In the history of the world, many have investigated mysterious creatures that live in the wilderness, such as Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. However, today we are going to focus on animals that have been falsely mistaken for mythical creatures. This article will explore the most famous animals that were thought to be mythical, when being completely real!
The Flying Fox Bat
The flying fox bat is one of the most popular animals mistaken for a mythical creature. This is likely because of its large size and unusual appearance. The flying fox bat is the largest bat in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to six feet. It has a reddish-brown fur and a long snout, which gives it a very unique look.
Despite its frightening appearance, the flying fox bat is actually a gentle creature that poses no threat to humans. In fact, these bats are quite helpful to us, as they play an important role in pollinating many different types of plants. While they are not currently endangered, their populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
The Spotted Hyena
The spotted hyena is a species of hyena, native to sub-Saharan Africa. The spotted hyena is the largest member of the Hyaenidae family and is genetically closest to the brown hyena. Despite its name, the spotted hyena’s fur is not actually spotted, but rather evenly covered in dark brown or black spots.
The spotted hyena is a highly social animal, living in large groups called ‘clans’. These clans can consist of up to 100 individuals and are led by a dominant female. Spotted hyenas are very vocal animals, using a variety of sounds to communicate with one another.
Spotted hyenas are opportunistic predators and will eat anything from carrion to small mammals. They are known to be particularly adept at hunting down and killing Wildebeest calves.
The Cryptozoologist
Cryptozoologists study animals whose existence have not yet been proven by science. These animals are often thought to be mythical creatures, such as the Yeti, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster. Cryptozoologists use evidence such as eyewitness accounts, photographs, and footprints to try to prove the existence of these creatures.
While many people think of cryptozoology as a fringe science, there have been some notable discoveries made by cryptozoologists. For example, the okapi, a species of zebra-like creature that was once thought to be a myth, was discovered in 1901. The coelacanth, a fish thought to have gone extinct 65 million years ago, was discovered alive and well in 1938.
So while the jury is still out on whether or not creatures like the Yeti and Bigfoot exist, it’s clear that cryptozoology can sometimes lead to real discoveries.
Mythical Creatures Vs. Actual Animals
There are many animals mistaken for mythical creatures. Some of these animals include the Albanian shpezë, a type of Bear said to haunt the forests of Albania; the Aqrabuamelu, or ‘Scorpion Man’ of ancient Mesopotamia; and the Baku, a tapir-like creature from Japanese mythology. Other animals commonly mistaken for mythical creatures include the Behemot, a giant sea monster from Hebrew mythology; the Kraken, a giant squid said to haunt the waters off Norway; and the Minotaur, a bull-headed man said to dwell in labyrinths beneath Crete.
While some of these animals may seem fantastic, they are all based on real creatures that have been seen or reported by people throughout history. The Albanian shpezë, for example, is based on real bears that once lived in the region. The Baku is based on the Japanese tapir, while the Behemot is based on sightings of large whales and other sea creatures. Similarly, the Kraken is based on accounts of giant squid attacking ships at sea.
While there may be some similarities between these animals and their mythical counterparts, there are also many differences. Mythical creatures often possess supernatural powers or abilities that set them apart from normal animals. They may also be much larger or more ferocious than their real-world counterparts. For example, while Bulls are dangerous animals, they pale in comparison to the Minotaur – a creature said to be half-man,
