Tradition / Region: American Mythology
Alternative names: Timmerdoodle
Category: Cave dweller
The Myth
The Timberdoodle is a strange creature of American lumberjack folklore, described as a squat, heavy-bodied beast with a broad mouth, powerful jaws, and a vicious bite. Its most remarkable characteristic is that once it bites someone, it refuses to release its grip until it hears the sound of thunder.
According to lumberwoods folklore, anyone unfortunate enough to be bitten by a Timberdoodle must simply wait for a storm. No amount of struggling or attempting to pry the creature loose will make it release its victim, and the creature can remain attached for an extraordinarily long time.
One famous victim was Mule McSneed, who was bitten by a Timberdoodle and found himself unable to escape its jaws. He remained trapped until a thunderstorm finally arrived. When the sound of thunder reached the creature, the Timberdoodle released its bite, ending an ordeal that had lasted for two months.
Sources
Schwartz, Alvin, and Glen Rounds. Kickle Snifters and Other Fearsome Critters. New York: Bantam Books, 1978. (archive.org)