No matter what the season, there’s something gleefully spooky about indulging in an eerie local legend. The Great Lakes State is home to its fair share of scary stories and ghostly tales, but one legend in Michigan is decidedly unique. Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, the story of the Michigan Dogman might just have you keeping your eyes peeled during future outings.
Most superstitious and supernatural-minded folks have heard about creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and even the Mothman. But did you know that Michigan has a folkloric creature all its own?
That’s right: the Michigan Dogman has become one of the state’s most widely known – and feared – myths. If you’re one of the few Michiganders who has spotted the Dogman, though, he’s not a myth at all.
The Dogman himself is described as a seven-foot-tall creature who is half-man, half-canine. He is said to have a dog’s head paired with a human torso with bright blue or amber eyes. Talk about unsettling.
If his appearance alone weren’t enough, legend holds that the Dogman lets out a terrifying shriek akin to a human scream. Most sightings have happened throughout the northwestern Lower Peninsula.
This fearsome creature is nothing new, as reported sightings date all the way back to 1887. It’s said that the Dogman was originally spotted by a pair of lumberjacks making their way through Wexford County.
Others have reported encountering larger packs of angry dogs in the wild, only to have one dog stand up on its hind legs and take on a human-like stance. Can you imagine coming across such a frightful sight?
Still others claim to have seen the Dogman appear along the roadside or even in front of their vehicle while traveling through the northwestern Lower Peninsula. For many, this is anything but a silly tall tale.
The next time you’re strolling through the woods or taking a nighttime drive, keep your eyes peeled for a half-man, half-dog hybrid. You might just be the next (un)lucky soul to encounter the Michigan Dogman.
Do you know anyone who claims to have spotted the Michigan Dogman? Have you experienced any other eerie or supernatural moments that you’d like to share? Let us know by leaving a Facebook comment or tell us about another incredible legend in Michigan by filling out our official nomination form here.
