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What is the Jersey Devil?

G. Melanson
G. Melanson

The Jersey Devil is a creature reported to stalk Southern New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands. Like its fellow cryptid, The Mothman, the Jersey Devil is described as a large, winged creature. However, it is said to have hooves, a long neck, and a face that somewhat resembles a horse. Reports have also placed the creature’s height at anywhere from three to seven feet (.9 to 2.1 m) tall.

The legend of the Jersey Devil is rooted in Native American folklore; tribes native to Pine Barrens referred to the area as “the place of the dragon.” In the early 1800s, naval hero, Commodore Stephen Decatur allegedly witnessed a Jersey Devil flying overhead and shot it with a cannon. The creature reportedly continued flying unaffected even though the cannon had punctured its wing. Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, Joseph Bonaparte, also reportedly witnessed the Jersey Devil during a hunting expedition in 1820, near his New Jersey estate. Reports continued throughout the mid-1800s, when the Jersey Devil was blamed for attacks on livestock in and around Pine Barrens.

Woman holding a book
Woman holding a book

The most active period of Jersey Devil sightings occurred for exactly one week in January 1909, with thousands claiming they had witnessed and been terrorized by the creature. Among the reports that received nationwide attention were claims that odd footprints had been found in the snow which stopped abruptly, indicating that a creature had flown, walked, and taken flight again. Groups were assembled in the towns of Haddonfield and Collingswood to track the creature, while others claimed to have chased it off after it attacked a trolley car in Haddon Heights. Since 1909, Jersey Devil sightings have become less frequent but continue to be reported into the new millennium.

The Jersey Devil is also sometimes referred to as The Leeds Devil, in reference to a Pine Barrens folk tale about the Leeds family. After giving birth to 12 children, Mother Leeds, who was supposedly a witch, is said to have claimed that if she were to have a 13th child, it would be the devil. According to the tale, she did give birth to a 13th child in 1735, which was born human before manifesting into the demonic Jersey Devil. Another variation on the myth is that Mother Leeds made a pact with the devil to give him her 13th child in exchange for her youth and freedom.

Some speculate that witnesses of the Jersey Devil have simply mistaken an ordinary Sandhill Crane for the creature. Others theorize that the Jersey Devil is a dinosaur which has survived the prehistoric period, as its description resembles that of a pterosaur species known as the dimorphodon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jersey Devil and where does it come from?

The Jersey Devil is a legendary creature said to inhabit the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey. According to folklore, it was born in the 18th century as the 13th child of Mother Leeds, cursed to become a monster. Descriptions vary, but it's often depicted with bat-like wings, a goat's head, and a forked tail.

Has the Jersey Devil been sighted, and are there any credible reports?

There have been numerous alleged sightings of the Jersey Devil over the years, with a surge in reports during the early 20th century. However, credible evidence is lacking, and many sightings are considered hoaxes or misidentifications of wildlife. Despite this, the legend persists as a cultural touchstone in the region.

What are some common explanations for the Jersey Devil sightings?

Common explanations for Jersey Devil sightings include misidentification of known animals, such as the sandhill crane, which has a large wingspan and a loud, peculiar call. Psychological factors like mass hysteria and the power of suggestion also play roles, especially during periods of heightened public concern about the creature.

How has the Jersey Devil influenced local culture and folklore?

The Jersey Devil has become an iconic figure in local folklore, influencing everything from regional tourism to sports. The NHL team, the New Jersey Devils, is named after the creature, and the legend has inspired numerous books, films, and television shows, cementing its place in the cultural heritage of New Jersey.

Are there any scientific investigations into the Jersey Devil phenomenon?

While there have been no formal scientific investigations dedicated to proving the existence of the Jersey Devil, scientists and skeptics have often examined reported evidence. Typically, they attribute sightings to wildlife, hoaxes, or psychological phenomena rather than to a supernatural creature.

What should someone do if they believe they've seen the Jersey Devil?

If someone believes they've seen the Jersey Devil, they should document the encounter with as much detail as possible and report it to local authorities or wildlife experts. It's important to consider rational explanations and to approach the experience with a critical eye, as fear and excitement can often distort perceptions.

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      Woman holding a book