Cryptids
Kasai Rex: A Modern Day Dinosaur Hiding in the Congo?
![](https://conspirazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/monitor-lizard-kasai-rex-44VbFi.png)
The photo of the Kasai Rex taken by John Johnson. Image: Cryptid Wiki
Kasai Rex is a gigantic lizard creature that has been spotted several times in Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. Some believe it may be a surviving species of dinosaur.
Kasai Rex Sightings
In 1932, renowned Swedish hunter John Johnson, embarked on an expedition to hunt a large elephant. Together with his faithful servant, Johnson departed from their camp in Capetown, venturing across a treacherous swamp and into the desolate Kasai valley’s savanna.
To their surprise, the vast expanse appeared devoid of any wildlife, until a shout from a servant revealed the presence of two elephants in the distance. With his shotgun at the ready, Johnson prepared to take aim.
Suddenly, a strange creature, reptilian creature emerged from the bushes, causing the servant to dive into the foliage, while Johnson, overcome with shock recalibrated his aim and decided to shoot at this instead. Three shots were fired, yet only one found its mark, striking the creature’s back. Momentarily startled, the creature retreated and vanished into the trees.
Johnson assisted his shaken servant to his feet, and the decision was made to return to their Capetown camp.
Midway through their return journey, a loud splashing sound echoed through the air, prompting thoughts of lurking crocodiles. Johnson’s gaze swept the surroundings until, astonishingly, they spotted the same creature observed earlier on the savanna, now voraciously tearing into a rhinoceros hump. In a single bite, the creature effortlessly severed one of the rhinoceros’ legs. Overwhelmed by fear, the servant fled in terror, while Johnson bravely held his ground, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Unfortunately Johnson’s servant had taken off with his shotgun. Undeterred, he instinctively reached for his camera, capturing an image of the creature just as it submerged into a nearby lake. Meanwhile, a pool of blood surrounded the lifeless body of the rhinoceros that had fallen victim to the creature’s predatory assault.
Upon returning to his camp, Johnson, collapsed from the shock of the encounter. Concerned companions quickly rushed to his aid, assisting him to his feet. In an interview with the esteemed newspaper Rhodesia Herald, he vividly described the encounter, stating, “It had a reddish hue with dark stripes. Its elongated snout brimmed with numerous teeth.” Convinced that the creature measured an astonishing 13 meters (43 feet) in length, Johnson likened its powerful legs to those of a lion, designed for remarkable agility and speed.
The extraordinary account gained widespread attention, prompting a group of five hunters, including a well-known ivory trafficker, to venture into the Kasai Valley at the outset of 1933. Their primary objective was to track down and capture the creature known as “Kasai Rex,” as coined by the Rhodesia Herald, under the assumption that it was a colossal crocodile. The prospect of selling its valuable skin at a lucrative price served as motivation.
Traversing the same swamp that Johnson had navigated the previous year, the hunters braced themselves for the unknown. Tensions ran high as one of the members caught sight of a reddish tail vanishing into the depths of a lake, initially mistaking it for an anaconda. Their apprehension escalated when a tremendous wave of water crashed upon them from the left. Startled, they readied their weapons, only to be caught off guard as the reddish tail surged violently out of the marsh, striking one of the hunters, who was sent flying into the water.
Four of the remaining hunters unleashed a barrage of gunfire at the reddish mass that swiftly disappeared beneath the water’s surface. The fallen hunter, nursing a broken arm, summoned the strength to rise and make his way towards his companions. Suddenly, a thunderous roar reverberated from beneath the water, compelling the hunters to flee.
Their escape route was impeded by the imposing presence of a colossal creature that emerged from the right side, while simultaneously remaining submerged on the left. Seeking refuge behind a sturdy rock formation, the hunters eventually decided to make a run for it and made their way back to camp safely.
Possible Explanations for Kasai Rex
Cryptid Central covers the case of the Kasai Rex
Kasai Rex has long been associated with the theropod classification, particularly drawing parallels to the mighty tyrannosaurs. It is worth noting that no known tyrannosaurs species have ever inhabited Africa.
Instead, Africa was home to a similar theropod, potentially larger in size and overall structure, known as Carcharodontosaurus saharicus. This imposing predator reigned as one of the apex hunters during the Early Cretaceous period in Africa, engaging in fierce competition for resources and territory alongside formidable contenders such as Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, Baharisaurus ingens, and Deltadromeus.
Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, another prominent apex predator, prowled the northern regions of Africa, spanning from Egypt to Morocco. With a length ranging from 41 to 55 feet, this carnivorous giant targeted a diverse range of prey within its aquatic habitat, including large crocodylmorphs, massive fish like Lepidotes, and the formidable Onchopristis. On land, it hunted terrestrial creatures such as Iguanadontids, exemplified by species like Ouranosaurus, as well as subadult and juvenile sauropods.
Despite incomplete fossil discoveries, it is plausible that Spinosaurus aegyptiacus held the distinction of being the largest known theropod. Additionally, sightings of spinosaurid specimens like Spinosaurus, Sigilmassasaurus, or other related species have been implicated in accounts relating to the Nguma-monene and the Niger firespitter.
Spanning a length of 30 to 45 feet, Carcharodontosaurus saharicus, another fearsome carnivore, roamed both northern and southern regions of Africa. These creatures thrived in swampy habitats approximately 70 million years ago, where their diet likely consisted of notable herbivores such as Paralititan, Ouranosaurus, Aegyptosaurus, and, if necessary, the scavenging abelisaur Rugops. Both Carcharodontosaurus saharicus and Spinosaurus aegyptiacus inhabited these lush and treacherous environments, making their mark as dominant predators of their time.
Kasai Rex Hoax Photos
A popular hoaxed photo of the Kasai Rex
The original photograph, captured by Robert Henderson, which holds the potential to unveil the true identity of the Kasai Rex, actually showcases a monitor lizard, a finding that could potentially validate the existence of the creature as an unknown species of giant monitor lizard.
Notably, these reptiles have been known to assume a bipedal stance at times, bearing a striking resemblance to the reconstructions of Tyrannosaurus and other two-legged reptiles from the 1930s. Given their adept swimming abilities, encountering these creatures in a swamp environment aligns with their natural habitat.
Two other photos allegedly of the Kasai Rex have been proved to be deliberate hoaxes.
A popular hoaxed photo of the Kasai Rex
The first picture featuring a tyrannosaur-like creature feasting on a rhinoceros has been definitively debunked as a statue artfully placed atop the slain animal. Similarly, the monitor lizard-like creature depicted in the second photo is, in fact, an illustration cut out from a nature magazine, superimposed onto a rock claimed to be a rhinoceros.
Have you ever heard of any other encounters with the Kasai Rex? Tell us about it in the comments.
If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in other African cryptids such as the Grootslang or J’ba Fofi.
Cryptids
Mothman SIghted Before 2007 Bridge Collapse in Minnesota
![](https://conspirazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/I-35w-bridge-collapse-2007-mothman-njSZQo.png)
The aftermath of the I-35w Bridge Collapse in 2007. Image: Wikipedia
Just like the infamous Silver Bridge Mothman sightings, witnesses claim seeing a strange, 7ft tall flying humanoid in the weeks before the collapse of the I-35W bridge in 2007.
The Collapse of the I-35W Bridge
The I-35W Mississippi River bridge (also known as Bridge 9340) was a large bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that carried Interstate 35W over the river. It was built in 1967 and was one of the busiest bridges in Minnesota, with thousands of cars using it every day.
Sadly, on August 1, 2007, during the evening rush hour when hundreds of people were driving home from work, something terrible happened. The bridge suddenly collapsed, causing a lot of damage. Sadly, 13 people died, and 145 were injured.
Investigators later found out that a part of the bridge, called the gusset plate, had failed. The gusset plate was worn and the stress of the extra cars on the bridge caused it to break apart.
Right after the collapse, people and emergency workers from nearby areas rushed to help. They worked hard to rescue anyone who was trapped and to take care of the injured.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation quickly made plans to build a new bridge called the I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge. They finished building it just over a year later, and it opened in September 2008.
Connections to the Silver Bridge Collapse
The Silver Bridge Collapse
For many cryptid enthusiasts, hearing of a bridge collapse immediately brings Mothman to mind. The Silver Bridge was a suspension bridge spanning the Ohio River, connecting Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and Gallipolis, Ohio. On December 15, 1967, during rush hour, the bridge suddenly collapsed, sending cars and people plunging into the icy waters below. The disaster claimed the lives of 46 individuals, making it one of the deadliest bridge collapses in American history.
In the months leading up to the tragedy, residents of Point Pleasant reported sightings of a mysterious creature dubbed the “Mothman.” Described as a large, winged humanoid with glowing red eyes, the Mothman sightings fueled speculation and fear in the community.
Following the Silver Bridge collapse, some people began to link the sightings of the Mothman to the disaster, suggesting that the creature was a harbinger of impending doom. This connection led to the Mothman becoming a legendary figure in cryptozoology and popular culture.
Both the Silver Bridge collapse and the I-35w collapse were caused by structural failures in the bridges. In the case of the Silver Bridge, the collapse was attributed to a single eyebar in the suspension chain that failed due to metal fatigue. In the I-35W collapse, a design flaw in the bridge’s gusset plates, combined with increased weight from construction materials and traffic, led to the catastrophic failure.
Mothman Sightings Connected to the I-35W Bridge Collapse
Dark Reocrds covers the I-35w brdge collapse
The I-35w collapse Mothman sightings differ from the Silver Bridge Mothman sightings in their frequency. Dozens of people around Pleasant Point reported strange sightings and unexplained paranormal or extraterrestrial activity in the months leading up to the Silver Bridge collapse. The sightings surrounding the I-35w collapse were mush less common.
On August 10, 2007, George Noory hosted the “Coast to Coast AM” program, where he spoke to several callers sharing their encounters with cryptids. Among these calls was one reporting a sighting on June 27th near Stewartville, Minnesota. The caller described seeing a 7-foot-tall, winged humanoid creature with a massive wingspan, roughly the width of her Ford vehicle. The sighting occurred approximately 90 miles from the I-35w bridge, just over a month before the bridge collapse.
There are references to multiple other sightings online but they seem to have been removed from the internet. A WIRED article from the time talks of numerous blog posts on the topic but the link no longer works. This article by Singular Fortean also alludes to their being multiple sightings but doesn’t provide references.
Skepticism
So it seems we just have the one account to work with here. It’s possible that the George Noory’s caller was just someone making up a story and looking for a bit of attention. The fact that the account didn’t come out until after the collapse of the I-35w bridge does take from its credibility.
It is also possible that the caller simple saw a large crane or other bird and misidentified their memory as the mothman following the bridge collapse.
What if it was Mothman?
If it was Mothman that was seen before the collapse of the I-35w bridge it leads us to more questions than answers. Is this Mothman the same creature that was seen before the Silver Bridge collapse? Could Mothman actually be a species of creature that is drawn to human disasters, particularly bridge collapses?
Tell us your theories in the comments.
If you enjoyed reading about Mothman and the I-35w bridge collapse you might be interested in our article on the original Mothman story or the blackbird of Chernobyl.
Cryptids
The Awful
![](https://conspirazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Awful-Cryptid-Creature-Cq3jPO.png)
The Awful cryptid as described by Vermont residents in 1925
In 1923, several residents of Berkshire and Richford, Vermont reported seeing a creature resembling a griffin, with a 20 foot wingspan and a serpentine tail.
“The Awful” Cryptid Sightings of 1925
Berkshire and Richford, Vermont are peaceful countryside towns located between Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog, near the Canadian Province of Quebec.
In 1925 several residents of these towns reported encounters with an unusual flying creature.
The creature was described as being similar to the mythical Griffin, with a grayish color, a 20-foot wingspan, a snake-like tail, and big claws capable of holding a medium sized dog. These strange sightings caused panic among the locals who came to dub the creature “the Awful”.
The first sightings of the mysterious creature were reported by two sawmill workers in Richford. As they crossed the main street bridge, they saw a very large beast on the nearby rooftop of the Boright building, glaring at them. According to the tale, one of the men was so scared that he had a heart attack out of fear. He had to be carried home but eventually recovered. However, for weeks afterward, he had nightmares about the creature, waking up his family with screams during the night.
In the following months, locals kept reporting sightings of this mysterious creature, causing fear and panic among residents. Farmers shared stories of it flying over their fields, and others saw it landing on their house rooftops. One resident, Oella Hopkins, experienced this when she was hanging laundry outside. The family dog got upset and started barking, and when Oella looked, she saw the creature, known as The Awful, perched on her farmhouse roof, staring at her. Terrified, Oella ran inside and hid under her bed for hours.
Later Sightings of “The Awful”
By the end of 1925, sightings of the creature became less frequent and almost stopped completely by 1928. Even though people thought it had disappeared, some locals claimed to see it every now and then since the 1920s. One such person was Lisa Maskell from Montgomery, who said she spotted the creature near Trout River when she was a child. When she saw a drawing of a pterodactyl later on, she thought it looked like the creature she saw and believed it resembled The Awful.
In 2006, there were a few new reports suggesting that The Awful might have returned to Northern Vermont. In October 2006, a person wrote in the County Courier about a respected person in Richford who saw the creature suddenly appear and grab a big black crow from a pine tree. The witness was surprised and said the creature flew around his house three times.
After this article, more people shared sightings. A woman remembered seeing the monster when she was about ten. It was in a tree near the Trout River, watching them with its strange beak, reminding her of a pterodactyl.
A dowser named Edith Green said people in Richford have been nervous about the creature for a long time.
An older man mentioned that the creature has been seen often in the Gibou area for the past 25 years, even recently. Locals usually leave it alone, and it leaves them alone, with a few exceptions.
A resident of East Richford said the creature has been spotted recently around the Slide Road area. He mentioned you can often hear it before seeing it, making a strange, low screaming sound and the flapping of its large wings when it’s close.
Despite its scary appearance, the creature was never known to attack people; it seemed more like it was just watching. There’s one account mentioning it flying over Berkshire Field near Lost Nation Road and appearing to hold a baby or a small animal, although it’s more likely to have been an animal.
William DeFalco covers the story of The Awful
Possible Explanations for the Awful
Assuming the reports of the Awful are not just a hoax or an old wives tale what else could be going on here? It’s possible that soe type of rare, large bird is lurking in the wilds of Vermont and is only seen very rarely due to a lack of numbers. The Awful could simple have been a particularly large owl or Eagle.
If paranormal in origin, the Awful does bear a small resemblence to the Mothman of West Virginia. Perhaps it continues to lurk in the shadows, waiting to come our and warn residents of impending doom.
What do you think about the Awful? Tell us your theories in the comments.
If you enjoyed learning about the Awful you might also be interested in the Lechuza, a strange owl-like creature or the Prime Hook Swamp Monster.
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