Case file · Cryptid
The hodag of Rhinelander
In 1893 newspapers reported that a horned, fanged 'hodag' had been found near Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and killed with dynamite; a photo of its charred remains was released.
1893 CE · 45.64, -89.41 · status: hoax
The account
The story was staged by land surveyor and prankster Eugene Shepard, who drew on lumber-camp tall tales. The hodag became Rhinelander's official symbol.
The sceptical view
Shepard admitted the hoax when Smithsonian scientists announced they would come to inspect it.