| Tatzelwurm | |
|---|---|
|
Photograph and drawing of the Tatzelwurm. | |
| Cryptid Information | |
| AKA | Stollenwurm, Springwurm, Arassas, Praatzelwurm |
| Year First Seen | 1934 (Presumed) |
| Biological Class | Reptile/Mammal |
| Authenticity Status | Real |
| Location | Swiss Alps |
The Tatzelwurm is a mythological animal, a worm-like cryptid. In Alpine folklore, the Tatzelwurm is a stubby, lizard-like creature that resides in European countries. It takes the appearance of a cat with the hind-end of a serpent with no hind legs.
Sightings
It is rumored to live in several areas of Europe, including the Austrian, Bavarian, Italian and Swiss Alps. It has several regional names including Stollenwurm, Springwurm, Arassas and Praatzelwurm.
Balkin Photograph
In 1934 a Swiss photographer named Balkin allegedly saw a strange creature near a log and photographed it. The resulting interest in the creature inspired
Balkin's Photograph of the Tatzelwurm
the Berliner Illustrierte to sponsor an expedition in search of the Tatzelwurm, but the expedition was a failure and interest quickly faded.
Tatzelwurm sightings have continued to the present day, and German cryptozoological researcher Ulrich Magin has published several articles in Fortean Times' and his own magazine Bilk documenting them.
Gallery
