The Beast of Bray Road: America's Werewolf

This Podcast is a Secret explores the enduring mystery of the Beast of Bray Road, a wolf-like creature that has haunted a rural stretch of road in Elkhorn, Wisconsin since the 1930s. The legend has gained national attention due to several eerie encounters, from a night watchman in 1936 to a DNR contractor in 2006. Theories abound—some see it as an undiscovered species, while others link it to werewolf lore or supernatural forces.

The Legend Begins: Mark Shackleman’s Encounter

The story of the Beast of Bray Road starts in 1936 with one of the earliest sightings by Mark Shackleman, a night watchman at St. Coletta School for Exceptional Children near Jefferson, Wisconsin. While patrolling near Native American burial mounds, Shackleman encountered a massive, hairy creature with a foul odor. Standing over six feet tall, the creature appeared wolf-like but had an unsettling human-like body. After a brief face-off, it ran off into the woods, leaving Shackleman shaken but unharmed.

The beast uttered a guttural sound—“Gadara,” which Shackleman connected to a biblical reference about exorcised demons. The encounter remains one of the most detailed early sightings and set the stage for what would later be known as the Beast of Bray Road.

Physical Descriptions of the Beast of Bray Road

Over the years, descriptions of the creature have remained eerily consistent:

• Height: 6-7 feet tall when standing upright.

• Appearance: Covered in dark fur, with a wolf-like head, large glowing eyes, and a muscular, humanoid body.

• Hands: Its hands are said to have unusually short thumbs, with long, claw-like fingers.

• Smell: Witnesses report a foul, rotten stench.

• Movement: The Beast moves on all fours and two legs, effortlessly shifting between the two as it chases or observes.

  
  

Reports also include a haunting growl and predatory behavior, often causing witnesses to flee or panic. In some cases, the Beast has been seen pursuing cars, its large figure keeping pace with vehicles speeding at over 35 miles per hour.

Famous Sightings

Doris Gipson, 1989

On Halloween night in 1989, Doris Gipson was driving down Bray Road when she felt a sudden thud against her car. Stepping out to investigate, she saw a large, hairy figure moving toward her. The creature, covered in dark fur and walking upright, jumped onto the back of her car. Doris managed to escape, but the sighting left her deeply shaken. Her account, paired with that of farmer Scott Bray around the same time, thrust the Beast of Bray Road into the media spotlight.

Steve Krueger, 2006

Fast forward to 2006, when DNR contractor Steve Krueger had a late-night encounter while collecting roadkill. After loading a deer into his truck, Steve felt the vehicle shake and saw the creature standing in the bed of his truck, lifting the deer with ease. This modern sighting—by a seasoned wildlife expert—gave new life to the legend and raised even more questions about what lurks in the Wisconsin wilderness.

Supernatural or Cryptid? Theories and Explanations

The Beast of Bray Road has drawn comparisons to other cryptids like Bigfoot and werewolves, and some believe it could be a previously undiscovered species. Others argue that it may be a shapeshifter or a spiritual entity tied to local Native American burial sites. Skeptics suggest the sightings are a combination of misidentifications and local folklore, but the consistency in witness descriptions makes it hard to dismiss entirely.

Cultural Impact and Media Coverage

Journalist Linda S. Godfrey played a pivotal role in bringing the legend of the Beast to the forefront in the early 1990s. Her investigative work and book, The Beast of Bray Road: Tailing Wisconsin’s Werewolf, have made her the go-to expert on the topic, ensuring that the legend remains a subject of fascination for cryptozoologists and enthusiasts alike. The Beast has since been featured in documentaries, books, and paranormal TV shows, solidifying its place in American folklore.

Final Thoughts

Is the Beast of Bray Road a natural predator, a supernatural entity, or simply a figment of imagination fueled by local lore? With decades of sightings and little concrete evidence, the mystery remains unsolved. If you’re intrigued by cryptid tales, tune in to This Podcast is a Secret to hear the full story of the Beast of Bray Road and decide for yourself.

Curious about more eerie encounters and cryptid legends? Listen to our full episode on This Podcast is a Secret and dive deeper into the mystery of the Beast of Bray Road. Available now on all major podcast platforms!