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10 legendary monsters and where to find them

Affectionately called "Nessie" by locals and those who think the creature is misnamed (and perhaps misunderstood), the Loch Ness monster was first spotted in 565 C.E. when an Irish priest reportedly saw the brontosaurus-like sea creature. Where to find it: Scotland.
Affectionately called "Nessie" by locals and those who think the creature is misnamed (and perhaps misunderstood), the Loch Ness monster was first spotted in 565 C.E. when an Irish priest reportedly saw the brontosaurus-like sea creature. Where to find it: Scotland.
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The Yeti, sometimes called the Abominable Snowman, is part ape and part man, and it's believed to roam the snowy Himalayan Mountains. The legend of the Yeti dates back to folktales in Nepal, but really took off when British explorers saw large footprints on an Everest expedition. Many attribute Yeti sightings and to brown bears. Where to find it: The Himalayas.
The Yeti, sometimes called the Abominable Snowman, is part ape and part man, and it's believed to roam the snowy Himalayan Mountains. The legend of the Yeti dates back to folktales in Nepal, but really took off when British explorers saw large footprints on an Everest expedition. Many attribute Yeti sightings and to brown bears. Where to find it: The Himalayas.
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Not to be confused with the Yeti, the Sasquatch is native to the Western world. Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest have various legends of the creature, with most referring to a dark haired, ape-like wild man. Sasquatch may also be referred to as "Bigfoot" and is generally believed to stand up to nine feet tall and weigh several hundred pounds. Where to find it: The Pacific Northwest.
Not to be confused with the Yeti, the Sasquatch is native to the Western world. Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest have various legends of the creature, with most referring to a dark haired, ape-like wild man. Sasquatch may also be referred to as "Bigfoot" and is generally believed to stand up to nine feet tall and weigh several hundred pounds. Where to find it: The Pacific Northwest.
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Though numerous authors have taken artistic liberties with vampires in recent years, the gold standard for this creature of the night remains Count Dracula. Supposedly based on a Romanian prince, Dracula is of the breed of vampires that are human corpses returned from the dead to wreak havoc on the living. Around the world, several characterizations exist, but all vampires share one trait: They drain victims of blood. Where to find it: Romania.
Though numerous authors have taken artistic liberties with vampires in recent years, the gold standard for this creature of the night remains Count Dracula. Supposedly based on a Romanian prince, Dracula is of the breed of vampires that are human corpses returned from the dead to wreak havoc on the living. Around the world, several characterizations exist, but all vampires share one trait: They drain victims of blood. Where to find it: Romania.
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While numerous depictions of the fairy exist access cultures, the fairies of Norse tradition are often depicted as female, elf-like creatures with a penchant for magic. Tales coming from Sweden and Denmark highlight the beauty of these creatures—and their cunning ability to trick men (surely the beauty helps). Where to find it: Scandinavia.
While numerous depictions of the fairy exist access cultures, the fairies of Norse tradition are often depicted as female, elf-like creatures with a penchant for magic. Tales coming from Sweden and Denmark highlight the beauty of these creatures—and their cunning ability to trick men (surely the beauty helps). Where to find it: Scandinavia.
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The Menehune are characterized as mischievous dwarves, though their engineering feats are revered. They hide from humans in forests and valleys and are said to love bananas and fish. Some say they were chased away by the Polynesians, but others believe they're still carrying out tricks on the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Where to find it: Kauai, Hawaii.
The Menehune are characterized as mischievous dwarves, though their engineering feats are revered. They hide from humans in forests and valleys and are said to love bananas and fish. Some say they were chased away by the Polynesians, but others believe they're still carrying out tricks on the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Where to find it: Kauai, Hawaii.
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A jackrabbit with antelope horns or deer antlers, the jackalope is widely accepted as a creature born of some creative taxidermy. Douglas Herrick is credited with mounting a rabbit and deer horns together in the 1930s in his shop in Douglas, Wyo. For years prior, cowboys had claimed the ditties they sang to their cattle were repeated back to them by the jackalope. Where to find it: Wyoming.
A jackrabbit with antelope horns or deer antlers, the jackalope is widely accepted as a creature born of some creative taxidermy. Douglas Herrick is credited with mounting a rabbit and deer horns together in the 1930s in his shop in Douglas, Wyo. For years prior, cowboys had claimed the ditties they sang to their cattle were repeated back to them by the jackalope. Where to find it: Wyoming.
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Perhaps one of the most enduring creatures to come out of Greek mythology, the centaur has the body of a horse with the torso, arms, and head of a man. These cunning creatures, though partially resembling humans, weren't friendly toward mankind and acted on their more primal instincts. Where to find it: Greece.
Perhaps one of the most enduring creatures to come out of Greek mythology, the centaur has the body of a horse with the torso, arms, and head of a man. These cunning creatures, though partially resembling humans, weren't friendly toward mankind and acted on their more primal instincts. Where to find it: Greece.
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According to Philippine folklore, the Bungisngis is a one-eyed giant, much like the Cyclops from Greek mythology. In addition to its one eye, the creature is said to have tusks, oversized teeth, and a hearty laugh that is often the last sound its victims hear. It favors forests and woodlands. Where to find it: Philippines.
According to Philippine folklore, the Bungisngis is a one-eyed giant, much like the Cyclops from Greek mythology. In addition to its one eye, the creature is said to have tusks, oversized teeth, and a hearty laugh that is often the last sound its victims hear. It favors forests and woodlands. Where to find it: Philippines.
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Said to attack animals (it's especially fond of goats), the chupacabra first burst on the scene in the 1990s when animals around Puerto Rico were found dead from puncture wounds in the neck. The legend spread throughout Latin America that a blood-sucking mash-up of a vampire and lizard was to blame for the deaths of animals as varied as cats and chickens. According to non-believers, dogs and coyotes are the real culprits. Where to find it: Puerto Rico.
Said to attack animals (it's especially fond of goats), the chupacabra first burst on the scene in the 1990s when animals around Puerto Rico were found dead from puncture wounds in the neck. The legend spread throughout Latin America that a blood-sucking mash-up of a vampire and lizard was to blame for the deaths of animals as varied as cats and chickens. According to non-believers, dogs and coyotes are the real culprits. Where to find it: Puerto Rico.
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