undiscovered species, many scientists dismiss or mock the existence of cryptids. To them, Bigfoot, Yeti, Nessie, and the rest of their hidden cousins are mere fables, and that for something the size these creatures are supposed to be to remain elusive is something that is an impossibility. Yet while the more prominent superstars like Bigfoot and Nessie are the main points of interest for cryptozoologists, there are other species that a Zoologist, Biologist or Ecologist would be hard-pressed to officially declare impossible. These "lesser" cryptids do not get the love they so rightfully deserve compared to the more exotic species, yet they are more than likely the most possible of the bunch. In the halls of "lesser" cryptids, one shines out to me both figuratively and literally, and that anomalous amphibian is the Cameroonian Flashlight Frog.

The history of the Flashlight Frog was brought to the world’s attention by none other than infamous Cryptozoologist Karl P.N. Shuker in his book Mysteries of Planet Earth. The interesting thing, however, about the Flashlight Frog is that while Shuker wrote a section in his book and later a highly updated article due to the Flashlight Frog's lackluster appearance, it has gone unnoticed in recorded history that is until Shuker was given information on the fabulous frog from the only to date recorded eyewitness of the species who was none other than infamous Fortean researcher Jonathan Downes. For those unfamiliar with Jonathan Downes, he is the director of the Center for Fortean Zoology and has written countless classic books on a variety of bizarre phenomena, but his masterpiece has to be his book on the winged weirdo the Owlman in his book the Owlman and Others. It seems fitting that someone with such an interest would encounter and notice something anomalous.

The Peluda

by Cole Herrold

Outside of Lake, River, and Sea Monsters, Europe is surprisingly devoid of cryptids. There, of course, are famous encounters like the Beast of Gevaudan, the famous cryptid canine that killed countless women in children in the French countryside, and the Owlman of Mawnan England's answer to the Mothman, yet these creatures, if legends are to be believed is not the only strange creature reported to dwell in the European countryside. Reports of a strange venomous mammalian reptile were reported during the Medieval Times in France. This strange chimeral beast may seem like fiction, but some cryptozoologists have entertained the notion that what was reported in French legend was, in fact, a living creature.

My first encounter with the strange beast known as the Peluda came from the Cartoon Network show Secret Saturdays. A show about cryptozoologists protecting, researching, and hiding the existence of cryptids. It was an ambitious show at the time and extremely fun to watch, and in one particular episode where the hero Zak Saturday and his family raid the villain V.V. Argost's lair full of cryptids, they encounter a shaggy hair covered beast that, when sighting the hero suddenly revealed a reptile head and long quills. I was fascinated by this creature as it didn't seem to match any cryptid I had known. A quick search on the show's wiki website led to the confirmation that the creature was the Peluda.