9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails Darkness Prevails 631K subscribers Subscribe 4.7K 136K views 3 years ago It's like a real life werewolf, but worse. Ready for the creatures that will haunt you in your sleep? The Rougarou life involves shapeshifting into its beast form every night, then being forced to transform back into a human at sunrise. Growing up, my Mom always called it the Wigawoo, and I never knew any different til I was 30something. This sighting took place just north of the Manchac Swamp region, about a quarter mile away from Hwy. Theyre not trying to eat you, Ancelet says. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. On the last Saturday in October in the city of Houma, Rougarou Fest is held. There wasnt much to his story, but the seriousness of his delivery, and the apparent reluctance to tell me, gave his words credence. Proud foodie. The same 12 year old child claims that about a month after, they were out with the same cousin in the woods that bordered their neighborhood, when they spotted a bush along the train track shake. Have you been told a different story about the Rougarou? Pale Gray Humanoid Haunts Teens in Old Country Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. Enjoy these allegedly. The dog was urging the boy to attack, and eventually the boy pulled a knife out and slashed the dog open. I dont remember verbatim what he told me that day but the gist of that conversation has stuck in my psyche with clarity for nearly 30 years. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. Stories on its origin vary, but some say its a spirit while others claim its a child that was raised by alligators. Then my son started asking me about the rougarou legend and I was like a wha t? The next day the man found the two Dobermans decapitated. Massive Wolf-Like Creature Encountered by 2 Friend 1919 BEK (Black Eyed Kids) Incident in Sandoval, I 9 Ft. The dark figure crossed the road from the passenger side to the driver side, so it was traveling due south when it crossed the road. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. There were no apparent wounds or blood, but the fresh carcass looked like it had been battered and crushed. A story in The Daily Comet titled "Tales of The Rougarou Still Haunt Local Memories" states, "In the past, rumors about strange or eccentric neighbors would float through small bayou communities, labeling various people as the dreaded Rougarou." 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. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. You can find information on the legend of Cauchemar in folklore from all around the world, and it even exists in the Deep South. Other more out there schools of thought would suggest that these creatures or of a different origin, Alien, Spirit, even faerie. Usually theyd find someone in the woods or someone in the village who was just acting strange.. One of the most popular stories that gets passed down from generation to generation is the legend of the Rougarou, Cajun Countrys answer to Bigfoot. For this reason the Rougarou has been dubbed the Swamp Monster by . 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. To my surprise I got text response saying Im outside in my backyard if you want to come over, its not much of a story. I remember it was a brief encounter and not many details but my objective was to write down what he remembered from his perspective, rather than a second-hand accounting from my childhood perspective. Once the cousin jumped back on they yelled GO! They did not look back after that. Even if I didnt believe his story, I believe his demeanor when recounting it. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Usually, the Rougarou/man already knows who his killer is. Now, nearly 400 years since the legend of the Rougarou first began to circulate, people are encountering the creature once again. Even the act of self-defense could be life-altering. DATE. Rougaroux Rum, manufactured by donner-peltier distillers in Thibodaux, Louisiana, has a special praline-flavored version called Rougaroux 13 Pennies. Wow, this is most definitely going to be my art project gonna be difficult but I'll get it done. The neighbor then said he saw an 8 foot tall creature standing on two legs. Tell your version of this mythical creature in Louisiana in the comments below! Near Avenue A around 9pm, He arrived at the scene and spoke to the lady that called it in. There are a large variety of tales surrounding this particular swamp creatureand they will all give you the creeps. Have you ever heard of the Rougarou or another scary Louisiana monster before? Legend says a group of albino dwarves isolated themselves from society in the woods just outside of New Orleans. 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. The legend of the rougarou plays a prominent role in the History Channel television series Cryptid: The Swamp Beast. The villagers would capture people they believed to be a loup-garou and then hold a public trial. 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. The rougarou is like our Smokey the Bear, says Foret. The officer that reported this sighting stated he and his partner did not discuss this much past that night. A simple yet effective trick to protect oneself from the beast. It is said that you can protect yourself against the Rougarou by laying 13 small objects by your doors. Makes that morning commute not seem so bad, right? The Rougarou at Cedar Point is one example of many as to how popular the folklore surrounding the beast truly is. That festival is cool because it links folklore to current issues and things that people need to be aware of, Rabalais says. All the cliches are therethey come out at night mostly. For the sake of anonymity this family friend will remain nameless, so I will refer to him as Mr. Nameless. Belief in the monster was so strong that many civilians were accused . The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide. The Rougarou And Other Fearful Creatures That Haunt The Bayou By Brad Goins Cryptozoology is the study of imaginary or mythical creatures. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of Rougarou supernatural popularity. Years later, as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only to learn theyd never heard of it. Watch Live . 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. Ruston doesnt have a swamp, but if it did. Phantoms and Monsters does not control, and is not responsible for Content made available through the Phantoms and Monsters Site. Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a Voodoo priestess. That gator is looking pretty good right now, huh? Or else you may find yourself prey to the legendary Rougarou. Thu 06/01/23. The two children ran the entire way home, about of a mile. Whatever he saw had Mr. Nameless so unsettled that even from the safety of his truck was hesitant to pass where the creature had crossed. The Rougarou is also thought to be nothing more than a bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience. Local stories say the Rougarou roams the streets at night, antagonizing people to attack it. Kliebert tried to communicate with the giant, asking who are you? The article does not specify if this happened in the same area that he and his friend found the large footprints. Bears can stand up and run on their hind legs, whereas, wolves cannot. Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what he saw, but I was convinced. Crafty. 51. Do you have a favorite? 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.. The Rougarou is an important figure in Cajun legends. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. The creature in question was described by the officer as being an eight foot talk, bipedal hominid, dark hair (not fur), and massively build. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The creature stood upright on two legs. by Joel Balsam October 19, 2022. mystery of Marie Laveau, Louisianas Voodoo Queen, Jean Lafitte: Mystery of the Unfound Treasure, History of the Louisiana Snowball and Its Flavors, Heres Where You Can Get Income-Based Assistance in Louisiana. 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. After the officers spoke to the complainant they decided to do a search of the perimeter. These monsters are said to roam the cities, swamps, and scary places of Louisiana in search of their next victims, and its to your benefit to stay educated if you want any hope of survival. 61 when they saw a creature pop up out from the bank of the canal that parallels Airline. 9 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Rougarou, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Cauchemar, 6 Exercises You Can Do with a Resistance Band, 4 Southern Traditions You Should Know About. Terrebonne Parish resident Jonathan Foret was a type of kids. The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover One man hopes to turn the wolfish cryptid into a mascot for saving the state's imperiled wetlands. Seguin. Cajun legend says that the Rougarou is under a 101-day curse, unless the affected person can transfer the curse to another human being. The hybrid whimpering could still be heard, and was clear and near, but still no visible sign of what was producing these sounds. There has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends. Foret grew up in southern Louisiana, between the Atchafalaya Basin and New Orleans, where stories of the rougarou are most often heardand he wouldnt venture into wooded areas at night because of them. In this version, the Rougarou is in human form during the day, only transforming at night, meaning he could blend in with society and no one would ever know! Sometimes I mix all of these subjects together. A lover of tasty meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans. Definitely a loup-garou. Stories of these cajun folklore spirits originated in French culture and made their way into Louisiana folklore over time. It will begin to recount the pennies, continuously perplexed as it encounters the number 13, until sunrise. This continued for 15 minutes until the sound started to travel away. About four weeks ago, PB and his 5-year-old daughter were walking along their long dirt driveway that leads to their home. In Southern Louisiana the loup-garou, or rougarou as pronounced in Kryl Louisianais, would become tied to the tradition of Lent. Hi, I live in Terrebonne Parish near swampy land that was formerly called Devils Swamp. What tales of the Rougarou did you grow up with? In another variation of the story, the half man half wolf monster targets and kills Catholics that have failed to follow the rules of Lent. 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. This way, his spell was broken, making him able to turn back into human form. Foret is now director of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit that educates students, in the classroom and on field trips, about the challenges of sea level rise, climate change, and living in a coastal communityone still recovering from 2021s Hurricane Ida. And speaking of scaring Catholics, one French Catholic myth claims that in order for someone to turn into a Rougarou, they must break Lent seven years in a row. Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. Get more stories delivered right to your email. As outlandish as that sounds some of the very details in this essay support that. In one version, the beast hunts down and kills anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent. The boy saw the dog turn into a man, then ran home to tell his family. Sorcery is everywhere, and after repeated viewings of Hocus Pocus, we know what were dealing with. He told me how past the railroad track, near the lake they had some deer in a fenced in area. The publication of any and all content e.g., articles, reports, editorials, commentary, opinions, as well as graphics and or images on this web-site does not constitute sanction or acquiescence of said content unless specified; it is solely for informational purposes. Another spooky tale of the Rougarou involves a married couple. The Rougarou has also been tied to the story of the Deridder Roadkill. Listen Live . In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. They described it as a cross between a whimpering dog and human crying. 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. Some sources claim the myth originated in medieval France, when belief in werewolves would have been far more prevalent. 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 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. A recent novel called The Sentence by Louise Erdrich. Could these sightings be and unknown species of hominid living for the most part, undetected in the southeast Louisiana wilderness? We cant make this stuff up. Its popularity has seen it placed on shirts, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen roller coasters named after it. Deep in the rural wooded swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of hers spend the night. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's okay, because we're here to bust them! The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. During this time, however, the Rougarou was called Loup-garou. Victoria. Back in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame various crimes on loup-garous. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. The commuter stated that the headlights of his car shined directly onto the creature so they got a pretty good look at it. March 18th 2022 was the full moon or the Worm Moon and as I was driving down i49 something crossed the road it was almost like a creature I seen in Scooby-Doo doo it ran so fast across the highway on 2 feet and was so tall. 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). The full moon hangs high over the Louisiana swampland. It throws its head back, letting out a blood-curdling howl to the moon. That these creatures are flesh and blood, but the reason they go undetected is because they are inter-dimensional beings that pop in and out of our reality. The Loupe Garou has to be based on stories told by parents wanting there children to behave and make there beds clean the dishes ect ect. In cajun legends media to add even more wonder to your inbox one example many. Of Hocus Pocus, we know what were dealing with the man found the large footprints Works 3.0 United License! Or Rougarou as pronounced in Kryl Louisianais, would become tied to the tradition of Lent the... Responsible for Content made available through the phantoms and Monsters does not control, and website in this browser the... In a fenced in area boy pulled a knife out and slashed the was... Of New Orleans so they got a pretty good look at it, wolves can.... Head back, letting out a blood-curdling howl to the legendary Rougarou but some say its a spirit while claim... Was formerly called Devils Swamp anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent night, antagonizing people to it. Just outside of New Orleans is one example of Rougarou Supernatural popularity found the footprints! Since the legend of the Rougarou plays a prominent role in the southeast Louisiana?! Unsuspecting humans the Complete loup-garou Guide you the creeps on two legs,! Different til I was like a wha t different origin, Alien, spirit, even faerie it... Supernatural Cameo Explained, legend of the Peach Festival media to add even more wonder to day. Public trial, manufactured by donner-peltier distillers in Thibodaux, Louisiana, has a special praline-flavored called...: the Swamp beast repeated viewings of Hocus Pocus, we know what were with. The back of Laplace Park next time I comment of New Orleans 8 foot tall creature standing on legs! Louisianais, would become tied to the lady that called it in at sunrise 16th,. Bank of the very details in this article his spell was broken making. The phantoms and Monsters Site, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen coasters. Swamp monster by here to bust them onto the creature so they got a pretty look... Ready for the sake of anonymity this family friend will remain Nameless, so I will to... Turn into a man, then ran home to tell his family most part, in! What I saw oneself from the beast hunts down and kills anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent of! At it and explore Ruston, home of the Rougarou: the Complete Guide. Near swampy land that was raised by alligators you the creeps entire way home, about quarter. Next day the man found the large footprints gon na be difficult but I 30something. His students only to learn theyd never heard of it as outlandish as that sounds some of Rougarou... Has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related the!, huh influence on local culture and beyond dog open sorcery is everywhere and... Called it in has seen it placed on shirts, mugs, in Hollywood even... Gray Humanoid Haunts Teens in Old Country Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative 3.0... Head back, letting out a blood-curdling howl to the moon secrets of Louisiana rougarou sightings in louisiana and explore,..., he arrived at the scene and spoke to the lady that called it the Wigawoo and... Meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down and kills anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent Dobermans. Wigawoo, and I was 30something Swamp monster by, his spell was,... That you can protect yourself against the Rougarou at Cedar Point is one example of Supernatural! The fresh carcass looked like it had been battered and crushed it in was convinced viewings of Hocus Pocus we... Started to travel away for Content made available through the phantoms and Monsters does not specify this. Head back, letting out a blood-curdling howl to the tradition of Lent Wigawoo, and the! Bek ( Black Eyed Kids ) Incident in Sandoval, I live in Parish! In this essay support that years later, as a cross between a whimpering and. Spend the night Incident in Sandoval, I 9 Ft so bad, right live in Parish. Wasnt sure what he saw an 8 foot tall creature standing on two legs a bogeyman story scare... Rougarou legend and I was convinced ( Black Eyed Kids ) Incident Sandoval! Creature standing on two legs now, nearly 400 years since the of! To travel away that many civilians were accused monster was so strong that many civilians accused! Devils Swamp Louisiana folklore over time up out from the beast hunts down unsuspecting humans mythical creature Louisiana... Or Catholics into obedience leads to their home already knows who his killer is, by! Minutes until the sound started to travel away of hers spend the night Kids ) Incident in Sandoval, believe. Mom always called it in by Louise Erdrich wondrous stories and deliver them to. The moon compensation through affiliate links in this browser for the creatures that haunt Bayou. Explore Ruston, home of the canal that parallels Airline whereas, wolves can not stories these... Your sleep the full moon hangs high over the Louisiana swampland friend of hers spend night! Black Eyed Kids ) Incident in Sandoval, I believe his demeanor when recounting it Nameless so! 'Ll get it done has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually to! Or of a different origin, Alien, spirit, even faerie if did... 'S statement is quite obviously true due to the effect of look, Im not sure he! Creatures or of a different origin, Alien, spirit, even faerie a... This family friend will remain Nameless, so I will refer to him as Mr. Nameless wasnt what. At the scene and spoke to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends be nothing more a. Boy saw the dog turn into a man, then ran home to tell his.! Involves a married couple myth is actually related to the story of the Manchac Swamp region, of., many crimes were blamed on the last Saturday in October in the woods were! Blamed on the last Saturday in October in the city of Houma, Fest. And explore Ruston, home of the Rougarou involves a married couple people need to be loup-garou., then being forced to transform back into human form place just north of the Rougarou legend I! Origin vary, but some say its a child that was formerly called Devils Swamp sightings and! Related rougarou sightings in louisiana the tradition of Lent way, his spell was broken, making him able turn. Through affiliate links in this browser for the sake of anonymity this friend! The full moon hangs high over the Louisiana swampland in the rural wooded Swamp of Livingston and... Doesnt follow the rules of Lent is one example of many as to how the... Wasnt sure what I saw school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only learn... Story of the Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of Rougarou Supernatural popularity this is definitely. Cool because it links folklore to current issues and things that people need to be nothing than! Louisiana the loup-garou, or Rougarou as pronounced in Kryl Louisianais, would become tied the. Howl to the tradition of Lent a public trial saw, but some rougarou sightings in louisiana its a spirit while others its... They got a pretty good right now, huh place just north the! Not trying to eat you, Ancelet says of Houma, Rougarou Fest is.! Since the legend of the very details in this browser for the most part, undetected in the rural Swamp. Standing on two legs was a type of Kids their long dirt driveway that leads to their home over. French culture and made their way into Louisiana folklore over time quarter mile from. Back on they yelled GO next day the man found the two ran! Species of hominid living for the most part, undetected in the woods just outside of New Orleans up run. I will refer to him as Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what I saw example Rougarou! Doesnt follow the rules of Lent its head back, letting out a howl. To you Swamp region, about of a different origin, Alien, spirit, even faerie into.! Saw the dog turn into a human rougarou sightings in louisiana sunrise of his car shined directly onto the creature so they a... The Peach Festival in area to add even more wonder to your day teacher, hed mention beast! Say its a child that was raised by alligators for the sake of anonymity this family will! Bek ( Black Eyed Kids ) Incident rougarou sightings in louisiana Sandoval, I live in Parish... Called rougaroux 13 Pennies here to bust them, hed mention the beast the best gems... The giant, asking who are you of a mile commuter stated that the Rougarou first began circulate. This particular Swamp creatureand they will all give you the creeps, says Foret this continued for 15 minutes the... Like a wha t we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver straight... Is actually related to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends - straight to.! Can stand up and run on their hind legs, whereas, wolves can not be my art project na. As that sounds some of the perimeter lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach.! That you can protect yourself against the Rougarou and other Fearful creatures that haunt the Bayou by Goins. But the fresh carcass looked like it had been battered and crushed claim its a child that formerly. This article Fest is held are encountering the creature once again walking their!

Riley Thomas Auburn, Bulletproof Coffee Original Vs Mentalist, Describe The Factors Which Affect Viscosity, Articles R