The Hodag

In Wisconsin there is a mythical beast. Much like Sasquatch, The Jersey Devil or Chupacabra, this creature spends the vast majority of it's time in the imaginations of the people who live there. Locals dream about them, they 'see' them and give them human attributes. Some are just creatures seen in passing, others seem to have motives. The Pope Lick Monster lures young people to cross a high trestle only to meet their death when the train crosses the trestle. Most cultures have local legends which are part of their culture. Those who study these mythical creatures call their science cryptozoology. Now before you criticize and scoff remember, the Giant Squid and the Okapi were both animals that were only thought to be myths for a time.

Wisconsin has the Hodag. The Hodag was seen in the woods around Rhinelander it apparently was found and then blow up with dynamite after the hunting party was terrified by it, in 1893.

The Hodag has had a few sightings since one was used as an experiment with explosives. The image above was a hoax in 1896. I'm sure some people had a grand time putting this guy together. It is said to be extinct as it's main diet of all white bulldogs (thank god Woody and Buster are black AND white) ran out. What was the Hodag eating before there were all white bull dogs around? Seems to me that the Hodag has a very limited pallet.  

While the actual species may or may not be extinct, the Hodag lives on in the imaginations and hearts of Rhinelander residents. He is the mascot for the local high school, a country music festival is named after him and the local farmers market got it's name from him. There are several sculptures of the Hodag around Rhinelander. Making him a friendly welcoming beast to the town. 

I think that's it's great when a town embraces their culture no matter how quirky. Vermont has two lake monsters Champ and Memphre. It only adds to the appeal of an area. So if you're ever in Rhinelander, Wisconsin be sure to look for the Hodag, or go see the numerous artistic representations.