The Mole Troll: A Unique Species

The Mole Troll is one of only a handful of troll species capable of surviving in the sunlight. Unlike most troll species, their bodies don't react violently toward Ultraviolet (UV) rays. In appearance, the Mole Troll is a quadruped species that are covered with moldy hair with lizard-like body features. Though can be blinded by bright lights, the Mole Troll uses its long tongue to located prey in pitch black environments. Mole Trolls only live in subterranean tunnels in which these creatures use their powerful claws to dig through dirt, rock, concrete, and even some metals. They're known to invade underground sewers nearby large cities and will eat almost anything ranging from trash to humans. Originally found in Norway, these creatures were accidentally brought into the other regions of Europe and even the United States. Though seem invincible after eliminating the UV lights, these creatures can be killed by brute force.

Mole Troll tunnels (photo above) are used by many subterranean creatures such as earthworms, insects, bats, and other nocturnal creatures which usually become prey to a hungry Mole Troll.

The Ohio Grassman: The Sasquatch of Ohio

Throughout the state of Ohio and some parts of Southern Canada, there lives a creature related to the Northwestern Sasquatch species: The Ohio Grassman. The Grassman is a regional species that differs from their Northwestern cousins. Differences include that they live in social groups of five individuals,"cooperative" hunting of large forest game (deer mainly), the ability to use tools to create dwellings if caves are unavailable, and are more seen nearby farmlands rather than in the middle of forests where human contact is unlikely. Specimens of Grassmen range between five to ten feet tall with large footprints (range between 10-20 inches) of an estimated weight around 300 to 1000 pounds. The Ohio Grassman's appearance are similar toward their cousins but, are more gorilla-like with a perfect straight posture. Though it is unknown if this species is mostly part of the Skunk Ape or Sasquatch family, due to a few different footprints, Monstrologists and Cryptozoologists have guessed that some individuals are just misidentified or own genes from both families. For example, some Ohio Grassmen sightings include a rotten egg smell which surrounds the creature similar toward the Southern Skunk Apes.

The Ohio Grassmen, though afraid of humans, will attack if provoked and are known to kill dogs. Some reports indicated that the Ohio Grassmen are quite opportunists as some have been known to try to break into people's houses to get to food. Being omnivorous, the Grassman only eats in trees where feces have been found which supports this theory. They're known to eat edible bark, corn, wild berries, and deer. For communication, the Ohio Grassmen either use loud screams/cries, heavy breathing, and wood-knocking, which includes the creature hitting a large stick against trees for warnings. The Ohio Grassman is an unique regional species and should be treated with respect.    

Typical illustration of an Ohio Grassman

The Tarponosaurus: ‘Tarpie’ is Her Name

The Tarponosaurus (nicknamed 'Tarpie' by locals) is a species of modern day dinosaurs related to the weird Therizinosaurus, which lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Growing up to ten to thirty feet in length and towering over any human, this modern dinosaur is one of the biggest in the world. In appearance, this creature has some Therizinosauridae-like features such as huge, powerful arms with large claw fingers and an alligator-like head. Males have waterproof feathers on their bodies while females have only smooth/scaly reptilian skin. They're amphibious and their main locomotion is being bipedal on land. The Tarponosaurus, though omnivorous, will eat from aquatic plants to large alligators but, they're capable of eating humans. Mainly found in Lake Tarpon (hence the name) in Tarpon Springs, Florida; these creatures are known to migrate if food supplies vary. The Tarponosaurus are known to live in underwater cave systems that are reported underneath the lake where the creatures socialize, sleep, and mate.

The first official Tarponosaurus sighting was a female of the species which are featherless unlike the males (featured above). Females mainly make up more of the sightings then males.  

The Hidebehind: Attacking Out of Nowhere

Have you ever seen something out from the corner of your eye? Not knowing what the supposed thing you saw was either real or not? The Hidebehind is a mammalian creature that lives in remote areas of states that borderline Canada (examples: Washington, Oregon, and Maine) and uses its natural ability to conceal itself for hunting not just animals but, humans as well. Being an aggressive creature, the Hidebehind will attack anything it finds as a food source. Though no person or creature has successfully laid their eyes upon this beast, the Hidebehind is out there. Hidebehinds conceal themselves by sucking in their bodies to allow them to disappear behind even the thinnest of trees. Being a shy but, ferocious creature; Hidebehinds are rarely seen out in the open due to their need to camouflage themselves. Humans and animals who fall prey to this monster are taken back to the creature's lair to devour only the intestines (which are known to be a Hidebehind's favorite snack due to bodies being discovered in remote areas). The only way to repel Hidebehinds is alcohol, which is confirmed to burn the creature's skin/hair. Hidebehinds are the masters of stealth and should be heavily respected while hiking in areas that attacks do happen.

Here's an illustartion of a Hidebehind about to attack a unknowingly victim. Hidebehinds are nocturnal hunters and campers must be warned to have a bottle of alcohol with them to avoid encounters (drink responsibility).

The Ukrainian Ironbelly: The Metallic Dragon of Ukraine

The Ukrainian Ironbelly is a large species of wyvern (reaching up to sixty feet in length or more) that are only native to Ukraine. Ironbellies in appearance are large metallic-grey silvery dragons with large wingspans and deep red eyes. This dragon is capable of breathing fire and uses its flame only to ward off predators or intruders. Weighing up to six tonnes, this dragon's weight is its ally while hunting from the air as the Ironbelly crashes straight into its prey. The Ironbelly can fly but, it only glides through the air instead of using power flight (flapping wings) which uses up too much energy. This dragon lives on the tallest peaks of mountains which allows the creature to get enough lift to fly correctly. The Ukrainian Ironbelly, though similar to its smaller cousins the Horntail and the Ridgeback, are capable of using their wings similar in the manner as bats but, due to strong muscles in their legs they can become fully bipedal similar to the Zilants, African, and European wyverns. Ironbellies eat large prey items such as large game animals and even smaller dragons. They rarely consume humans and tend to stay away from people unless provoked.

The Ukrainian Ironbellies may appear scary due to their size but, can be succussfully trained for protecting somebody's special belongings by rasing them at an early age. Though illegal in most countries, these dragons do become great pets (if you have enough room for a six tonne dragon).

The Hungarian Horntail: The Wyvern of Hungary

The Hungarian Horntail is a species of wyvern (species include the Horntail, the Ironbelly, the African, the Ridgeback, the Zilant, and the European) that are only found in the mountain ranges of Hungary. In appearance, the dragon can grow fifty feet long, has blackish-bronze scales plus horns, and a spiked tail. Unlike most wyverns, the Horntail walks similar toward a bat by using its wings to quickly move across the ground or mountain side. It does have the ability to breathe fire, which can reach up to the same length of its own body. The Horntail, due to its light skeletal structure, allows the dragon to fly faster than a small plane. The Hungarian Horntail is one of the most dangerous dragons ever on record (next to its European cousin) thanks to its aggression, speed, and brute strength.

The Horntail mates once a year during mating season, where a single mother will lay one cement-colored egg. During the hatching process, the young Horntail will uses its club tail to smash through the hard egg shell. The tail will later be uses to attract mates, hunting, and defending territories after reaching adulthood. The Hungarian Horntail will attack and consume livestock such as sheep and goats plus, if possible, humans. Due to its aggression, Horntails are illegal to keep as pets and one must obtain a special license to display it in  Magizoological Gardens (a.k.a. zoos).

Hungarian Horntails (photo above) are dangerous and should be respected while in their territory. These dragons should never be hand-raised as well as sold on black markets due to their aggression and brutish attacks against both friends and foes.  

The Swamp Auger: Troublesome Boat Sinkers

Related to the puffin, the Swamp Auger is a small puffin-like bird with a long, corkscrew-like beak that live in freshwater lakes and swamps that are mainly used by fishermen of the United States. In appearance, the Swamp Auger are larger than any known species of puffins (17 inches tall) with a light coloration except for a black feathered head. The Swamp Auger does have the ability to fly but, only for short distances. They use their corkscrew-like beaks to drill three inch holes into the side of a larger animal (usually large bass or fish) to gets chucks of meat from the fish's body. The Swamp Auger only eats fish (main food source are minnows and small fish) and are harmless toward humans whom swim in the waters amongst them. Though they can become an annoyance by fishermen as they believe that their boat is a large fish at the surface, they can be shooed away by tickling their beaks or by sprinkling cayenne pepper on the nose. Though most of the times the Swamp Auger will instinctual drill deeper into the bottom of the boat (thinking it as food), only rarely to realize it isn't a fish at the surface and would swim away. If one does get stuck, either it would stay there long enough for somebody to reach shore, sprinkle pepper on its nose which would cause it to exhale (making it remain stuck in the bottom of the boat), or you have to hold onto the beak long enough until you reach shore. Though many believe they're pests that must be shot on sight; they're good for the environment, and can actually be trained by humans and other races for their usefulness.   

Swamp Augers (illustrated above) are only found from the Great Lakes to the Flordia Everglades. They do migrate South if the temperature begins to decrease for warmer waters by swimming down/up rivers (rarely flying).  

The Jubjub Bird: Beware!

In the deep, dark forests of Germany lives the dangerous bird known as the Jubjub. The Jubjub Bird is a large bird of prey that resembles a mixture between a vulture and a speckled chicken with a red head, long yellow beak, and a purple tongue. It's blood-chilling shrills can be heard from miles as the Jubjub goes out on the hunt of any prey that suites the bird's needs. Though rarely consuming humans, people must become aware whenever they hear the bird's terrifying screams because this species is large enough to take down a grown man without warning. Aggressive in nature, the Jubjub will attack any creature it chooses even if the other creature is larger then the bird itself (examples include dragons, brown bears, and grey wolves). The Jubjub bird is both an active hunter and a scavenger.

Jubjub Birds only nest in trees and are rarely found on the ground unless eating large animals such as elk or bear. They usually carry their prey back to their high up nests in tall trees to feast. The Jubjub is greatly feared by both humans and other creatures which make avoiding this creature completely while walking through areas these birds are known to live. The Jubjubs are known to live in small flocks if food supply is more abundant. Large males are usually the ones in charge of the flock but, females can be as well. If food supplies aren't abundant than normally, then the Jubjubs will be at each other throats and turn into solitary predators. They're known to be also cannibalistic during the winter as prey go into hibernation. Jubjub Birds are also found in some areas of Western Europe and in small Eastern regions of Russia's large forests.        

The Jubjub Bird (illustrated above) are quite ferocious and aggressive in the wild but, can be train into mild pets toward the bravest humans in the world. The Jubjub can become a great ally if you train it correctly.

The Tonnage Rat: Rockslide Fixers of the Mountains

The Tonnage Rat (a.k.a. the Engineer Rat) is a species of colonized, reptilian-like rodents that live in large burrows in the mountain sides throughout the Rockies and the Appalachians of the United States. This creature barely comes out of their burrows unless food and water supplies run low. The Tonnage Rat in appearance are large, slim rats with some reptilian-like features underneath their fur. They are insectivores and only hunt underground unless the need to search for more food comes. The Tonnage Rat are the favorite prey of avian predators such as eagles and young Thunderbirds. This rodent-like creature only comes out from its burrow if a rock slide occurs that exposes the Tonnage Rat's burrow. After a rock slide occurs, hundreds of these rats race against time to recover the rocks which exposes their homes by placing them back in correct order. This usually takes about two hours for completion unless a predator arrives then it would take longer. These modern day synapsids (prehistoric mammalian reptiles) do lay eggs but, these large eggs are squarish in shape and are stacked amongst each other to keep them warm.

The photograph above is of a rock slide. Usually the Tonnage Rat does re-fix the rocks into their correct place unless the natural disaster doesn't expose their burrows. The greatest threat to these creatures are the Slide-Rock Bolters of Colorado, which created rock slides to capture prey.

The Bladenboro Lynx: The Vampire Beast

The attacks started in 1954 in Bladenboro County of North Carolina when a large feline-like creature started attacking people's pets for a food supply. The Beast of Bladenboro (now known by Monstrologists as the Bladenboro Lynx) is a species of strange felines that live deep in the swampy areas of Bladenboro County and favor the blood from small animals such as pets like dogs and cats. The Bladenboro Lynx is an endangered species and only a small population of these fascinating creatures live in that one county of North Carolina. Being stealthy and nocturnal, these creatures sneak upon their prey and spring into action by snapping their prey's jaws/neck then drains out the blood. Though this species was once part of a larger population throughout the South-Eastern seaboard of the United States, extinction soon followed after being hunted for the protection of livestock and pets. The natural rivals of the Bladenboro Lynx are larger predators such as black bears, feral dogs, and even the cougar (if such an animal is in the area). It is now illegal to shoot and kill these heavily protected species which are on the verge of extinction once more.

Though terrifying in appearence, this 'Vampire Beast' are actually shy of humans and rarely attack. Cougars, feral dogs, and black bears are usually the main caulprits of killing pets/small animals and people then assume its the Bladenboro Lynx as the real killer.  

The Peruvian Swamp Slug: Venom vs. Antidote

The Peruvian Swamp Slug is only native to the moist jungles of Peru and are quite horrifying in appearance. This black slug with sharp teeth can reach up to one feet in length and are venomous. The venom doesn't attack the body directly but, the person's mind by altering their behavior and personality. Hallucinations are also known to occur if the venom isn't treated and will later result in insanity then death. Though this gastropod only eats small animals such as insects, other gastropods, small birds, reptiles, and mammals; larger creatures such as careless humans will become bitten if provoked. Thankfully, the Peruvian Swamp Slug's body holds a secret weapon: an antidote to counter the venom. This safety mechanism allows the slug to re-choose its victim or to heal itself after being bit by a rival Swamp Slug. Humans and other animals with knowledge of this secret use it to their advantage by just being re-bitten by either the same or different animal. Peruvian Swamp Slugs are ambush hunters by staying still for hours or even days until a prey source of a right size happens to cross its path.

The Peruvian Swamp Slugs may be venomous, but they can become great pets mainly due to their safety mechanism and are easy to care for.   

The Borlak: Attacking from Beneath

The Borlak is a modern day cousin of the dreaded dinosaurs which walked the Earth millions of years ago. This six to seven foot tall lizard is capable of weighing between 350-500 pounds, which gives the creature the edge on taking down medium sized prey. Though shy in nature, the Borlak will attack if provoked in order to defend its life or territory and rarely the creature will attack humans as a food source. In appearance, this human sized reptile resembles a prehistoric-looking beast with blue skin with yellow spines. The Borlak is an excellent swimmer which makes this creature dangerous as in the water than on land. Being an ambush hunter, the Borlak will dive beneath its victim (ex: a swimming moose) and then charge up to its prey to drag it underneath the water with its powerful jaws. The Borlak can be found in both the Americas and Canada in either swamps, rivers, and freshwater lakes.

Did you know that the Borlak can't digest fur, hair, clothing, or feathers? Due to its failure to fully digests birds and mammals, the Borlak had invented a low acidic vapor that could dissolve the fur or feathers of any animal. When a Borlak hunts, either on land or in water, it will release this vapor from its mouth to helpfully dissolve the items that cannot be digested. On land, the Borlak sprays it out of nowhere toward its victim and will either run off (due to a human or larger predator's presence) or will consume the prey item. In the water, if the prey isn't an amphibian, reptile, or fish, the Borlak will instantly spray its victim as it drags it underwater to successfully remove anything indigestible before consuming. Though the vapor can't melt the prey item's skin, it has been known to leave rashes on the body of humans if somebody has a reaction to the low acid the Borlak creates.   

The Borlak (image above) can both survive in cold and warm climates. It has adapted the ability to create body heat during the winter months through the United States and in Canada. The creature is known to hibernate if the weather worsens (heavy snowfall) but, will awaken once temperatures get into the right settings once again.

The Repticore: The Salamander Hunter

The Repticore is a creature of great size and has one of the largest appetites in Monstrology. Ranging between twelve to twenty feet tall and weighing up to 32000 pounds, this beast is a frightening creature to run into. In appearance, the Repticore is a massive, green reptilian beast with huge jaws, has five tendrils from their chins, black eyes, and two long tentacles protruding from its body. For locomotion, the Repticore travels on two stubby legs which only allows the creature to run slower than any human but, replaces speed with strength and durability.  The Repticore's hide is extremely durable against temperatures, predator attacks, and acids. The two tentacles are capable of lifting a medium sized vehicles from the ground without any trouble and doesn't have any trouble squeezing another animal to death. The five tendrils on its chin are used as close range feelers and are used to drag the Repticore's victims into its dangerous jaws.

Having a large appetite, the Repticore only enjoys one species of monster: the Salamander, a fire-eating amphibian. Salamanders are the Repticore's main prey source and are attracted to the fire proof slime they give off. Though with Salamanders being smaller than a Repticore, the creature itself has to gobble up a whole colony to finally please its hunger for a day. That is why the Repticore is also an active predator of deer, livestock, other predators, and even humans. Once eaten, the prey item will become digested fully in about a week (similar like snakes). The Repticore, though slow, is an ambush predator who attacks without warning toward its victims. They're native to both the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe.

You'll be lucky if you could get this close to a Repticore. Though they do have poor eyesight, the tendrils or the tentacles can easily find you and allow the creature to gobble you up. The only way to defeat a Repticore is destroying it from inside.

The Boobrie: Scottish Horror Bird

The Lochs of Scotland is filled with dangerous creatures from the famous Loch Ness Monster to the vicious Kelpie. There is another predator of avian origins and its called the Boobrie. This Terror Bird sized creature is like a mixture between a Great Northern Loon (Gavia immer) and a White Stork (Ciconia ciconia). Extremely carnivorous, the Boobrie eats from a range of small aquatic creatures such as fish to larger land mammals such as calves and even humans. The Boobrie itself is a creature which favors hunting on the side of Lochs in tall grasses but, will occasionally swim into the middle of the large body of water to dive for larger fish. On land, the creature is more agile and can run up to speeds that can outrun any land animal or a small car. Also to make this menacing creature more dangerous, it can fly thanks to it's large stork-like wings.
In Scottish folklore of this dangerous creature, it was said that the Boobrie is metamorphosed form of the Each uisge (which is a water horse-like creature related to the shape-shifting Kelpie) and the Tarbh-uisg (which is a species of water-bull also related to the Kelpie). This is both false and true; the Boobrie itself is a species of pure terror and other creatures know this. Shape-shifters such as the Kelpie, the Each uisge, and the Tarbh-uisg learn by copying the image of another apex predator at an early age for protection or to strike fear into an intruder. Kelpies are known not to copy a Boobrie's image but, young Each uisge and Tarbh-uisg do for these reasons. Its a survival strategy used by many monsters and everyday animals called camouflage.

 The illustration above is what a Boobrie looks like appearence. Terror Bird size and appearence, Stork's structure, and the Loon's markings.

The Onryo: Vengeful Ghosts of Japan

The Onryo is either a male or female spirit which cannot move into the afterlife due to the entity's goal to seek vengeance against the people or person who wronged them. The most common type of Onryo are female humans who were murdered, abandoned, or raped by the most evil of men (the same with males but, mostly uncommon). Being more aggressive and violent then any type of Japanese spirit, they're relentless on seeking revenge on the person who wronged them or anyone who has a mutual relationship with the target (new wife, children, and friends). In appearance, the Onryo wears either the clothing which she/he wore during burial (mainly white burial kimono for Japanese females); wild, unkempt long black hair, and either white or indigo colored faces. The only way to get rid of an Onryo is by either accepting one's fate or exorcisms.

The illustration above is a perfect example of a female Onryo. These types of ghosts can be also linked to natural disasters and are usually seeking for justified vengeance but, this isn't always the case.