What are cryptids?

Cryptids are animals that are generally considered legendary in traditional biology. These animals are studied by people known as cryptozoologists, who are interested in proving that they exist or in studying the cultural myths and beliefs that have emerged around these animals. Strictly speaking, cryptids are not mythological; creatures like unicorns, for example, are not considered cryptids because they are accepted as myths. Rather, cryptids are animals that some people believe may exist.

In some cases, cryptids are rediscovered extinct species or animals that people originally thought were deceptions. In these cases, the animal is considered a cryptid because only a few unverified sightings have occurred, but eventually enough scientific evidence is accumulated to prove that the animal actually exists, in which case it is no longer a true cryptid. . An example is the coelacanth, a fish that was thought to be extinct until live versions were discovered. Another is the platypus, which European scientists believed was a hoax until much evidence was provided to prove it really existed.

Other cryptids include humanoid creatures such as the Abominable Snowman or the Yeti and Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot. Creatures such as the Loch Ness monster, affectionately known as Nessie, are also considered cryptids. Other legendary animals may be more animal-like in nature, such as the sucker, the falling bear, the octopus of the Northwest Tree, and the Montauk monster.

There is some supporting evidence for most cryptids. These tests can include sightings, historical statements, grainy images, and sometimes even videos. However, the evidence does not withstand rigorous scientific scrutiny and is therefore not accepted by the scientific community. Occasionally, the scientific rejection of these animals has led to eggs in the face of scientists, as zoologists manage to verify that a supposed cryptid actually exists; several animals believed to be extinct, for example, were rediscovered and treated as cryptids for a time before evidence finally indisputably proved that they existed.

Many cultures have legends of mysterious animals, with various versions of legendary beasts swimming, flying and crawling around every corner of the Earth. In some cultures, these legends are mostly treated as funny fiction and are not taken seriously, while in others people genuinely believe that these cryptids exist. To these legendary animals, for example, can be attributed various social and cultural problems such as the loss of livestock or the disappearance of children.