The Jersey Devil (Part 1)

PART 1 OF 2: Over last three centuries, the people of South Jersey and Philly have been haunted by one of the spookiest, scariest creatures in American history. 

Also known as the Leeds Devil, the Jersey Devil is a legendary monster said to inhabit the Pine Barrens, a massive forest stretching across more than seven counties of New Jersey. There are many reported descriptions of the beast over the years, but generally speaking the cryptid, chimera-like creature is thought to have a body similar to a kangaroo, but with hooved feet, tiny arms with clawed hands, leathery wings, a forked tail, and a horned goat-like head.

It has been reported to move quickly — whether running upright on it’s hind legs or soaring through the treetops using it’s large, bat-like wings. The Jersey Devil is also known for terrorizing the community, posing for blurry photographs, and emitting it’s signature high-pitched "blood-curdling scream”.

Legend has it that the creature was born in 1735 as the 13th child of a woman known as “Mother Leeds,” a resident of the Pine Barrens. Upon discovering she was yet again pregnant in 1735 after already birthing a dozen children using 18th century technology, she cursed the child in frustration, speculating out loud that the child must be the work of the devil if not the devil himself. 

She went into labor on a dark and stormy night with friends and family gathered around her. The child was initially born as human baby, but quickly grew and shapeshifted into the Jersey Devil form that we know and love — complete with horns and hooves. It beat and/or killed everyone in the room and flew up the chimney to head into the pines.

Listen in as the boys discuss the background of the Jersey Devil, sightings over the years, a few scholars who are currently on the hunt for the Jersey D, and some possible explanations for what is REALLY going on here.

Part 2 will be available on Thursday, 2/9 at 10 p.m. EST

Available in video form on YouTube!