Blog Post 1: Mythical Creatures

 If you live in New Jersey, or anywhere near the Pine Barrens, you have most likely heard of the Jersey Devil. Whether you believe in it or not, you know what it is. I remember in fourth grade we actually spent time learning about the Jersey Devil. I was probably around 10 years old, so I probably believed in it at the time. I don't remember exactly why it was being taught, but I'm assuming it had something to do with the history of New Jersey. That was probably the first time in my life that I had actually heard about the Jersey Devil. Sure, I'm sure that it was talked about here and there, but I never really knew exactly  what it was. I just recently asked some family if they had any stories to share, and one of my uncles had a story of being in the Pine Barrens when he was younger. I don't remember the fully story, but he did mention how he found large scratch marks on his motorcycle. He had no idea where they came from. 

It is crazy to me to hear everyone's stories about seeing mythical creatures, such as the Jersey Devil, chupacabras, and Big Foot without a second thought. The woman from the video mentioned that she saw a chupacabra, when it could have been some sort of animal with no hair. People do not think straight away when they witness something that might scare them. That chupacabra could have been just coyote with mange or some animal with some type of disease. I personally do not believe in any of the three creatures mentioned in this lesson. As a science major, it is difficult for me to believe anyone who does not have actual proof, or proof that doesn't sound like it could be of something else. I find everyone's stories very interesting though. I think the most believable one would be the chupacabra. It could just be a new species that we do not know about. 

I do appreciate people's stories about what they find or what they think they are finding. Especially when it comes to the Jersey Devil. That probably just has something to do with being from here and having the Jersey Devil as part of New Jersey history. When though I don't believe in these superstitions, I like hearing other people talk about it and seeing how passionate they are about it.