We all know about vampires and werewolves, or at least we think we do. The legends and myths that inspired these monsters are sometimes surprisingly different, but no less chilling. In this series of posts, Monster Monday, we’ll investigate the monsters that have informed our modern notions, as well as some lesser known monsters. Today, we talk about the Splinter Cat.

The splinter cat is yet another “fearsome critter” from North American lumberjack folklore. It can be found in heavily wooded areas of the eastern United States and Canada. It is generally not a threat to humans, but a splinter cat can be very destructive. Its favorite foods are honey and raccoons, and it has a very peculiar hunting method.

The splinter cat is nocturnal, which explains why few have ever seen one, but evidence of it is plain for all to see when the sun comes up. In searching for raccoons or honey, it climbs a tree, and using its powerful legs, it propels itself directly towards another tree. Its skull is hard and thick, and it smashes into the tree, shattering the tree trunk. If it finds a raccoon or a beehive, it eats, but if not it picks another tree until it finds a meal. The destruction it leaves is often blamed on windstorms.