Forget Bigfoot. Arizona locals know to watch out for the Mogollon Monster

What lurks in the middle of the night along the Mogollon Rim is the stuff of urban legend, folklore, myth and campfire tale.

The Mogollon Monster, named for its association with the Mogollon Rim area, is often described as a large, hairy creature with ape-like features, similar to Bigfoot. Sightings of the Mogollon Monster have been reported in the eastern part of Arizona and people have described a hairy hominid with human-like proportions that emits pungent smells.

It's important to note that these claims are part of local folklore and there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of such a creature. But if you're camping or hiking on the Rim and like to return from your adventures with a tall tale to tell, you really should include Arizona's most famous mythical creature.

Here's everything you need to know about the Mogollon Monster.

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What is the Mogollon Monster?

The Mogollon Monster is a legendary creature said to inhabit the Mogollon Rim region in Arizona. Sightings and stories about the Mogollon Monster have circulated for decades, but there's no scientific evidence to support its existence, so it's considered a cryptid or urban legend.

Similar to Bigfoot, the Mogollon Monster is generally portrayed as a large, hairy, ape-like creature.

“Those who say they've crossed paths with the beast regularly describe an eerie silence prior to their encounter,” said Wesley Treat, author of the book “Weird Arizona.”

What does the Mogollon Monster look like?

It's often said the monster is around 7 to 10 feet tall and possesses a strong, muscular build. Treat also mentions reports of a strong, very foul stench, which has been described as that of dead fish, a skunk with bad body odor and decaying peat moss.

“The reclusive creature is described as being at least seven feet tall, hairless in the face, but otherwise covered with a long, thick coat of either dark or reddish brown hair. He travels with a wide, inhuman stride, sometimes leaving footprints measuring 22 inches in length,” said Treat.

Like many cryptids, the exact appearance can differ based on individual reports and local legends.

What does the Mogollon Monster sound like?

Reports of the sounds associated with the Mogollon Monster vary, but they often include eerie and unusual vocalizations.

“Reports of the elusive beast involve a piercing, sometimes deafening scream or howl unlike that produced by any known wildlife,” said Treat.

Witnesses have described hearing howls, screams, growls and other strange noises that don't match known animal sounds.

Where does the Mogollon monster live?

The Mogollon Monster is said to inhabit the Mogollon Rim region in Arizona.

Where is the Mogollon Rim in Arizona?

The Mogollon Rim is a prominent geological feature located in the central part of Arizona. It runs roughly diagonally across the state from northwest to southeast. “Stretching 200 miles from Yavapai County to New Mexico” and marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, according to Visit Arizona, Arizona’s official website.

The rim is known for its dramatic elevation changes and stunning vistas, with steep cliffs dropping down to lower elevations in central and eastern Arizona. The Mogollon Rim is a popular destination for outdoor activities and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

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How are Mogollon Monster encounters described?

There have been many reported encounters with the Mogollon Monster and each rendition varies. You can read about many of them in “Weird Arizona” and Susan A. Farnsworth’s book “The Mogollon Monster, Arizona's Bigfoot.”

According to Treat’s book, cryptozoologist Don Davis was one of the first people to report an encounter with the Mogollon Monster. Davis said he witnessed the tall, hairy beast during a Boy Scout trip in the mid-1940s when he was about 13 years old.

“There, standing still less than four feet in front of me was a monster-like man. The creature was huge. Its eyes were deep set and hard to see, but they seemed expressionless. His chest, shoulders, and arms were massive, especially the upper arms — easily upwards of 6 inches in diameter, perhaps much, much more,” said Davis

An even earlier report from a 1903 edition of "The Arizona Republican" describes a tourist named I.W. Stevens who was visiting Arizona. Stevens recounts his confrontation with what he referred to as the "wild man of the rocks." Though his encounter occurred further north, within the Grand Canyon, the story may be one of the earliest written records of a Mogollon Monster sighting.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What is the Mogollon Monster? A guide to the Arizona legend