Since the dawn of time, people have been telling stories. One of the most popular stories that gets passed down from generation to generation is the legend of the Rougarou, Cajun Country’s answer to Bigfoot. Over the years there have been many different stories about this mythical creature in Louisiana, a common occurrence with oral traditions like this one.
Under daylight, the swamps and bayous of Louisiana are some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the entire country…
Wanderluster/E+ Collection via Getty Images
…but under the cloak of darkness, many believe that a creature lurks in the shadows.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
And no, we’re not talking about gators.
Troy Harrison/Moment Collection via Getty Images But you should 100% be on the lookout for alligators if you find yourself in the swamps at night.
That creature is the Rougarou, a terrifying creature described as a werewolf-looking beast that roams the swamps around Acadiana and the Greater New Orleans area.
MaxSm/iStock via Getty Images Plus That gator is looking pretty good right now, huh?
The Cajun legend has been around for hundreds of years, with roots that go back to French settlers.
2ndLookGraphics/E+ Collection via Getty Images The French actually have a similar story of the Loup-garou.
Described as having the head of a wolf and a human body, there are several versions of the Rougarou.
Chainatp/iStock via Getty Images Plus In one version, the beast hunts down and kills anyone who doesn’t follow the rules of Lent.
In another version, the Rougarou is under a spell for 101 days and during that time, he turns unknowing victims into a Rougarou by drawing blood.
Nastco/iStock via Getty Images Plus In this version, the Rougarou is in human form during the day, only transforming at night, meaning he could blend in with society and no one would ever know!
While most likely these stories are cautionary tales meant to keep kids from wandering into dangerous situations, it does make you think! Have you been told a different story about the Rougarou? Tell your version of this mythical creature in Louisiana in the comments below!
Wanderluster/E+ Collection via Getty Images
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
Troy Harrison/Moment Collection via Getty Images
But you should 100% be on the lookout for alligators if you find yourself in the swamps at night.
MaxSm/iStock via Getty Images Plus
That gator is looking pretty good right now, huh?
2ndLookGraphics/E+ Collection via Getty Images
The French actually have a similar story of the Loup-garou.
Chainatp/iStock via Getty Images Plus
In one version, the beast hunts down and kills anyone who doesn’t follow the rules of Lent.
Nastco/iStock via Getty Images Plus
In this version, the Rougarou is in human form during the day, only transforming at night, meaning he could blend in with society and no one would ever know!
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Address: Louisiana, USA
