Oklahoma Octopus

A big octopus that may resemble the Oklahoma Octopus

A big octopus that may resemble the Oklahoma Octopus. Photo: AmericanOceans.org

The Oklahoma octopus is said to dwell in several man-made freshwater lakes in Oklahoma such as Lake Thunderbird, Oologah Lake, and Lake Tenkiller, where it allegedly preys on unsuspecting swimmers.

The Legend of the Oklahoma Octopus

The lakes where the Oklahoma Octopus is said to dwell: Lake Thunderbird, Lake Tenkiller and Ooloogah Lake. Image: gisgeography.

The Oklahoma Octopus is a massive cephalopod that inhabits several freshwater, man-made lakes in Oklahoma.

The creature is described as having a large, round head and a body that can grow up to 8 feet in length.

It's believed to have long, slimy tentacles or arms that it uses to grab and subdue its prey, which includes unsuspecting swimmers who venture too close to its lair. Some accounts suggest that the creature has sharp claws or talons, while others claim that it has a paralyzing venom that it uses to immobilize its victims.

The Oklahoma Octopus is known for its ability to camouflage and blend into its surroundings, making it difficult to spot. It's said to have a slimy, slippery skin that helps it to move swiftly and silently through the water, making it a formidable predator.

It's said that this elusive creature haunts the depths of man-made freshwater lakes in the Sooner State, just waiting to pounce on unsuspecting swimmers who dare to venture into its murky waters.

Legend has it that the Oklahoma Octopus is a master of disguise, able to blend seamlessly into its watery surroundings and strike without warning. Some say it has long, slimy tentacles that it uses to drag its prey down to the bottom of the lake, while others claim it has razor-sharp teeth that can tear a person limb from limb.

Oklahoma Octopus Sightings

Oklahoma Octopus?

There have been several sightings of the Oklahoma Octopus over the years.

In the 1960s, a group of scuba divers claimed to have encountered a giant octopus while exploring a lake in Oklahoma. They reported seeing a large, tentacled creature that was unlike anything they had ever seen before. However, some skeptics have suggested that the divers may have mistaken a large catfish for the creature.

In the 1970s, a man claimed that he was fishing on Lake Thunderbird when he saw a massive creature emerge from the water. He described the creature as having a large head and long tentacles that reached out to grab his boat. He managed to escape unharmed, but was shaken by the experience.

In 2008, a local news station reported that a group of teenagers had been attacked by a "giant squid" while swimming in Lake Thunderbird. The teenagers claimed that the creature had wrapped its tentacles around them and pulled them under the water. They were eventually able to escape and swim back to shore, but were shaken by the experience.

Theories about the Oklahoma Octopus

A big octopus like the Oklahoma Octopus

How did this mysterious creature come to be? There are a number of theories about how this legend came to be:

Misidentification of known species: One theory suggests that people have mistaken known species of aquatic creatures for the Oklahoma Octopus. For example, some suggest that large catfish, eels, or even alligators could be mistaken for the creature under certain conditions.

  1. Hoaxes: Another theory suggests that the Oklahoma Octopus legend may have originated from hoaxes or pranks. Some people may have made up stories about the creature to scare others or to draw attention to themselves.

  2. Government experiments: A more far-fetched theory is that the Oklahoma Octopus is the result of secret government experiments. Some people believe that the creature was created in a lab and accidentally released into the wild, where it has since thrived and evolved.

  3. Native American legends: There are some Native American legends that involve creatures similar to the Oklahoma Octopus. Some believe that the creature is a modern interpretation of these ancient stories.

  4. Urban legends: It's possible that the Oklahoma Octopus legend is simply an urban legend that has been passed down through generations. As with many urban legends, it's difficult to say how the story originated or why it continues to persist.

Regardless of its origins, one thing is certain: if you hear the telltale splash of the Oklahoma Octopus lurking beneath the surface of the water, it's time to get out of there as fast as you can! So if you find yourself swimming in one of Oklahoma's many lakes, keep your wits about you and stay on the lookout for this legendary creature. Who knows, you just might be the one to catch a glimpse of the elusive Oklahoma Octopus!

A video for a university lecture about the Oklahoma Octopus

Have you ever seen the Oklahoma Octopus? Yell us your story in the comments!

If you enjoyed learning about the Oklahoma Octopus you might also be interested in the Loveland Frog or the Palmyra Wolves.

Previous
Previous

Hoop Snake: The Rolling Snake Cryptid

Next
Next

Sheepsquatch