Six Creatures Of Ozark Legend That May Still Haunt These Hills

Of the North American mountain ranges, perhaps none are as majestic as the Rockies. When it comes to the Appalachians, none are quite as mysterious in nature. I reckon it’s the lingering mist and fog that shroud those Tennesseean hills. But nestled between them, right in the heartland, there are the Ozarks. The Rockies may be majestic and the Appalachians mysterious, but the Ozarks are magic.

As local folklore has it, these steep, cavernous hills are filled with creatures that are both terrifying and exciting. These are the kinds of stories that make the hair stand up on the neck of the skittish while tempting the adventurous to go out looking for proof.

Few have recorded accounts of these cryptids as well as famed Ozark historian Vance Randolph, in his various titles, such as Ozark Superstitions and We Always Lie to Strangers: Tall Tales from the Ozarks, which are worth reading by anyone who cares to learn the rich history of this magical place.

Here are a few of said creatures to keep an eye out for as you wander the Ozark Hills, with accompanying illustrations based on eyewitness descriptions.

Hinge-Tailed Bing Buffer

Described as a large, hippo-like beast, short-legged yet sturdy, the Hinge-Tailed Bing Buffer is a curious cryptid that roams the Ozark hills. Its most remarkable features include a large pouch dangling beneath its chin, in which it carries rocks, and a long, tapering tail that stretches an impressive 40 feet long. When threatened, the Buffer uses its tail to grab stones from its pouch and hurls them with astonishing accuracy at would-be attackers. If you hear the sound of rocks clattering nearby, you ought to tread carefully; the Bing Buffer is not one to take lightly.

Side-Hill Hoofer

The Side-Hill Hoofer is a creature of sheer peculiarity. Described as a deer-like creature with legs on one side of its body significantly shorter than the other. Its unique anatomy makes this critter perfectly designed to navigate the steep hillsides, walking comfortably in one direction, but leaves it utterly helpless on level ground. If a right-side hoofer and a left-side hoofer ever come head to head on the same hillside, they will fight until one falls and rolls down the hill so that the victor can continue in its single path. Some records also state that hoofers lay eggs large enough to feed twenty men, though the taste is apparently “kind of strong.”

The Snawfus

The Snawfus is often described as an ethereal albino deer with extraordinary power. This legendary being is said to possess feathery wings, allowing it to leap gracefully through the treetops. Instead of traditional antlers, the Snawfus boasts branches of blooming plum or dogwood. As it soars through the skies, it emits a trail of blue smoke, which lingers in the autumn air like a mystical fog, creating an enchanting atmosphere in the region's woodlands. Local tales suggest that encountering the Snawfus can bring good fortune, but its elusive nature makes sightings rare.

Belled Buzzard

The belled buzzard is an intriguing figure in Ozark folklore, capturing the imagination of locals with its unique backstory. Legend has it that this mythical bird originated from a simple prank: a group of youngsters would catch turkey vultures and tie bells to their legs so they could be heard flying through the woods. Over time, stories of these belled birds morphed into the image of a single large buzzard. The Belled Buzzard became a powerful omen, warning of storms, death, or disaster. If you ever hear bells in the sky and a shadowy figure circling overhead, you know trouble is on its way.

The Gowrow

The Gowrow is one of the most formidable creatures in Ozark folklore, often described as a lizard-like beast stretching around 20 feet in length. Its most striking feature is its enormous tusks, which lend it an air of both menace and intrigue. Local legends tell of the Gowrow hatching from eggs as large as beer kegs, adding to the creature’s fearsome reputation.

Folklore suggests that the Gowrow roams the dense forests and hidden hollows of the Ozarks, often lurking near rivers, streams, and cave systems. Tales abound of its incredible strength and the ability to instill terror in anyone who crosses its path. Some say it is a guardian of the woods, while others believe it embodies the wild, untamed spirit of the Ozark wilderness.

The Ozark Howler

Last but certainly not least is the Ozark Howler—one of the most chilling and enigmatic figures in Ozark folklore. This creature is often depicted as a large, shaggy animal resembling a mix between a panther, a canine, and even a bear. What sets the Howler apart is its striking glowing red eyes and sharp horns.

Legend has it that the Howler roams the dense forests and hills of the Ozarks, especially during the twilight hours when shadows lengthen, and the world grows quiet. Its name comes from its eerie, mournful howl, a sound said to echo through the night, sending shivers down the spines of those who hear it. Some locals believe the Ozark Howler serves as an omen, heralding misfortune or death, while others see it as a protective spirit of the wilderness.

Want More Content Like This?

Stories about these creatures have excited folks in the Ozarks for centuries. I recently had the chance to sit down with The Ozark Podcast to discuss the importance of storytelling in the Ozarks and the value of keeping legends like these alive. If you’d like a few good laughs and some insights to ponder, give the conversation a listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or YouTube.