7. Kushtaka
The Kushtaka, or “otter-men,” are shapeshifting beings from Tlingit and Tsimshian folklore. They haunt riverbanks and coastal waters, luring people with cries that mimic loved ones. Victims may be transformed into Kushtaka themselves or tragically drowned. These creatures can be both mischievous and, at times, helpful—reflecting the unpredictable nature of water spirits found in other cultures around the world. Read more
