By Mort Amsel (Reporter)
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There’s something in the woods. Or, so they claim. And who might “they” be? Well, we’ll tell you: Cryptozoologists. Say what? Yep, it’s a bit of a mouthful. So, let’s simplify it: monster-hunters, those folk that run around the world in pursuit of the Yeti of the Himalayas, Bigfoot of the United States, and a wealth of lake-monsters, sea-serpents and all manner of other weird beasts. Fancy that for an entertaining and alternative job? There’s no reason why not. And, to do so, you don’t even need to leave this fine nation. Welcome to the world of monster-hunting in the UK.

 

Hunting the UK’s horrors

 

 

Teeming with terrifying creatures

A world of menacing creatures

Although there can be no doubt at all that the world’s most famous, alleged real-life monsters are Nessie, the Abominable Snowman and Bigfoot, they are far from being alone. Rather, our planet is reportedly filled to the brim with bizarre beasts.

There’s the Chupacabras: a vampire-like animal that strikes fear into the hearts of the people of Puerto Rico. Megalania was a gigantic monitor-lizard that zoologists say became extinct thousands of years ago. But, according to cryptozoologists, it’s reputed to still lurk in the wild and forested areas of Australia. And Mongolian folklore tells of the dreaded Death Worm, a fearsome beast that can electrocute its prey.

If you want to become a full-time seeker of unusual animals, well, the road ahead may not be an easy one. Let’s face it, there’s the major issue of ridicule to deal with. If you’re down the pub with your mates on a Friday night and they ask if you’re going to watch the match tomorrow, it’s probably not going to go down well when you reply: “Sorry, I can’t. I’m on a Bigfoot hunt.” After a sudden and brief drop of jaws and momentary silence, there will, no doubt, be a wave of hysterical laughter. But don’t be put off: you’re on a monster mission!

 

So, you have a new goal in life: to prove to the sceptics, the scientific and zoological communities and — of course — your mates, that you’re not wasting your time. What’s it to be? Lake-monsters? Ape-men? Big cats? The good thing is that, in the UK, there’s a surprisingly large number of beasts to choose from.

 

England’s West Country proudly flies the flag of the legendary and fearsome Beast of Exmoor, a huge, fanged black cat that prowls the old landscape in search of a tasty sheep, rabbit or unwary hiker. Loch Ness, Scotland is the reputed home of Nessie, a large, long-necked creature that, some maintain, might be a surviving relic from the days of the dinosaurs.

 

Cornwall folklore tells of the terrible, glowing-eyed Owlman, a fiendish winged beast that lurks in the trees. Wales’ Lake Bala is the domain of Teggie, a monstrous fish that easily rivals Nessie. And, if you’re lucky, take a trek up Ben Macdui in Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains and you might stumble on the “Big Grey Man” – which, some monster-hunters suggest, is nothing less than a British Bigfoot. There’s plenty for you to choose from in your new job!

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