Cryptid (from the greek "κρύπτω" meaning "hide") is a term which is used in cryptozoology to refer to a creature whose existence has been suggested but lacks scientific support.^[1] Such entities include Bigfoot, Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster.

[edit] Background

The term was coined by John E. Wall in a 1983 letter to the International Society of Cryptozoology newsletter.^[2]

Evidence for the existence of cryptids is typically limited to anecdotal evidence or other forms of evidence insufficient to withstand normal scientific scrutiny by the general zoological community.

The existence of several cryptids has been debunked through scientific investigation by cryptozoologists, zoologists, and other interested parties.^{[citation needed]} Some allegations have been exposed as deliberate hoaxes (for example, The Surgeon's Photograph). Still, cryptozoology is a subject that has made its way into popular culture and often intrigues media consumers, as illustrated by shows like Monster Quest, Destination Truth and The Secret Saturdays.

[edit] Other uses

The term 'cryptid' has also been applied by cryptozoologists to animals whose existence is accepted by the scientific community, but which are considered of interest to cryptozoology, such as the coelacanth, once believed to be extinct, and the okapi, at one time thought to be entirely fictitious.^{[citation needed]}

Legendary creatures such as the unicorn and the dragon are sometimes described as cryptids, but many cryptozoologists avoid describing them as such.^[3]

[edit] See also

• Cryptozoology
• List of cryptids
• List of legendary creatures

[edit] Footnotes

[edit] References

Look up cryptid in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Cryptozoology

• Coleman, Loren (1999). Cryptozoology A to Z: The Encyclopedia of Loch Monsters, Sasquatch, Chupacabras, and Other Authentic Mysteries of Nature. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-684-85602-6. 
• Cohen, Daniel (1970). A Modern Look At Monsters. Cornwall, New York: The Cornwall Press, Inc. ISBN 0-396-06200-8. 
• Cohen, Daniel (1989). Encyclopedia of Monsters: Bigfoot, Chinese Wildman, Nessie, Sea Ape, Werewolf and many more.... London: Michael O'Mara Books Ltd. ISBN 0-948397-94-2. 
• Mackal, Roy P. (1980). Searching For Hidden Animals: An Inquiry into Zoological Mysteries. USA: Self published. ISBN 0-385-14897-6.