Library of Cryptozoology

Just as NBC was signing off, Dr. Beebe gave an exclamation. A deep sea dragon at least six feet long crossed before the window and a moment later returned with its mate. Until that time scientists had doubted the presence of such large fish in the middepths. This was the only big dragon on record, and I had missed seeing it!

At the time of his terminal illness [Ralph] Wetzel was convinced there was a genuine possibility of a third species of Choloepus in this region [Brazil, Peru, Ecuador] of upper Amazonas distinct from C. didactylus and C. hoffmanni , but the puzzle was not resolved before his death.

Segamai is described as being an animal about the size of a cow, that can walk on all fours or erect. It is described as having matted fur and a snout similar to that of the giant anteater. It is said to reside in caves and remote forests of the foothills and cloud forest, where it eats the pith of palms and Cyclanthaceae. The name segamai means ' Oenocarpus fibers,' referring to the dark, matted hair of the creature which is said to be like the fibers surrounding the leaf stems of the palm Oenocarpus . As recently as twenty-five years ago, a man claims to have seen the creature from a distance. The Matsigenka say segamai exists to this day in some locations. The Matsigenka are deathly afraid of segamai . It is said to be highly aggressive, emits a bloodcurdling roar, is impervious to weapons, and emanates a strong odor or supernatural force that dazes, stupefies or renders unconscious those who come near it.

A young Peruvian ranchman, Dr. Daniel A. Tovar, Huancayo, Peru has given me much information about the animals and plants of this region. He says they have three bears, a black one with brown nose, the largest, about as large as our Cinnamon bear and in the habit of killing cattle; a brown one nearly as large, perhaps a variety of the other; and the spectacled bear. He says that the large deer of the high altitudes has two pouches under its eyes, and when surprised by an enemy, draws down the skin so as to expose them, thus presenting the appearance of having four eyes.

... whilst watching from the dizzy heights its mirrored surface, my attention was directed to some strange animal, which I discovered to be one of those enormous sea-horses, to which I have already alluded, in speaking of the Island of San Lorenzo. Its appearance, from the great elevation at which I beheld it, was extremely singular. Its body seemed to be of a prodigious length, and covered with a short, glossy coat. With the exception of two great white tusks, projecting from the mouth on either side, the form of its head resembled that of a seal. This monster swam about with great rapidity, at times showing the greater portion of his body above the water, and at other times disappearing from view altogether.