In the early 1700s, German settlers who made their homes in the hills surrounding Frederick County, Maryland brought tales of a fearsome flying half-bird, half reptile creature from the Old Country. Known as the Schneller Geist, meaning “fast ghost” or “quick spirit”, the beast had razor-sharp teeth, long talons and demonic features borne of nightmares. A single eye glared from the center of its forehead and its wingspan was said to be twenty-five feet wide.
By 1909, it was more commonly referred to as a “Snallygaster.” Reports of the dragon-like creature—which swooped down to carry off prey—became so highly publicized that year, the Smithsonian Institution offered a reward for its capture and former president Theodore Roosevelt expressed an interest in hunting it.
Sightings were frequent and often reported in small town periodicals. Fearful of attack, residents of the area painted seven-point stars on their barns, believing they would ward off the frightening monster.
The beast did most of its hunting at night, carrying off unattended children, pets and farm animals. It moved swiftly, its extraordinary speed making it invisible in flight. Preferring to roost in barns, it would occasionally enter homes and steal objects it fancied. Later, the Snallygaster would replace what it had taken, returning the object to a different spot in hopes of confusing and frightening the owner. The creature made a shrill whistle-screeching sound and laid eggs large enough to hold a baby elephant.
Sightings of the Snallygaster continued for decades. In July of 1934 near Middletown, Maryland, several large explosions were said to be the sound of Snallygaster eggs hatching. An unidentified hunter claimed to have killed one of the hatchlings and said the carcass was approximately five-feet tall with speckled features, and four-inch claws.
The Snallygaster is believed to have one foe—a two-legged creature with the face and fur of a wolf known as a “Dwayyo.” Also sighted in Maryland, the Dwayyo and Snallygaster are said to have engaged in several vicious battles throughout the decades.
Does the Snallygaster exist? There have been plenty of sightings through the years, and the creature was given enough credence in 1909 that Teddy Roosevelt almost canceled an African Safari to hunt it. But like most myths and urban legends, it remains a “what if” possibility to this day.
Maryland is practically in my back yard, and a favored stomping ground. The next time I take a drive through the “Old Line State,” I plan to be more vigilant in watching for Snallygasters. After all, it’s not every state that has its own mythical dragon!
From the Pen of Mae Clair 
Fascinating! I had not heard of the snallygaster and dwayyo. It’s wonderful that we have the possibility of such mysterious creatures in our midst.
LikeLike
Hi, Flossie. I love all those creature stories too, especially when they relate to current happenings. It’s interesting to think that such weird beings might exist!
LikeLike
I love dragons. I think they are absolutely beautiful! Now, that doesn’t mean I’d ever want to see one up close and personal 😉 TV and movies are close enough for me!
LikeLike
I can’t imagine encountering a real dragon, but like you said, L.J., they are amazing creatures . . . beautiful and powerful. I guess that’s why we’re so fascinated with them. Great to see you here! 🙂
LikeLike
This is such an interesting tale. I wonder if there really was such a creature, its a bit like an airborne Nessie. Is it possible pockets of these creatures could have survived to modern times?
A very intruiging idea. Thanks for finding these wonders, Mae.
LikeLike
It does sound like it could be an airborne Nessie, doesn’t it? Creatures of Air and Water are so fascinating. I’m glad the story intrigued you, Daisy!
LikeLike
Cool. I want to see a fuzzy picture.
LikeLike
LOL! There probably is one out there some where.Isn’t it amazing how the cameras never focus 😉
LikeLike
Unbelievable. I never heard of that. At first I thought it might be a dinosaur, a pterodactyl, or something like that, but it plays with people too. It had to be intelligent. Awesome legend.
LikeLike
Thanks, Mary. Apparently when items went missing in a house the Snallygaster blamed. Later, when they were returned, showing up in a different spot, the owner would sometimes thank the Snallygaster for giving them back their belongings. Amazing! 🙂
LikeLike
I, too, love dragons! But the name, dunno, just doesn’t do it for me. I mean, I understand the origins in German, but Snallygaster just doesn’t sound evil. LOL, it sounds like a candy out of Harry Potter.
LikeLike
Hi, Cd. The Harry Potter comparison is a great one! There ‘s something about the name I really like….maybe the way it rolls off the tongue. I agree thought that it doesn’t have the same impact as say…the Jersey Devil or the Loch Ness Monster. No wonder most people never heard of the poor Snallygaster, LOL.
LikeLike
I’ve been to Maryland once but stuck to the boardwalk in Ocean City and can’t claim to have seen any Snallygaster there. Maybe the tourists keep it a bay.
LikeLike
There are definitely plenty of tourists, that’s for sure! Ocean City, Maryland is my second home, Emma. My husband’s mother had a place on the bay for 20+ years before selling. We still visit yearly and stay at hotels now. I haven’t been lucky enough to glimpse a Snallygaster yet, but there’s always this year!
LikeLike
Small world. A house on the bay sounds amazing. Let’s hope you catch that glimpse someday.
LikeLike