Heading northwest from Prince George’s County, we arrive in the wooded hills of Carroll County home to one of Maryland’s lesser-known but equally mysterious cryptids: the Sykesville Monster.
While the Goatman has long held a place in Maryland folklore, the Sykesville Monster is a more recent addition to the state’s collection of strange creatures. Reports of this elusive figure first emerged in the early 1970s, when residents of the small town of Sykesville began whispering about a large, hairy being seen lurking in the forests nearby.
Descriptions of the creature vary slightly, but most eyewitnesses agree: the Sykesville Monster is a large, bipedal humanoid—standing between 6 and 8 feet tall, with a body covered in dark, shaggy hair, resembling a giant ape. Some even claim it has glowing red eyes, adding to its unsettling presence.
One of the strangest details reported is the ticking or clicking sound it allegedly makes—almost like a clock or mechanical device. This unusual trait has led some to speculate that the monster might not be a flesh-and-blood creature at all, but possibly mechanical or even robotic in nature.
One of the most detailed sightings comes from Lon Strickler, who says he came face-to-face with the monster in 1981 while fishing near the Patapsco River.
According to Strickler, he was casting his line when he spotted a large, hairy figure on the opposite riverbank. Before he could react, a stray dog approached the creature—and a violent confrontation broke out. Strickler watched in shock as the beast fought off the dog, all while emitting its signature ticking noise. Eventually, the dog fled, badly shaken.
Strickler immediately contacted local police. But by the time he returned to the spot, the area had been taped off. He claims multiple police cruisers and several unmarked vehicles were already on the scene, suggesting something serious had taken place.
Strangely, when Strickler tried to follow up on the incident, he says police refused to acknowledge his report. He also reached out to local news stations, but none were willing to cover the story. The entire event, it seemed, was being swept under the rug.
What exactly is the Sykesville Monster? Is it a genuine cryptid, a misidentified animal, or an elaborate hoax?
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Source: https://hangar1publishing.com/blogs/cryptids/maryland-cryptids
