Fouke Monster

The Fouke Monster, also known as the Boggy Creek Monster and the Swamp Stalker, is a legendary humanoid creature in Arkansas folklore, similar to Bigfoot. It gained prominence following alleged sightings near the rural town of Fouke, Arkansas in the early 1970s, including claims of an attack on a local family. This creature has become a significant part of Arkansas folklore and inspired the 1972 docudrama horror film "The Legend of Boggy Creek," which became the 11th highest-grossing film that year and is now considered a cult classic.

Journalist Jim Powell, who reported on the phenomenon for the Texarkana Gazette and the Texarkana Daily News, coined the name "Fouke Monster."

Reports from 1971 to 1974 described the creature as a large, bipedal being covered in long dark hair. Initial estimates placed it at approximately 7 feet tall and weighing between 250-300 pounds. Later accounts suggested it was significantly larger, with one witness describing it as 10 feet tall and weighing around 800 pounds. Some witnesses reported that the creature ran swiftly with a distinctive galloping gait, swinging its arms in a monkey-like fashion. Additional descriptions mention a terrible odor (comparable to a combination of skunk and wet dog) and bright red eyes "about the size of silver dollars."

Various tracks and claw marks allegedly belonging to the creature have been discovered over the years. One set of footprints reportedly measured 17 inches in length and 7 inches in width, while another peculiar set appeared to show feet with only three toes.