Is the Mysterious White River Monster Still Swimming in Arkansas?

We've all heard about the Fouke Monster in Southwest Arkansas but have you ever heard about the White River Monster in Northeast Arkansas near the town of Newport?

White River Monster

Like most states in the United States and abroad there has always been talk about an Urban Legend, whether it be true or just some kind of mythical story that gets the local folks talking until it blows up and becomes known nationally.

Since the early 1900s, sightings of a mysterious creature that lives underwater on the White River have been reported by locals and fishermen who encountered the cryptid while fishing on the river. The sightings became more numerous in the 70s and the White River Monster became known as "Whitey" to some of the folks who lived in the area. Witnesses reported seeing what looked like a large gray-colored fish with thorns protruding from its back and a devilish-looking horn sticking out from its head.

It was said it would leave three-toed tracks, 14 inches in length when it swam through parts of the river's vegetation areas.

What is it?

Cryptozoologists who have studied the creature believe that the White River Monster was nothing more than an elephant seal or a manatee that found its way from the ocean into the Mississippi River and then swam its way into the White River decades ago.

At one time, the White River Monster completely vanished only to return in June 1971. Many other organizations that have studied the White River Monster believe that it could be some type of prehistoric fish or snake-like creature that still is roaming out there today deep underwater. Could it have been an overactive imagination from someone who saw this or was it just some kind of a super-sized garfish, alligator, or crocodile that locals saw? The verdict is still out.

Illegal to Kill

Did you know that it is illegal to kill, trample, or harm the legendary beast in Arkansas? In 1973, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Senate Resolution 23, sponsored by Sen. Bob Harvey, creating the White River Monster Refuge along the White River to help protect what this species might be.

So, the next time you go fishing or canoeing on the White River you never know that ripple of water you see just might be the White River Monster. Is this Arkansas' version of the Loch Ness Monster or just an old Urban Legend?