Tradition / Region: American Mythology
Alternative names: –
Category: Bear
The Myth
The Ozark Howler is a legendary cryptid said to inhabit the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. It is commonly described as a large, bear-like creature with a dark, shaggy coat that roams the remote forests. Although many consider it a myth or a case of mistaken identity, local folklore and reported sightings have kept the legend alive.
Some traditions trace the creature’s origins to the late eighteenth century, when the American frontiersman Daniel Boone reportedly claimed to have killed a large, hairy beast in the region. This account is often cited as one of the earliest stories connected to the Ozark Howler.
Reports of the creature became more common during the twentieth century. Witnesses have described encountering a large, fast-moving animal resembling a bear, though no evidence has confirmed its existence. In one reported incident from 2014, a motorist in Benton County, Arkansas, nearly collided with a large gray animal described as being about the size of a bear, prompting wildlife officials to investigate.
In 2015, photographs claimed to show the Ozark Howler were submitted to a local Arkansas television station. After reviewing the images, state wildlife officials concluded that they were a hoax. Despite the lack of verified evidence, stories of the mysterious bear-like creature continue to be part of the folklore of the Ozark Mountains.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Ozark Howler. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozark_Howler