Bigfoot. Mothman. Skunk Ape. Chupacabra. These are strange names, though perhaps you’ve heard of a few. They are some of America’s more famous local monsters. They are “cryptids,” which can be defined as a fabled creature yet to be scientifically proven to exist.

Statistically, millions of Americans believe that cryptids are real. For instance, approximately one in five believes in Bigfoot. This belief, in turn, helps support a huge monster industry. One 2024 study found that Bigfoot products generate $140 million annually. Today there are numerous museums available for the monster investigator, not to mention a plethora of films, toys, websites, and festivals.

Many have questioned whether or not monster mania is a good thing. Some argue that monster belief propagates pseudoscience, wh

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