Encounter Atlas
The wolpertinger is a mock creature of Bavarian folklore, said to live in the Alpine forests of southern Germany. It is usually shown as a rabbit or squirrel with deer antlers, bird wings and fangs, and no two are alike.
Bavarian taxidermists began making stuffed wolpertingers from real animal parts in the 1800s, both for fun and to sell to visitors. They still hang in inns and souvenir shops, and the German Hunting and Fishing Museum in Munich has a display of them. Tradition says only beautiful young women can see one, at full moon, if led to the right spot by the right man.
Like the jackalope, the idea may draw on real rabbits with horn-like growths caused by the Shope papilloma virus. Neighbouring regions have their own versions, such as Thuringia's rasselbock.
What witnesses report
- A small furry animal with antlers and wings
- Stuffed specimens in country inns
- Stories told to tourists
Famous cases
Seen the Wolpertinger?
Tell us what happened. Every report is read by a person before it goes on the map, and you can stay anonymous.
