The Tatzlwurm
The Tatzlwurm, which in German means "worm with claws" is a a fascinating cryptid from Alpine folklore. This beast is often described as a serpentine dragon with a cat-like head and is capable of making a hair raising hissing sound. This creature is also believed to produce a deadly venom which could kill a man very quickly.
This bizarre cryptid is rumored to dwell in the deep, hidden caves of the mountains in Switzerland and Austria. The original witness to this beast said it was about 5 to 7 feet in length and had sharp claws and no hind legs. There were very few sightings of this creature which makes me believe if it did ever exist it may now be extinct.
The explanations for this beast range from it being a lizard like reptile or even a Gila monster, to a mythical creature based in lore meant to scare travelers from going up into the mountains.
I believe a possible explanation for this cryptid could very well be that it was displaced giant lizard although it would be unlikely considering how the freezing temperature in the Alpines would be the last place to find any reptiles. No concrete evidence has been found leading me to believe that even if this beast once existed its no longer around....
