Alabama’s most famous cryptids: Legends told around the campfire that haunt the backwoods

• Alabama folklore includes cryptids such as the White Thang, a large creature sighted in the northern part of the state.
• The Wolf-Woman, a creature with a woman’s head and a wolf’s body, was reportedly seen in Mobile in 1971.
• Other Alabama cryptids include Hugging Molly, the Witch in the Woods, the Sipsey Creature and the Coosa River Monster.

Something is lurking in Alabama’s woods, or so the stories go.

Tales of strange sightings and eerie encounters have been passed around campfires for generations. Whether it’s backcountry whispers or blurry photos, the legends endure and they’re as much a part of Alabama as the pine trees and red clay.

There are Alabama’s creepiest cryptids, perfect for your next campfire story.

Tales of the White Thang haunt Alabama

The White Thang is Alabama’s most legendary cryptid, and no one can quite agree on what it is. Some say it looks like a white Bigfoot, while others swear it’s more like a giant cat or wolf. Standing nearly eight feet tall with glowing red eyes, the creature is fast, elusive and known for an eerie screech.

Most sightings of the White Thang occur in north Alabama between Morgan, Etowah and Jefferson counties. However, it has also been spotted in Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Walnut Grove and Happy Hallow. The creature’s reach isn’t limited to one corner of the state; reports have popped up in other areas of Alabama and even in neighboring states.

The last major sighting was reported in the early 2000s, but some say White Thang is still out there. Reports surfaced as recently as last year, and a Facebook group dedicated to the creature has locals swapping stories and asking, “Have you seen it, too?”

Have you seen Mobile’s Wolf-Woman?

The Wolf-Woman of Mobile is one of Alabama’s most mysterious legends.

In 1971, people in Mobile reported seeing a creature with a woman’s head and a wolf’s body. Witnesses described glowing eyes and eerie howls.

Though dozens claimed to see her, no proof had turned up, and then she seemed to disappear. But stories keep popping up, with locals and students saying they’ve heard strange sounds deep in the swamps.

Whether real or just a spooky tale, the Wolf-Woman remains a haunting part of Alabama folklore.

The lores don’t stop there

Alabama’s cryptid stories don’t stop with the White Thang and Wolf-Woman. There’s Hugging Molly, the Witch in the Woods, the Sipsey Creature, the Coosa River Monster and plenty more strange legends lurking in the state’s backwoods.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.