The Oklahoma octopus is a legendary creature said to live in some of the man-made lakes of Oklahoma, such as Lake Thunderbird, Lake Oolagah, and Lake Tenkiller. According to the legend, this octopus-like beast is the size of a horse, has reddish-brown skin, and long tentacles that can drag unsuspecting swimmers to their doom. But is there any truth to this tale? Or is it just a myth that has been spread by word of mouth and media?
The origin of the legend is unclear, but some sources trace it back to Native American folklore that tells of a strange aquatic creature with a taste for human flesh. Others suggest that it was inspired by the high number of drownings and disappearances that have occurred in the Oklahoma lakes over the years. Some people believe that the octopus is a cryptid, a mysterious animal that has not been scientifically confirmed to exist, while others dismiss it as a hoax or a figment of imagination.
There is no physical evidence for the existence of the Oklahoma octopus, such as photos, videos, or specimens. However, there have been some reported sightings and anecdotes from witnesses who claim to have seen or encountered the creature. For example, in 2003, a fisherman in Arkansas caught a small red octopus in Lake Conway, which is connected to the Arkansas River that flows into Oklahoma . Some speculated that this could be a sign that a larger octopus could be lurking in the nearby waters. However, officials explained that the octopus was most likely a discarded pet that had survived in the freshwater environment for a while.
Another possible explanation for the legend is that some people may have mistaken other animals for an octopus. For instance, some lakes in Oklahoma are home to large catfish that can grow up to several feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. These fish could have been responsible for some of the drownings or attacks attributed to the octopus. Moreover, some marine animals, such as jellyfish and squid, have been known to survive in freshwater for short periods of time. It is possible that some of these animals could have been transported by floods or storms into the lakes and caused confusion among observers.
The Oklahoma octopus legend has gained popularity and attention through various media outlets, such as books, documentaries, and TV shows. One of the most notable examples is an episode of Lost Tapes, a horror series on Animal Planet that featured a fictional story of three people who were attacked and killed by the octopus in Lake Thunderbird . The show presented the legend as if it were real and used dramatic reenactments and interviews to create suspense and fear. However, many viewers criticized the show for being misleading and sensationalizing a dubious legend.
The Oklahoma octopus is one of the many urban legends that fascinate and terrify people around the world. Whether it is real or not, it reflects our curiosity and fear of the unknown and the mysterious. The next time you visit one of the Oklahoma lakes, you may want to think twice before taking a dip in the water. You never know what might be lurking beneath the surface.
References:
• https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oklahoma/legend-of-octopus-ok/
• https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Oklahoma_Octopus
• https://drivinvibin.com/2022/07/20/octopus-oklahoma/
• https://www.krmg.com/news/local/oklahoma-aquarium-mourns-loss-giant-pacific-octopus/MX553AAH4BB7TNE4OAPA6L5UHA/