Field Notes from the Unknown

In today's episode, we dive into the infamous Pascagoula alien abduction case involving Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, one of the most documented encounters of its kind.

We unpack the details of the abduction itself, the immediate aftermath, and the intense public skepticism that followed. Despite scrutiny from authorities and doubt from the public, Hickson and Parker’s accounts remained remarkably consistent over the years. Investigators even uncovered additional witnesses who reported seeing the same UFO that night.

Pas men 'forced' aboard UFO - Newspapers.com™

Charles Hickson: How did the Pascagoula Alien Abductee Die?

Pascagoula incident - Wikipedia

The Pascagoula Abduction: Did aliens kidnap two fishermen? | Sky HISTORY TV Channel

The Pascagoula Abduction: Key Facts and Theories - Connect Paranormal Blog

Pascagoula Alien Abduction: Fact-Checking What Happened On The Fishing Trip? | US Buzz - Times Now

Calvin Parker: How did the Pascagoula Man Abducted by Aliens Die?

Calvin Parker's book: Books by Calvin Parker (Author of Pascagoula - The Closest Encounter)

Charles Hickson's book: UFO Contact at Pascagoula by Charles Hickson | Goodreads

“PASCAGOULA UFO” Song by Kenny Webb

Birthday Bonus Episode!

Mackenzie introduces us to the legend of the Tommyknockers. She dives into miners' legends, the influence of Tommy Knockers, offerings and beliefs associated with them, and a believability scale.

The conversation explores the urban legend of the Jersey Devil, often referred to as the state demon of New Jersey. It examines the creature’s folklore, origins, and place in regional history, including stories connected to early colonial times and the alleged involvement of figures such as Ben Franklin. The discussion focuses on how the Jersey Devil became a lasting cultural symbol, shaped by sightings, myths, and its role in New Jersey folklore.

https://jerseyhistory.org/legend-of-the-new-jersey-devil/

https://www.njradar.com/blog/the-jersey-devil-300-years-of-sightings-terror-and-the-truth-behind-new-jerseys-ultimate-nightmare

https://www.njradar.com/blog/the-jersey-devil-300-years-of-sightings-terror-and-the-truth-behind-new-jerseys-ultimate-nightmare

https://pinelandsalliance.org/learn-about-the-pinelands/pinelands-history-and-culture/the-jersey-devil-and-folklore/

https://weirdnj.com/stories/jersey-devil/

https://mythology.net/mythical-creatures/jersey-devil/#google_vignette

https://www.atlanticcountynj.gov/government/government-information/history-of-atlantic-county/jersey-devil-fact-or-fiction

The episode explores the legend of the Giwoggle. A chimeric cryptid rooted in local folklore, traces its tangled connections to Loop Hill Ike, aka Isaac Gaines, and the Kunfee family. Along the way, things get strange fast. Which raises the real question: are we finally ready to unpack the potato people?

The Giwoggle: Clinton County’s Official Monster - Pennsylvania Wilds

'Giwoggle': Central Pennsylvania's canine-like cryptid - Nexus Newsfeed

Meet the Giwoggle, official monster of a Pa. county - pennlive.com

Have you seen the Giwoggle? – The Record Online

Susquehanna Greenway Ghouls & Legends - Susquehanna Greenway Partnership | Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

A freed slave in Pa. once fought monsters and ghosts, legend claims - pennlive.com

The conversation delves into the legend of the Sheepman, a bloodthirsty creature that terrorized the small town of Waterford, PA during the 1970s. The discussion covers encounters, local testimonies, and the disappearance of the Sheepman. Additionally, it explores regional variations of cryptids and the mass hysteria that can occur in small towns.

Waterford Sheepman | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom

The Chupacabra, meaning “goat sucker,” is a legendary cryptid that originated in Puerto Rico and is often described as a reptilian creature. First reported in the 1970s, with a notable wave of sightings in Mocha, Puerto Rico, the Chupacabra has since evolved in popular culture, appearing in various forms ranging from reptilian to canid. Theories about its existence include misidentified animals, genetic anomalies, and even government experiments, making it one of the most debated and enduring modern cryptids.

https://www.paranormalscholar.com/history-of-the-chupacabra/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/chupacabra

https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-americas/chupacabra-puerto-rico-003706

https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/the-myth-of-the-chupacabra-a-modern-legend-with-ancient-roots-1

https://allthatsinteresting.com/chupacabra

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/101028-chupacabra-evolution-halloween-science-monsters-chupacabras-picture

Casey brings us into the water in this episode, the legends of Bessie, Nessie, and Champ, three mysterious lake monsters with sightings dating back centuries. Each creature is described in detail, with reported sightings, hoaxes, and theories about their existence.

Bessie | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom

Bessie - Spooky Appalachia

Unknown Explorers - Bessie

CLE Myths: Lake Erie Monster

Bessie (lake monster): Legendary cryptid and local folklore icon | Mythical Legend

South Bay Bessie - The Serpent Of Lake Erie - Sasquatch Chronicles

Champ, the Lake Champlain Monster | Lake Champlain

Loch Ness monster | History, Sightings, & Facts | Britannica

The Loch Ness Monster: The truth behind the Nessie legend | DiscoverBritain.com

Nessie, is that you? Loch Ness Monster has been 'spotted' 5 times this year, official records show

In Episode 4, we step into the eerie world of the Lizard Man, uncovering sightings, encounters, and the local legends tied to this mysterious creature. The discussion delves into ongoing reports and chilling encounters from South Carolina.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizard_Man_of_Scape_Ore_Swamp

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/monster-festival-pilgrimage-small-town-america-180969568/

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2025/10/31/south-carolina-halloween-2025-lizard-man-urban-legends-spooky-tales/86989932007/

https://thehorrorcollection.com/lizard-man-of-lee-county-cryptid/

https://paranormalcasefiles.com/p/the-lizard-man-south-carolinas-terrifying

https://cityofbishopvillesc.com/the-lizard-man/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/monster-festival-pilgrimage-small-town-america-180969568/

Today we dive into the mysterious and chilling phenomenon of the Dog Man, a cryptid described as a tall, muscular creature with a wolf-like head. The discussion covers its characteristics, historical sightings, variations, and recent encounters, including aggressive behavior and attacks.

⁠Pennsylvania Dogman / Cryptid Canine Interactive Map - Google My Maps⁠

⁠Want to learn more about Dogman Encounters? Well, you've come to the right place!⁠

⁠Dogman and werewolf sightings in Pennsylvania go back centuries: Monsters of Pa. - ⁠⁠pennlive.com⁠

⁠Michigan Dogman - Wikipedia⁠

⁠https://northernmichiganhistory.com/the-legend-of-michigans-dogman/⁠

⁠Michigan Dogman | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom⁠

⁠Dogman in Knott County: Unraveling a Mysterious Attack - ParaRational⁠

In this episode, Mackenzie dives into the fascinating lore of the Snallygaster, a mythical creature from American folklore, particularly associated with the Appalachian region. The Snallygaster is described as a chimera-like being with features of a bird, dragon, and tentacles, known for its glowing eye and metallic talons. Mackenzie explores the origins of the Snallygaster, tracing its roots back to German immigrants in the 1700s and discussing its evolution through oral traditions.

Sources: ⁠https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Snallygaster⁠

⁠http://lore.lumberwoods.org/snallygaster.html⁠

⁠https://www.thebanner.com/western-maryland/snallygaster-maryland-cryptid-racist-BBKKZPBUCZHGDASRT6J754D4OU/⁠

⁠https://mdhistoricaltrust.wordpress.com/2025/10/31/the-snallygaster-shadows-fear/⁠

⁠https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/what-is-the-snallygaster⁠

⁠https://preservationmaryland.org/haunted-maryland-the-monsters-lurking-in-frederick-county/⁠

https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2018/11/its-snallygaster.html