When discussing cryptids and monsters, there are multiple classics from Mothman to  ghosts, but who can forget one of the old world monsters: Werewolves.

For a region steeped in superstition and religious beliefs, it’s no surprise that Louisiana has beasts of their own. The name of this creature is derived from the French term Loup Garou, or werewolf, and changed with the Cajun influence into Rougarou.

Creeping throughout the French Quarter and New Orleans, the Rougarou has been in the area since the 18th century (1031 Consortium, Kelley Stein, April 19, 2023). Not that the creature is new, its cousins the Loup Garous of France have been around since at least the 16th century.

Like many werewolves, depictions of the beast differ wildly, from a wolf-headed man to a tall creature on two legs with glowing eyes. Nothing unusual based on the descriptions given.

Though I’d like to point out that this beast is either a creature with a long lifespan, an immortal or it is not one single cryptid, but a pack or family.

One of the more well-known and recent sightings comes from Houma, Louisiana in 2016, and it was featured on “Into The Unknown” on the Travel Channel and a documentary called “The Howl of The Rougarou” in 2021.

Photo illustration of Rougarou. (Contributed/cryptidophilia)



Atlas Obscura covers the Rougaru. The article discusses the creature and the idea (like most werewolves) that the lycanthropy is caused by a curse.

According to legends, seeing it is supposed to bring about a curse of bad luck, so maybe it’s best it stay in the past…

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