Sketch by Terry Thomas
The
Pope Lick Monster was seen on numerous occasions in Eastern Louisville
in the 40's and 50's. The name originated from the Pope
Lick Creek which travels under the train trestle, adjacent Taylorsville
Road.
Although,
it has been hypothesized that The Pope Lick Monster was a "Goatman,"
which makes for a good story, I (Charlie Raymond) believe the
creature was actually a Bigfoot.
The creature "would scream" at daredevils attempting
to cross the train trestle, as if to warm them of the obvious
danger. A few people unfortunately died trying to outrun the oncoming
train. The vocalizations were described as "long wails,"
possible warnings to trespassers to leave his territory (Bigfoot
behavior). Many reports of livestock in the area were found ripped
apart.
Back in the 40’s and 50’s there were NO documented
Bigfoot sightings in this area and NO internet, thus people conjured
up the name "Goatman," when it may have been a Bigfoot.
One of the best known incidents involved a group of Boy Scouts
camping next to the trestle. Late one evening the creature "screamed
and threw rocks" at them, forcing them to flee in the middle
of the night (Bigfoot behavior).
Regarding its physical appearance it may have been a Bigfoot with
mange on its upper torso. The hairless upper body represented
a man, while the hairy legs gave the appearance of a goat. A Bigfoot
report in nearby Spencer County with possible mange was seen on
a few occasions in 2005.
Since the 40's and 50's there have been many Bigfoot sightings
in the surrounding areas. See reports for Spencer and Bullitt
counties on our site: www.kentuckybigfoot.com.
There was even a low budget movie made about The Pope Lick Monster.