Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: 18th Century to present

Geographic Range: Pine Barrens, New Jersey, USA

Diet: Unknown

When he entered the world, the poor Jersey Devil did nothing worse than simply being the 13th child of Mother Leeds. Legend has it that when she discovered she was pregnant for a thirteenth time, she cursed the child, calling it a devil. When it was born, it transformed into a monster, much like Mother Leeds had accused it of being. Looking like the unholy union of a bat, a goat and a wyvern, the Jersey Devil stalks the New Jersey Pine Barrens, searching for its mother that damned him.

The Leeds family can be traced back to the 1700s and their family crest was a dragon-like creature, suggesting that descriptions of the creature could have come from this image or that the Leeds themselves decided to emblazon their wayward child on their family crest. This attempt to hide in plain sight has not gone unnoticed for many of our field agents.

The creature’s ability to fly and its strong tail make it a useful ally. However, it has been known to take flight when strangers are nearby and has even attacked vehicles. Approach with caution and certainly don’t mention his mother.