Almost 100 years before Newt Scamander published his Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, William T. Cox released his own field guide, Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods. Published in 1910, this text offered sketches and descriptions of various critters of North American folklore. In his preface, Cox lamented the rapid disappearance of the once-vast lumber regions, saying that stretches of forest that once seemed boundless were all but gone, along with some of the curious varmints that lived there. At the very least, he aimed to preserve some of the fascinating lumberjack-spotted animal stories.
One of those unique creatures highlighted in Cox’s guide is the Hugag, a testament to the rich tapestry of tales that have shaped the identity of the regions.
The Hugag
Rythmopes Inarticulatus
The Hugag, scientifically known as Rythmopes Inarticulatus, is a colossal creature native to the Lake States. This elusive beast roams the dense forests of western Wisconsin, northern Minnesota, and stretches far into the Canadian wilderness towards Hudson Bay. Comparable in size to a moose, the Hugag shares some similarities with its antlered counterpart, but its unique features set it apart.
One of the most striking aspects of the Hugag is its jointless legs. This peculiar adaptation forces the creature to remain perpetually on its feet, as it cannot bend its legs to rest. Its elongated upper lip, another distinctive feature, prevents it from grazing on grass. If it tried, it would simply bury its lip into the ground. Instead, the Hugag feeds by stripping bark from trees and munching on twigs, using its flexible lip to navigate around obstacles.
The Hugag’s head and neck are covered in a tough, leathery skin devoid of hair, and its oddly corrugated ears hang limply. Its four-toed feet, bushy tail, and shaggy coat give it a decidedly prehistoric look, reminiscent of creatures from a bygone era. This ancient appearance is matched by its insatiable wanderlust. The Hugag is known for its endless travels, rarely stopping for long. Hunters who have attempted to track this beast often find themselves lost or unable to keep up with its relentless pace.
During the day, the Hugag can be seen moving through the forest, its long lip flopping around trees as it strips bark for nourishment. At night, the creature faces a unique challenge: unable to lie down, it must find a way to rest. The Hugag solves this by leaning against a tree, bracing its hind legs while marking time with its front ones. This precarious position offers a rare opportunity for hunters.
The most successful Hugag hunters have developed a clever technique to capture the beast. They notch trees until they are nearly ready to fall. When a Hugag leans against one of these weakened trees, both the tree and the animal come crashing down. In its helpless state, the Hugag can then be easily dispatched.
The last known Hugag was killed in northern Minnesota along the Turtle River. A young specimen, weighing 1,800 pounds, became stuck in the mud. Mike Flynn, a seasoned hunter from Cass Lake, seized the opportunity and swiftly dispatched the stranded creature with a well-aimed blow.
Today, tales of the Hugag continue to circulate among hunters and adventurers, adding to the lore of the mysterious and majestic creature that once roamed the forests of the Lake States.
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