Swamps are scary places for many people, and for good reasons, too. Depending on the region of the world, swamps are inhabited by poisonous and large constricting snakes, alligators, crocodiles, and even fish that have been known to eat humans. So, it’s no surprise that this cryptid, the Lizard Man, gives so many people a good fright.

The Lizard Man is a reptilian humanoid that lore says inhabits the Scape Ore Swamp in Lee County, South Carolina. First reported in 1988, the creature is described as tall, approximately 7 feet, with green, scaly skin, red eyes, and feet with three toes. 

Multiple sightings of the Lizard Man have been reported over the years. One notable encounter occurred in 1988 when Christopher Davis, a resident of the local town Bishopville, claimed to have been attacked by the creature at night while changing a flat tire. He said he heard something running towards him on the road. When Davis jumped back in his car for safety, the creature jumped on the car, causing significant damage. In response to Davis’s claims, the police searched for the beast. They never found it; however, they did find large, three-toed footprints in the swamp that they even made plaster casts out of.   

Another intriguing encounter also from 1988 involved Kenneth Orr, an airman stationed at Shaw Air Force Base. He reported shooting and wounding the Lizard Man, claiming to have found evidence of the creature in the swamp. However, this incident was later revealed to be a hoax, further complicating the already mysterious nature of the Lizard Man.   

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Lizard Man remains a popular cryptid. The legend continues to fascinate locals and tourists alike. The creature has even become a part of the region's folklore, even inspiring a festival in Bishopville that began in 2022 and is named “Stomp.” Visitors are welcome. Maybe the Lizard Man is still around. Maybe someone might catch a vision of the beast and reignite the legend all these years later.