Column Chronicles: Cryptozoology rising

Cryptozoology rising

Frank Cotolo
April 3, 2025

An expanding interest in Cryptozoology arrived in 2025. Cryptozoology is the study of mythical creatures - called cryptids - that people believe were real and become extinct or are real but elude humankind.

"New sightings contribute to the rise in Cryptozoology interest," said Professor Whipley Sundbathe. "Many new cryptids are being discovered and named."

A Virginian farmer recently claimed to see Gnat Man, which is a local mythical creature that is part man, part moth. It's claimed that Gnat Man can hover but is known mostly for having the power "of fatal annoyance," said Sundbathe. "Like a gnat, this cryptid follows a person and pokes it over and over making flesh itchy and irritating to no end."

The Yippieyeoh Demon was reported to have been responsible for livestock disasters occuring in the 1940s. Yippieyeoh Demon stalked Texas ranches and it turned their cattle into camels and horses into unicorns.

"As everyone knows," said the grandson of a Texas rancher claiming he witnessed a raid by a Yippieyeoh Demon, "camels and unicorns are enemies. Grandpa said they battled to the death once the Yippieyeoh Demon changed them all."

The Wild Gut Cat has believers in Great Britain. It’s said to have six legs adorned with wings and a head that can turn 360 degrees.

"It has glowing silver eyes," said Sundbathe, "and roams in Yorkshire. Generations of residents claim it spits crude oil at 50 miles per hour." One family said the Wild Gut Cat spat at two of its children and their bodies were found deep in the London Picadilly Square Underground station."

Other recent sightings include The Angry Moosechild, Devilboy Cracker, The Swallow Monster, Ungah Monker Child Hunter, Zippy Zebrafish, The Cockeyed Swan Beast, Zipperfox Ratface Weasel, The Dirtbag Snake, Yooster Rooster and Hogface Harry.

"We are keeping records of all cryptid sightings new and old and will reveal them to the public soon," said Sunbathe.

Frank Cotolo can be found hosting the talk and interview programme Cotolo Chronicles. You can send him an e-mail at this address: frank@148.ca.