1

Bigfoot

Image: Jon Sailer

Legend and cultural icon, Bigfoot— also known as Sasquatch— has fueled our imaginations since at least the mid-20th century. This mythical creature, which appears in both American and Canadian folklore, is believed to inhabit the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Its origin is not entirely clear, but it likely stems from a blend of stories brought by European immigrants and tales from North American indigenous cultures. Many people throughout history claim to have seen Bigfoot and describe it as a 6- to 9-foot, half-human, half-ape creature covered in dark hair. Others have only found its large 24-inch footprints, which has certainly helped keep the legend alive.

2

Pukwudgie

Image: Johannes Plenio

Pukwudgies are mythical creatures from Native American folklore, more precisely from the New England region. They are described as small, humanoid beings, about 2 to 3 feet tall, with grayish skin, pointed ears, and spines on their back.

According to Wampanoag legends, Pukwudgies are considered guardians of the forest. They are mischievous creatures with the ability to disappear and move swiftly through the forest. In addition, they are known to cast spells and curses on those who offend them or cross their path. So now you know, if you ever travel to these lands, remember to be respectful and honor nature to avoid being punished by these protective little monsters.

3

The Jersey Devil

Image: Belinda Fewings

There are not as many sightings of the Jersey Devil as there are of other creatures on this list. However, some people claim to have found traces of claw prints made by a two-legged creature. The few eyewitnesses who were able to catch a glimpse describe the Jersey Devil as a bizarre assortment of different animal parts, resembling everything from kangaroos and dogs to horses and even reptiles.

This creature theoretically inhabits an area in South Jersey known as the Pine Barrens. It is linked to a local legend from 1735, which claims that a woman nicknamed Mother Leeds allegedly cursed her thirteenth unborn child. The baby eventually became a demon who murdered the entire family and fled to the woods to steal livestock and terrify unwary travelers to the end of times.

4

Urayuli

Image: osensei

Very similar to Bigfoot, the Urayuli, or "hairy men," are a mythical race of creatures that live in the woodlands of southwestern Alaska, near Lake Iliamna. Those who claim to have seen the Urayuli describe them as being 10 feet tall, with shaggy hair, luminescent eyes, and long arms stretching down to their ankles.

According to lore, the Urayuli are said to be transformed children who got lost in the forest, therefore they are considered peaceful creatures. Taking this into consideration, it is very likely that this legend was born as a cautionary tale to prevent children from wandering out alone at night.

5

Wendigo

Image: DGSstudios

One of the most terrifying creatures in Native American mythology is the Wendigo. According to legends originating in Algonquian folklore, the Wendigo is an evil spirit that feeds on human flesh. This creature is believed to have the ability to possess people, turning them into starving monsters who cannot help but devour other humans.

The Wendigo has been depicted in various forms throughout history but is generally described as a slender, skeletal giant with glowing eyes and sharp fangs. This malevolent, cannibalistic, and supernatural being is usually associated with cold winters, as well as with greed and gluttony.

6

Wampus Cat

Image: Peter .

The Wampus cat is usually described as a fierce, bipedal creature with a humanoid body and a feline head. This spectral, panther-sized beast has been reported across the American Southeast for centuries, with numerous legends about its origins varying by region.

One of the most famous stories has its roots in Alabama and comes from a Native American tradition. According to this story, a Cherokee woman disguised herself in the skin of a mountain lion to secretly follow her husband on a hunting trip. When the men gathered around the fire to share stories forbidden to women discovered her, they cursed her to spend eternity as a half-woman, half-mountain lion.

7

Florida Skunk Ape

Image: RyanMcGuire

Florida, the Sunshine State, has its own version of Bigfoot: the Skunk Ape. This creature is said to resemble an orangutan more than the gorilla-like Sasquatch. This particular being got its name for the pungent odor that announces its presence and was seen many times lurking around the Florida swampland during the 1960s and 1970s.

Sightings were so common during that time that, in 1977, the state legislature had to introduce a bill to protect the elusive man-ape. Although the bill was never passed and Florida wildlife officials deny the existence of the Skunk Ape, many people continue to report sightings of the black, hairy creature to this day.

8

Champ

Image: GregMontani

If you thought Scotland had the only lake monster, you haven't met Champ yet. Lake Champlain, a freshwater lake in New York, is said to be home to America's most famous lake monster. Since the early 19th century, there have been accounts of Europeans claiming to have seen a seahorse-headed creature emerging from the water. However, the local Native Americans, the Abenaki, and the Iroquois, had stories of a horned serpent called Tatoskok dating back much earlier.

Over the years this beast has manifested itself to numerous people. In fact, in 1977, a woman named Sandra Mansi claimed to have taken a photo showing a creature with a small head and a long neck, which—let's be honest—looks suspiciously similar to the Loch Ness Monster.

9

Menehune

Image: Timothy Dykes

The Menehune are a mythological race of little people in Hawaiian tradition that only appear at night. For the most part, these two-foot-tall creatures are harmless, although they can become angry if disturbed. It is believed that these supernatural beings may have originated from ancient ancestors who populated the Pacific region, eventually evolving into folklore.

The Menehune are said to be builders, gifted with great strength and architectural skill. They construct stone structures such as dams, roads, and sacred worship sites known as heiau . They work when nobody is watching, so beware—never interrupt them, or they will vanish.

10

Beast of Busco

Image: Pascal Mauerhofer

In this article, we have explored a wide array of mythological creatures resembling apes, cats, birds, serpents, and even humanoids. However, you probably won't guess what kind of creature the Beast of Busco is. In 1898 a farmer from Churubusco, Northern Indiana, claimed to have spotted an enormous turtle in Fulk Lake.

His story was corroborated fifty years later by two fishermen who reported seeing a giant turtle weighing at least five hundred pounds and with a shell as big as the roof of a car. Such was the commotion that the lake’s owner at the time went so far as to drain it in order to catch the creature, which proved to be impossible. Since then, every June, the town of Churubusco celebrates Turtle Days festival, which includes a carnival, a parade, and—wait for it—turtle races.

1

Cattails

Image: Vlad Tchompalov

If you’ve ever seen a cattail and thought it looked kind of yummy, you were on the right track! Cattails grow abundantly in marshy areas across the U.S., and nearly every part of this plant is edible. Often called the "supermarket of the swamp," cattails are incredibly rich in carbohydrates and are a highly versatile food source. These plants not only provide nutrition but also materials for shelter and fire-starting, making them a top resource for wilderness survival in America.

The roots, once cleaned and cooked, have a potato-like quality and can also be dried and ground into flour. Impressively, they even outperform potatoes in starch yield per acre. Young shoots are edible as well, offering a fresh bite when raw or a tender taste when boiled, much like asparagus.

2

Dandelions

Image: Keegan Houser

Often dismissed as a pesky weed, dandelions are actually among the most nutritious plants you can find in the wild. In fact, dandelions are considered even more nutritious than broccoli or cabbage! Every part of the dandelion is edible, from the leaves to the roots. With a taste and texture similar to chicory, the leaves are packed with vitamins A and C and be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach.

The bright yellow flowers can also be used to make tea, while the roots can be roasted as a coffee substitute. Dandelion tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants, including beta-carotene and polyphenols, and studies suggest it may benefit heart health.

3

Wild Asparagus

Image: Gil Ndjouwou

Who knew you could harvest your own asparagus in the wild? Wild asparagus grows across much of the U.S., particularly in moist, sunny areas. While it looks similar to its cultivated cousin, wild asparagus tends to be thinner and tougher. When foraging, look for young shoots, which are more tender and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Like its commercial counterpart, wild asparagus is high in fiber and vitamins, offering a nutritious snack or even a potential side dish in a survival situation.

4

Acorns

Image: Annie Spratt

You’re likely already familiar with acorns, the nuts of oak trees. Found abundantly across the U.S., particularly in forests and woodlands, these wild nuts are indeed edible after some processing. Acorns contain bitter tannins, which can be toxic and need to be removed by repeated boiling or soaking in water.

Once safe to eat, acorns can be either roasted or ground into flour. Though they don’t taste like much, they’re packed with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Historically, acorns were a staple food for Native Americans and ancient cultures worldwide, proving their value as a survival resource.

5

Cactus (Prickly Pear)

Image: George Pagan III

In the arid landscapes of the American Southwest, prickly pear cacti offer both nourishment and hydration. The pads (nopales) and the fruit (tunas) are not only edible but are also staples in Mexican cuisine.

The cactus fruit, known as a prickly pear, is super sweet and can be eaten raw right off the plant. Depending on ripeness, the flavor ranges from mildly sweet to syrupy. Packed with vitamin C and water, prickly pear cacti can be a true lifesaver if you find yourself stranded in the desert.

6

Wild Onions

Image: Zoe Schaeffer

Wild onions grow widely across the U.S., thriving in fields, forests, and even backyards. Their bulbs, stems, and leaves are all edible and can be used just like store-bought onions to add flavor and nutrition to any meal. But foragers, beware—there’s an important distinction to keep in mind!

A highly toxic lookalike called death camas can be easily mistaken for wild onions, and as its name kindly suggests, it can have potentially lethal effects if consumed. The easiest way to tell them apart? Wild onions have a strong onion scent, while death camas has no odor. When in doubt, always trust your nose. That being said, unless you are 100% confident in your ability to identify wild onions, it’s wise to consult an expert or avoid foraging them altogether.

7

Pine Nuts

Image: Leila Issa

Pine trees are scattered across America, and their seeds—pine nuts—are a nutritional powerhouse. These small seeds, found inside pine cones, are rich in fats and proteins, making them a concentrated source of energy. In fact, pine nuts have sustained Native American tribes for centuries.

While they are labor-intensive to harvest, the effort is worthwhile. Packed with calories and bursting with flavor, they are an abundant and reliable food source. But it doesn't end there—surprisingly, most parts of a pine tree can be consumed, including the bark, needles, cones, and resin, either as food or for medicinal purposes.

8

Chicory

Image: Christopher Luther

Chicory is often found along roadsides and in open fields throughout the U.S. The plant is recognizable by its bright blue flowers, and while its leaves can be eaten like lettuce, its roots are also useful—they can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.

During the American Civil War, soldiers used chicory to stretch their coffee supplies, and even today some beer brewers occasionally use roasted chicory to add a bitter flavor to stout varieties.

9

Blackberries

Image: Eric Prouzet

Who hasn't enjoyed picking a few blackberries during a walk? Blackberry bushes thrive across the country, especially in sunny, open areas. These delicious berries are loaded with vitamins C and K, along with fiber, making them an excellent survival food when in season. Additionally, their leaves can be brewed into a soothing tea.

Wild raspberries and strawberries are similarly plentiful in the American backcountry. Their unmistakable appearance and sweet flavor make them a great choice for novice or inexperienced foragers to safely enjoy nature’s pantry.

10

Clover

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Who knew that stumbling upon a clover patch could bring more than just good luck? Clover grows abundantly across the U.S., from lawns to meadows, and both its leaves and flowers are edible. The flowers are often dried to make tea, while the leaves can be tossed directly into salads or soups an added nutritional boost.

Rich in protein and minerals, clover has historically served as fodder for livestock, but it can also provide essential nutrition for humans, especially in a survival situation! Its versatility certainly makes it a valuable addition to any forager's repertoire.

1

"I don't want to grow up"- Toys 'R' Us

Image: Liao Je Wei

No kid on Earth doesn't love toys, and Toys 'R' Us knew this too well. Their unforgettable commercial, "I Don't Want to Grow Up, I'm a Toys 'R' Us Kid," is proof of that. Remember it? Of course, you do!

Launched in the 1980s, this ad was a hit. The kids' voices repeatedly stating, "I don't want to grow up," immediately brings the brand's name to mind. In addition to the catchy line, the commercial also showcased a wide variety of toys available in stores, which are—of course—the reason why kids never want to grow up!

2

"Give me a break"- Kit Kat

Image: Abi Schreider

Kit Kat has successfully tied itself to the joy of taking a break , thanks in large part to its iconic jingle: "Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar!" Feeling like dancing?

We're sure you've caught yourself singing this line more than once in everyday life. The infectious tune has lived rent-free in our minds since the ‘80s when the commercial first debuted. In it, chefs, firefighters, builders, office workers, and people from all walks of life—including children—hold up a Kit Kat bar, smiling and dancing as they politely ask for their well-deserved break.

3

"Plop plop fizz fizz"- Alka-Seltzer

Image: Ksenia

For a jingle to stand out, it needs to be both consistent and effective . And Alka-Seltzer's most famous jingle nailed it perfectly.

"Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!" is the catchy jingle that hit the radio in 1953. With two simple words, it shows us how to use the product: "Plop" (drop the tablet into a glass of water), "fizz" (watch it dissolve), and then, relief!

Later adapted for TV, the commercial featured Alka-Seltzer's mascot, Speedy , who explained the product's benefit: "Those speedy bubbles relieve your upset stomach and headache fast! For acid indigestion alone, Alka-Seltzer Gold."

4

"Sometimes you feel like a nut"- Almond Joy and Mounds

Image: Jessica Loaiza

As brands offer a variety of products, they often look for unique ways to differentiate each one, creating distinct commercials to highlight the essence of each product. But Almond Joy and Mounds, produced by the same company, did the opposite: they were united in the same commercial.

"Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. Almond Joy's got nuts, Mounds don't." Not only is it funny and catchy, but it's also crystal clear: although the bars look similar, there’s one key difference. Yep, the nuts ! So, which one is your favorite?

5

"Mmm Mmm Good" – Campbell's Soup

Image: Kelly Common

Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective, right? And that was demonstrated by Campbell's when it launched its famous jingle "Mmm Mmm Good." You've probably heard it!

What's the expression you use when you taste something that's delicious? That's right: Mmm! The canned soup brand exploited this universal expression to the fullest by adding it to its commercials and consistently evoking a cozy, homey vibe. By doing so, they connected the product with the kind of food we all prefer: homemade .

6

"My Bologna Has a First Name"- Oscar Mayer

Image: Aneta Voborilova

Almost everyone knows how to spell " bologna ," and that's largely thanks to Oscar Mayer's catchy 1973 jingle. Remember that one?

In the famous commercial, a young boy sings, "My bologna has a first name, it's O-S-C-A-R/ My bologna has a second name, it's M-A-Y-E-R/ Oh, I love to eat it every day, and if you ask me why, I'll say/ 'Cause Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A." The catchy tune and playful lyrics became a cultural phenomenon, making the brand name synonymous with the product. It was a highly effective marketing tactic!

Kids and adults alike couldn't stop spelling out this fun jingle, which still plays in our minds to this day.

7

"Meow, meow, meow, meow…"- Meow Mix

Image: Matheus Queiroz

Sometimes, we wish our pets could talk to us. It's a fantasy explored by many cartoons and some famous movies. But if your cat could talk, what would it ask for as its favorite meal? Hard to guess, right? Meow Mix, the cat food company, decided to give us an answer.

In its 1970s commercial, a kitten "sings" the catchy jingle, "Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow," while the visuals clearly show that the cat is asking for Meow Mix's delicious food. Associating the very sound of the animal with the brand name was a very clever move!

8

"Like a Good Neighbor"- State Farm

Image: Tierra Mallorca

You know a jingle is good when it's been around for decades , and that's the case with the iconic "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" from the well-known insurance company.

The jingle was written in 1971, and since then, it has become one of the most recognized jingles in commercial history.

Sung warmly and softly, the jingle conveys the idea that the insurance company will always be there for the customers, whatever they need, providing a sense of security and reliability.

9

"I'm A Big Kid Now"- Huggies Pull-Ups

Image: Jimmy Conover

Cuteness is a great way to connect with an audience, and Huggies, the famous diaper and pull-up brand, understands this perfectly.

And the proof of this is its iconic jingle, "I'm a big kid now!" This line represents the transition from diapers to training pants and the start of the potty training process.

The commercial, which debuted in 1992, features a young child proudly telling his parents about all the things he can do now that he's a "big kid." It highlights the joy and pride of this milestone for both toddlers and their parents. The jingle was a big hit and became one of the brand's most famous.

10

"I'm Lovin' It" - McDonald's

Image: Road Ahead

When you think of McDonald's advertisements, it's impossible not to remember the legendary "I'm Lovin' It."

Although it's newer than some other jingles on this list, "I'm Lovin' It" debuted in 2003 and quickly became an iconic part of the McDonald's brand. Along with the catchy "pa ra pa pa pa" hum, the jingle successfully linked the brand with the pleasure of enjoying a delicious burger.

Thanks to its simplicity and positive vibes, the jingle became a crucial part of the brand's identity and is etched in the memory of many Americans.