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American Bestiary Legendary creatures of North America

Swamp Monster

Delaware
Hominid / Hoax
Swamp Monster
Fig 1. Swamp Monster
A bipedal, ape-like hominid haunting Delaware's swamps whose natural nocturnal behavior was definitively proven to be a localized newspaper hoax.

Etymology

Named after the town of Selbyville and its proximity to the Great Cypress Swamp.

Anatomy

Witnesses reported a frightening, hairy, ape-like creature. In reality, its physiology consisted entirely of a large, vintage raccoon coat and an awkward, oversized mask worn by a human actor.

Ecology

Reported to lurk heavily along the wooded areas and traveled roads of the Great Cypress Swamp (also known as Burnt Swamp) in southern Delaware.

Behavior

It deliberately sprinted along Cypress Road and made loud noises specifically to ensure it was seen by passing motorists.

Mythology

The legend achieved fever-pitch in 1964 but was a completely fabricated stunt orchestrated by 'Delmarva News' editor Ralph Grapperhaus and actor Fred Stevens to jump-start stalling newspaper subscriptions. Decades later, Stevens confessed the ruse and revealed the mask to a reporter.