Deep within the hemlock forests of northern Pennsylvania there is said to lurk a creature that is constantly weeping. Known in local folklore as the Squonk, it stands apart from many other crypto’s because it is neither feared for violence or destruction. While cryptids are most often described as terrifying beings no one wishes to encounter the Squonk is different. Instead of running from it, people have long been curious to discover where the weeping was coming from.
The Squonk is not described as dangerous, but rather, it is remembered as a deeply sorrowful creature burdened by its own appearance. According to legend, it spends its life weeping as it stares into its reflection with shame. The Squonks cries are said to echo throughout the forests, carrying across long distances, drawing attention from those nearby. For those, who try to follow the cries often feels a sense of pity than fear.
Stories say that just as the Squonk is about to be discovered, it vanishes completely, dissolving into nothing but a puddle of tears only adding to the mystery surrounding the creature. Whether meant as a cautionary tale or simply a story passed on through generations, the Squonk remains one of Pennsylvania’s most unusual folklore figures.
Descriptions Passed Down
Like many creatures found in folklore, the Squonk’s appearance has been passed down through varying descriptions. Most accounts describe it as a hog-like animal, small, misshapen, with loose, sagging skin that hangs awkwardly from its body. Its skins is said to be covered in warts and blemishes, giving it an unpleasant look. Sparse patches of hair sprout unevenly across its body, further adding to its appearance.
Some versions of the legend suggest that it avoids seeing its reflection whenever possible, while others claim it cannot help but stare, overwhelmed with sorrow each time it does. These descriptions, not always identical, share a common theme: the Squonk is pitiful rather than monstrous.
Encounters and Camp Fire Tales
The story of the Squonk began with the logging industry, when hunters claimed to hear the cryptid’s cries echoing through the forests. Supposedly, there were attempts by these hunters to walk toward the sobs in hopes of catching the Squonk, only to be left empty-handed. This was said to be because the cryptid would dissolve into a puddle of tears whenever anyone came too close.
Although there are no verified sightings of the cryptic, the Squonk, there are several tales associated with it. The most well-known involves J.P. Wentling, who supposedly mimicked the cries of the Squonk, luring it toward him. When the creature arrived, Wentling captured it in a bag, and the story ends there. Others have joked about seeing the crying cryptid, but in the end, such claims are usually treated as a little more than a laugh.
Folklore Lingers On
To this day, the Squonk remains one of the most well-known cryptids in Pennsylvania and has since been portrayed in books and songs. William T. Cox was the first to describe this creature in print. In 1910, Cox published Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods, in which he mentioned the Squonk migrating from desert regions to swampy areas.
As the years went on, Henry H. Tryon, added to the Squonk’s story in his book, Fearsome Critters, further cementing the creature’s place in American folklore.
The Squonk would go on to appear in other stories, as well as in music. In 1976, the band Genesus released a sing title Squonk, which retold the tale of J.P. Wentling’s encounter with the creature.
Today, the Squonk lives on through stories, artwork, and retellings. Though not a fearsome cryptid, it continues to pull at the hearts of those who encounter its legend.
Sources & Further Reading
“Squonk.” Cryptidophilia. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.cryptidophilia.com/the-squonk-pennsylvania/.
“Squonk: Hearing the Melancholy Cries of Pennsylvania’s Morbid Cryptid.” The Cryptid Atlas. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://thecryptidatlas.com/squonk-hearing-the-melancholy-cries-of-pennsylvanias-morbid-cryptid/.
“Squonk.” North American Cryptids. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://northamericancryptids.com/squonk/.
“The Squonk: Pennsylvania’s Weeping Cryptid Legend.” Pararational. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.pararational.com/the-squonk-pennsylvanias-weeping-cryptid-legend/.
Virellan, Grant. “Squonk: Cryptid Crybaby With a Damp Disappearing Act.” HowStuffWorks, April 18, 2025. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/squonk-cryptid.htm