koala Site Admin
Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 712
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Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 9:28 pm Post subject: Tatzelwurm |
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The Tatzelwurm is a stubby cryptid, a rumored animal two to six feet in length, possessing two front legs, while the rest of the body resembles that of a snake. It is included in the many entertaining dragon books as a lesser type of dragon.
Local folklore says the creature breathes deadly fumes that can kill a person. The creature has been said to exist for hundreds of years in tales of the Alps of Austria, Bavaria and Switzerland. It is also known as Stollenworm (Tunnel Worm), Bergstutzen (Mountain Stump), Springwurm (Jumping Worm), Daazelwurm and Praatzelwurm (name for it in other Alpine regions besides the aforementioned areas), and Arassas (called this near the French Alps).
Apart from one alleged photograph, no evidence is known. In 1934, a Swiss photographer named Balkin took a photo of what he thought was a very peculiar log. When the camera flashed, the "log" darted away. Even most cryptozoologists believe the photo is a hoax, however. |
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