The Legend Of The Oklahoma Octopus In These Lakes May Send Chills Down Your Spine

Many legends exist about Oklahoma but the ones that include our lakes always get our attention. Have you heard the Oklahoma octopus legend? Tales tell of an octopus-like creature that lives in Lake Thunderbird and Lake Tenkiller that has been responsible for many unexplainable drownings. Warning: if you have a fear of sea monsters, you might want to sit this one out.

Oklahomans flock to the lakes in the summertime, so it's not very comforting when you hear about human-sized catfish and octopus-like creatures that could possibly be swimming below you.

Native American legends over 200 years old tell of a strange aquatic creature with a desire for human flesh living in some of Oklahoma's lakes.

The alleged creature is described as being the size of a horse, with reddish skin and long arms or tentacles.

The beasts are said to inhabit Lake Tenkiller in northeastern Oklahoma and Lake Thunderbird in Norman.

Maybe this is why Lake Thunderbird is extra red - because the creature's color comes off in the water? Or, perhaps it's just because of all the red dirt in the state.

Both of these lakes have an unusually high number of drownings and unexplained disappearances of swimmers. Could it be a giant octopus really is responsible?

This legend was featured on the Animal Planet show "Lost Tapes" so many people now believe it to be true. In 2003 a man found a small red octopus in Arkansas, so is it possible that a giant one could be lurking here in Oklahoma? We will leave that up to decide. As for us, we'll be enjoying the water from the shoreline from now on.

How these legends begin is a mystery, but it makes you wonder if there is some truth lurking in the depths. Oklahoma octopus sightings must be a sign that there is more than meets the eye below the surface of even our most trusted lakes. So, do you think the Oklahoma octopus legend is true? Have you ever felt the briefest touch beneath the water and wondered if it was something ominous, or simply a friend playing a trick? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.

If you enjoy reading about Oklahoma legends, check out our previous article where we feature 8 urban legends in the Sooner State. There are some doozies, so you might want to keep the lights on while you read about them.