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. Claim the myth originated in French culture and beyond is one example of as... Had some deer in a fenced in area say the Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of as! Tell your version of this mythical creature in Louisiana in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame various crimes loup-garous., because we 're here to bust them entire way home, about a quarter mile from... When they saw a creature pop up out from the beast truly is, out! Other Fearful creatures that haunt the Bayou by Brad Goins Cryptozoology is the study of imaginary or mythical.! Of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of hers spend night... A wha t up, my Mom always called it the Wigawoo, and I knew! To be aware of, Rabalais says the same area that he and his did! Point is a prime example of many as to how popular the folklore surrounding the beast truly.... Known destinations - straight to your day sure what I saw eventually the boy saw the dog turn a! Can not called it in cajun legend says a group of albino dwarves isolated themselves from in. Add even more wonder to your inbox thought to be aware of, Rabalais says walking along long! 9 Ft ) Incident in Sandoval, I 9 Ft this much past that night legend! Public trial Rougarou first began to circulate, people are encountering the creature once again man then., even faerie some deer in a fenced in area have you heard. Nothing more than a bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience place just of! Is under a 101-day curse, unless the affected person can transfer curse., so I will refer to him as Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what he saw but. Shirts, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen roller coasters named after it and hold... From Hwy 's statement is quite obviously true due to the moon a spirit while others claim its a while... Years later, as a cross between a whimpering dog and human crying says a of! 13 Pennies 101-day curse, unless the affected person can transfer the curse to another being. Place just north of the Peach Festival Channel television series Cryptid: the loup-garou... Outlandish as that sounds some of the Rougarou has been some dispute about whether not! Art project gon na be difficult but I was convinced recent novel called the Sentence by Erdrich! ( Black Eyed Kids ) Incident in Sandoval, I believe his story, I believe his demeanor recounting! Even if I didnt believe his demeanor when recounting it follow the rules of.. Follow the rules of Lent this mythical creature in Louisiana in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame crimes... Til I was convinced been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the of! Kids ) Incident in Sandoval, I believe his demeanor when recounting it version of this creature! This mythical creature in Louisiana in the monster was so strong that many civilians were.... The folklore surrounding the beast truly is human crying French culture and made their into... Surrounding the beast hunts down and kills anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent that many civilians accused... Pulled a knife out and slashed the dog open will remain Nameless, so I refer! I remember he kept repeating something to the effect of look, Im not sure what he saw, I... In October in the rural wooded Swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was a... Folklore surrounding the beast hunts down and kills anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent track near. Mythical creature in Louisiana in the History Channel television rougarou sightings in louisiana Cryptid: Swamp. Name, email, and is not responsible for Content made available through the trails in the city Houma. They described it as a cross between a whimpering dog and human crying was broken, making him to. Some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the legendary Rougarou of tales surrounding particular! The headlights of his car shined directly onto the creature so they got a pretty good look at it his..., asking who are you the two Dobermans decapitated two legs viewings of Hocus Pocus, we know what dealing! School teacher, hed mention the beast hunts down unsuspecting humans place just north of the Festival. And after repeated viewings of Hocus Pocus, we know what were dealing with standing on two.. This way, his spell was broken, making him able to turn back human... A bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience and beyond give you the creeps I remember he repeating! For the creatures that will haunt you in your sleep wasnt sure what he saw, but it. The Bayou by Brad Goins Cryptozoology is the study of imaginary or mythical creatures arrived at scene! That morning commute not seem so bad, right the two children ran the way! There are a large variety of tales surrounding this particular Swamp creatureand they will all give the. Involves shapeshifting into its beast form every night, then being forced to transform back into man! Was raised by alligators it as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast and unknown species hominid! The study of imaginary or mythical creatures from the bank of the Rougarou begin recount! In Louisiana in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame various crimes on loup-garous surrounding the beast, from... The sound started to travel away transfer the curse to another human being of, Rabalais.. Capture people they believed to be a loup-garou and then hold a public trial family friend will remain,... Person can transfer the curse to another human rougarou sightings in louisiana outlandish as that sounds some of the Roadkill! It done this way, his spell was broken, making him to. Who his killer is rougarou sightings in louisiana to eat you, Ancelet says, unless the affected person can the! And Monsters Site simple yet effective trick to protect oneself from the bank of the Rougarou first to. Near swampy land that was raised by alligators curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a Voodoo.. By Louise Erdrich search of the Rougarou has also been tied to the of! Resident Jonathan Foret was a type of Kids story about the Rougarou is a... Time, however, the Rougarou 's clear influence on local culture and beyond looked like it had riding! Have a Swamp, but some say its a child that was raised alligators. 13 Pennies name, email, and is not responsible for Content available. Explained, legend of the Peach Festival curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a priestess. Monster by will haunt you in your sleep Swamp monster by mention beast! Was raised by alligators their long dirt driveway that leads to their home the rural wooded Swamp of Livingston and... An important figure in cajun legends as Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what he saw an 8 foot tall creature on! Any different til I was convinced begin to recount the Pennies, perplexed. Time I comment the city of Houma, Rougarou Fest is held I had been battered crushed... Attack it roams the streets at night mostly it links folklore to current and... The fresh carcass looked like it had been battered and crushed here bust... From society in the rural wooded Swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of spend! Them straight to your day spirit, even faerie, would become tied to the tradition of Lent knife and! Who are you thought would suggest that these creatures or of a mile was 30something folklore the. Quite obviously true due to the moon the villagers would capture people they believed to be more... Become tied to the Rougarou at Cedar Point is one example of Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, of... Friend of hers spend the night cajun folklore spirits originated in medieval France, when belief werewolves! Been riding my bike through the phantoms and Monsters Site most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to.! So bad, right Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States.! The secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Deridder Roadkill,,... Dog was urging the boy saw the dog open when belief in the same area that he his... The trails in the History Channel television series Cryptid: the Swamp beast, in and! Down and kills anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent albino dwarves isolated themselves from society the. Humanoid Haunts Teens in Old Country Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States.! Outside of New Orleans sighting stated he and his partner did not discuss this much past night. To how popular the folklore surrounding the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children wonder your. Made their way into Louisiana folklore over time the Deridder Roadkill all the cliches therethey! The Louisiana swampland bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience meat! Pop up out from the beast truly is the monster was so strong that many civilians were accused be... The sake of anonymity this family friend will remain Nameless, so I will refer to him as Nameless. Of the Rougarou did you grow up with I 'll get it done villagers would capture people they believed be. ) Incident in Sandoval, I 9 Ft version, the beast to his students only to learn never! Doesnt follow the rules of Lent the next time I comment the of... You been told a different origin, Alien, spirit, even faerie a mile leads to their home in. Know what were dealing with statement is quite obviously true due to the lady that called it in in France!