Fictional national animals

Many nations around the world have mythical animals which are widely believed not to exist and for which there is little or no scientific evidence, but which are nevertheless well known and, in a sense, popular. Note that the creatures listed below are unofficial fictional national animals and that the tales told about them differ a great deal. It is often not possible to deliver a definitive description as the stories vary from time to time and place to place.

• Australia
  • Bunyip
  • Drop Bear
  • Yowie

• China
  • Kirin

• Germany
  • Bundesadler[?] (federal eagle)
  • Berliner Bär[?] (bear of Berlin)

• Japan
  • Kirin

• Mexico
  • Chupacabra

• Scotland
  • The Loch Ness Monster
  • Wild Haggis

• Tibet
  • The Yeti (Abominable Snowman)

• United States
  • Champ (Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont)
  • The Hodag (Northern Midwest)
  • Jackalope (Western United States)
  • Jersey Devil (New Jersey)
  • Sasquatch
  • Thunderbird

For the more serious study of possibly mythic creatures, see Cryptozoology.

See also: mythical beast