6. The Hodag (Wisconsin)
The Hodag is a mythical creature from 19th-century lumberjack lore, described as a horned, spined beast inhabiting Rhinelander, Wisconsin. In 1893, timber cruiser Eugene “Gene” Shepard claimed to have captured a live Hodag, exhibiting it at local fairs. The creature was later revealed to be a hoax, crafted from wood and ox hide. Today, the Hodag serves as Rhinelander’s official mascot, symbolizing the town’s rich folklore heritage (wisconsinhistory.org).
