What Is the Rougarou and Why Does It Haunt Louisiana Bayous

 Written By Ken Hulsey

Over the past decade, I've carved out a niche for myself by delving into the rich tapestry of myths and legends that have long captivated the imaginations of those living in the enchanting realm of California. Among the various tales I've explored, the most widely recognized was an article I co-authored with my wife, Terri, which focused on the enigmatic Bigfoot sightings in the sun-drenched deserts of Southern California. This piece garnered attention in numerous esteemed publications about this legendary cryptid, even earning a prominent spot on the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce website.

Tales of the Unexplained - The Rougarou Roams The Bayous of Louisiana

As many of you know I have made quite a name for myself over the past decade for writing a series of articles about the myths and legends that have stirred peoples imaginations for decades in the golden state of California. The most popular of these articles was the one that I co wrote with my wife Terri about Bigfoot sightings in the desert regions of Southern California. That article was quoted in several prominent works about the legendary cryptid as well as being prominently featured on Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce website.

Now that I have left California and its insane cost of living and rising crime rates for the land of God fearing, level headed folk here in Louisiana I thought that it would be in my best interest to find out just what kind of creatures are lurking in the bayou that runs literally a stones throw from my front door.

According to reports, there be werewolves about.

In the swampy bayous of the south, the beast is known as the “rougarou” or the “loup-garou.” The legend of the wolf-man like creatures began centuries ago in France. The tales arrived in the states with French immigrants and evolved over time.

The swamp creature is said to stand seven to eight feet in height, is covered in wet brown and black tangled hair and has glowing red eyes along with large canine-like teeth. The original monster was thought to have been born from a mutation. Victims might suffer the same fate if bitten by the beast or upon being cursed by a witch.

Today, the rougarou is one of the most popular characters of Bayou folklore. However, as wolves are not indigenous to Louisiana, the creature is now thought to be a shapeshifter that transforms into various common animals. Regardless of the form he takes, the creature is no less dangerous.

The story of the Rougarou was often told to children in an attempt to keep them from wandering or to make them behave. However, the tale prevails and many adults continue believing in the creature’s existence. After Hurricane Katrina, some heard strange growling sounds during the night, which led people to believe the monster may have left the swamps and entered the city of New Orleans via the flood waters.

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The Five-Issue Goosebumps: Secrets of the Swamp Debuts in September, Illustrated by Yasmin Flores Montanez

IDW Publishing welcomes Marieke Nijkamp, New York Times bestselling author of This Is Where It Ends and writer of DC’s The Oracle Code graphic novel, to pen the latest entry in the long-running children’s horror series, Goosebumps!

Written by Nijkamp, the monthly Goosebumps: Secrets of the Swamp comic book miniseries will debut in September, featuring the artwork of Yasmin Flores Montanez and colors by Rebecca Nalty.

The five-issue Secrets of the Swamp introduces Blake, a twelve-year-old girl who is shipped away to her weird aunt’s home in Fever Swamp for the summer. Expecting her weeks to be filled with video games, mosquito bites, and a whole lot of nothing, she instead finds herself in a spooky turf war between wolf hunters and werewolves. With monsters on both sides, it’s up to Blake to use all of her gaming skills to escape alive.

“I have fond memories of Goosebumps terrifying me as a kid, and I’m thrilled to get to play around in Fever Swamp now. Secret is a story all about finding your place in a new town, figuring out who your friends are, and dealing with the deadly monsters that lurk in the shadows. With Yasmin bringing the characters to life in such a wonderful way, I hope you’ll get caught in its snare too. Of course, in Fever Swamp, all secrets have sharp teeth, so best be careful you don’t get bitten,” says Nijkamp.

“I’ve wanted to work with Marieke for a long time, and I’m absolutely thrilled that we’re doing a Goosebumpsbook together. Secrets of the Swamp captures the same magic of the stories that terrified and delighted me as a kid, and I think everyone’s going to love the book that she, Yasmin, and Rebecca are creating,” says editor Chase Marotz, who is co-editing the book with Elizabeth Brei.

Goosebumps: Secrets of the Swamp #1 will be available with multiple cover variants for retailers and fans to enjoy, including Cover A by Bill Underwood and a Retailer Incentive edition by Clara Meath.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #2 Subscription Exclusive Cover B September 2016 IDW Comics Grade NM

$3.74 - On Sale Now!

Written by Paul Allor, Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz. Art by Damian Couceiro, Kevin Eastman and Bill Sienkiewicz. Cover by Kevin Eastman.

The Turtles are trapped and surrounded by the government. With them? One of their least favorite people in the world, Baxter Stockman! Will the unlikely allies find a way to work together and live to fight another day? 32 pages, full color. Mature Readers.