When it comes to Bigfoot, Maine doesn’t usually come to mind does it? But it just so happens that Maine actually has it’s own version of Bigfoot. The hairy legend known as Indian Devil ruled the wilderness on and around Maine’s highest mountain, Mount Katahdin.

According to Native American mythology, Indian Devil, also known as Pomoola, was a giant half man half beast creature that wasn’t too friendly when stumbled upon by an Indian. Supposedly this thing had a real chip on it’s shoulder and enjoyed protein, so it wasn’t out of the question that it would make a meal out of an Indian. But if left alone the Pomoola was friendly and kind. I guess the key is just don’t go poking it with a stick.

Now as far as sightings go, the stories are a bit all over the place.  Allegedly the first white man to have a run in with the beast was in 1866. While on a hunting trip around Mount Katahdin, Cluey Robbins decided to fetch some water around dusk. Across the river Cluey witnessed a man-like creature covered with red hair, snagging fish and eating them live. Cluey would see it again at dawn and for some strange reason the purported furious Pomoola did not attack and devour him. It was later discovered when Cluey discussed his sighting with his Native American buddies that he found out that Pomoolas don’t like white meat. Or that was their only explanation for the lack of the dinner bell being rung. I swear, this was their explanation.

But it looks as though Pomoola had been messing with folks prior to this. And it was the guide for Cluey’s hunting party, Hugh Watson. A few years earlier, Watson a longtime woodsman, came back from a hunt only to find a whole group of these Pomoolas tearing up his camp. Luckily Watson was able to hide out in the woods for the rest of the evening until they left. Again when he mentioned the incident to his friends he was made aware how lucky he was to escape with his life. It obviously wasn’t established yet that Pomoolas preferred dark meat.

The most recent sighting took place in 1988 when a group of Boy Scouts hiking Mount Katahdin, and six campers saw the hairy one about half way up the mountain collecting roots. They all described a creature with broad shoulders, a tan triangular face and reddish fur. When the Pomoola realized he was being watched he reportedly started making terrifying noise. One of the Boy Scouts also said that a “smell of rotten eggs” filled the air and actually lingered in the area for hours after the creature had disappeared. Could this be some sort of defense mechanism? Who knows. But when hiking on or around Mount Katahdin beware of the Pomoola or at least hope he’s been fed.