OZARK HOWLER
AKA: “Black Howler”

The Ozark Howler: A Mysterious Beast of the American Heartland

Deep in the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains, spanning across Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and parts of Kansas, lurks a creature that has captivated the imagination of locals and cryptozoology enthusiasts alike. Known as the Ozark Howler, this elusive beast has been the subject of folklore, sightings, and speculation for generations.

Description and Characteristics

The Ozark Howler, also referred to as the “Black Howler,” is described as a large, enigmatic creature with several distinctive features. Eyewitness accounts typically portray it as:

1. An animal, larger than a mountain lion
2. Possessing a thick, shaggy black coat
3. Having prominent horns
4. Featuring glowing red eyes that pierce through the darkness
5. Emitting a chilling, otherworldly howl that echoes through the mountains

What sets the Ozark Howler apart from other cryptids is its unique combination of features that don’t align with any known species. Its reported size, horns, and eerie vocalization make it a genuinely perplexing creature in the annals of cryptozoology.

Historical Context and Native American Lore

The origins of the Ozark Howler legend are deeply rooted in the region’s history. Native American tribes, including the Osage and Cherokee, have oral traditions that speak of powerful, supernatural beasts inhabiting the Ozark Mountains. These stories often describe creatures that share similarities with the modern-day descriptions of the Ozark Howler.

In Cherokee lore, there are tales of the “Stvmanetl,” a horned wildcat that roamed the mountains. Some researchers speculate that these ancient stories could be the foundation for the current Ozark Howler mythos.

Notable Sightings and Encounters

While sightings of the Ozark Howler have been reported for decades, several incidents stand out in the creature’s lore:

1. The Branson Encounter (1998): A family camping near Branson, Missouri, reported hearing an unsettling howl unlike anything they’d experienced. They described seeing a large, dark shape moving through the trees, with eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness.

2. The Eureka Springs Sighting (2005): A group of hikers near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, claimed to have seen a large, creature with horns crossing a trail ahead of them. They reported that the animal moved with surprising agility for its size.

3. The Tahlequah Trail Cam (2010): A trail camera set up by hunters near Tahlequah, Oklahoma, captured a blurry image of what appeared to be a large, dark animal with an unusual silhouette. While inconclusive, the photo sparked renewed interest in the Ozark Howler.

4. The Buffalo National River Incident (2015): Park rangers reported receiving multiple calls about strange howls and large animal sightings along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. While no conclusive evidence was found, the cluster of reports added to the Howler’s mystique.

Scientific Skepticism and Possible Explanations

The scientific community remains skeptical about the Ozark Howler’s existence. Wildlife biologists and zoologists point out that no physical evidence, such as bones, fur, or definitive photographs, has ever been produced to support the creature’s existence.

Several theories have been proposed to explain the Ozark Howler phenomenon:

1. Misidentification: Some experts suggest that sightings could be misidentifications of known animals, such as black bears, mountain lions, or even feral hogs, possibly combined with the tricks of low light and active imaginations.

2. Folklore and Cultural Memory: The legend could result from old folk tales and Native American lore evolving over time and blending with modern cryptozoology interests.

3. Hoaxes: As with many cryptids, the possibility of deliberate hoaxes cannot be ruled out, especially given the tourism potential of such legends.

4. Undiscovered Species: While mainstream science considers the Ozark Howler highly unlikely, some cryptozoology enthusiasts maintain that it could be an undiscovered species adapted to the specific ecosystem of the Ozark Mountains.

Cultural Impact and Local Lore

Regardless of its actual existence, the Ozark Howler has become an integral part of the region’s cultural fabric. Several towns in the Ozarks have embraced the legend:

1. Mountain View, Arkansas: Known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” this town has incorporated the Ozark Howler into its local lore, with storytelling events and festivals often featuring tales of the mysterious beast.

2. Branson, Missouri: This popular tourist destination has capitalized on the Howler legend, offering “Cryptid Tours” that explore alleged sighting locations.

3. Eureka Springs, Arkansas: The town’s quirky, artistic community has adopted the Ozark Howler as an unofficial mascot, with local artists creating Howler-inspired works.

4. Tahlequah, Oklahoma: As the capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah blends Native American folklore with modern Ozark Howler tales, creating a unique cultural narrative.

Ongoing Research and Expeditions

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, several groups continue to search for proof of the Ozark Howler’s existence:

1. The Ozark Cryptid Research Society: Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, this group conducts regular expeditions into the Ozark National Forest, using trail cameras and audio recording equipment.

2. The Missouri Monster Hunters: Operating out of Springfield, Missouri, this team investigates reported sightings and maintains a database of Ozark Howler encounters.

3. The Oklahoma Cryptozoology Association: This Tulsa-based organization focuses on all manner of cryptids but has a special interest in the Ozark Howler, given its proximity to the creature’s alleged range.

Conclusion

The Ozark Howler remains an intriguing mystery, straddling the line between folklore and cryptozoology. While concrete evidence of its existence continues to elude researchers, the legend persists, deeply embedded in the culture and imagination of the Ozark region.

Whether the Ozark Howler is a real, undiscovered species, a case of mistaken identity, or simply a captivating local legend, its impact on the region is undeniable. The creature serves as a reminder of the enduring human fascination with the unknown and the potential for mystery in even the most familiar landscapes.

As long as the rugged hills and deep forests of the Ozarks remain, it’s likely that tales of the Ozark Howler will continue to echo through the mountains, captivating locals and visitors alike with the possibility that something extraordinary might be lurking just beyond the next ridge.

Use the button to the left to return to the article about Cryptids. Use the button to the right to view a collection of Ozark Howler art prints.