Hermin the Vermin

The bizarre creature shown above was discovered in a seldom-visited part of an English schoolhouse. Freakish squirrel? Mummified alien? Feejee Mermaid? No one knows what the beast might be, but townsfolk have named it "Hermin the Vermin" and "Spawn of the Jersey Devil."

The man who discovered the remains (which are said to possess an impressive set of teeth) plans to keep it as a souvenir. Read more here.

As interesting as Hermin might be, he's nothing compared to the Jersey Devil, a creature that's said to terrorize the New Jersey Pine Barrens. It deserves its very own post, but in the meantime, here's a little snippet from Wikipedia to pique your curiosity . . .

"The most popular version of the Jersey Devil legend begins in the 18th century when Deborah Smith from England immigrated to the Pine Barrens in southern New Jersey to marry a Mr. Leeds, a rather vain man who wanted several heirs to continue the family name. After bearing twelve healthy children, [Deborah] was dismayed to be pregnant with her thirteenth. She cursed the unborn child, declaring a preference to bear the Devil's child rather than another Leeds. Apparently, her wish was granted as the new child had cloven hooves, claws, and a tail. The horrific newborn proceeded to eat the other Leeds children and the parents, before escaping through the chimney to begin its reign of terror."

I wonder if ever takes one of the tunnels into New York City?

(Below: The Jersey Devil)