What is a Hodag?

Legends have a way of becoming engrained in the lives of a community's history.  As many of you know, I am a Packers fan and have spent a lot of time in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. But, have a I regaled you with the story of the Hodag of Rhinelander, Wisconsin?

The Hodag is a legendary creature in northern Wisconsin, especially in what was the lumbering camps.  The Hodag is described as a seven-foot long lizard-like beast with a "disproportionately large head, two horns growing from its temples, large fangs and green eyes. Covered with short black hair, the body appeared stout and muscular; its back was covered with spikes which led to a powerful tail. The four legs were short and sturdy with three claws facing forward and one pointing in the opposite direction."  It is also described as emitting a potent odor that smelled like a combination of "buzzard meat and skunk perfume."

The legend of the Hodag was popularized with the detailed description by Eugene Shepherd in 1896-97.  He organized a posse to capture the beast, but could only do so by killing it.  Then, three years later, according to legend, Shepherd and his crew 'captured' a live Hodag.  It was then a large attraction at the county fair where people came from far and wide to see the creature.  The Hodag, then became an icon for Rhinelander.

Of course it was revealed that the Hodag capture and creature was a hoax concocted by Shepherd.  Now, the reason was to stimulate the economy of Rhinelander and the surrounding area.  The lumbering communities were leaving the area because they had depleted much of the pine trees around Rhinelander.  So, Shepherd devised the idea of the Hodag. The 'live' Hodag was actually given life-like qualities at the Oneida County Fair by a series of pulleys and the growling of the creature performed by Shepherd's son.  Even though the Hodag is a legend and an elaborate hoax, it is still widely recognized as a tourist attraction for the city of Rhinelander.  You still don't believe me? Even the Travel Channel's Mysteries at the Museum did a feature on it!

Travel Channel's Mysteries at the Museum
Mysteries at the Museum-Rhinelander Museum

Want to learn more about the Hodag?
http://www.hodagpress.com/about.htm

*And I just found out something interesting. According to my dad, my great-grandmother, who grew up and lived her entire life in Rhinelander, met Shepherd. Just another interesting tidbit of information.*