The Beast of Bray Road is one of the most famous American cryptids — a mysterious, wolf-like creature said to stalk the rural roads and fields near Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Often described as part werewolf, part and part unknown beast, it has been the subject of local legend, media attention, and cryptozoological research since the late 20th century.
The Beast of Bray Road is typically described as:
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7 feet tall, muscular, and covered in dark brown or gray fur
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Bipedal, though sometimes seen walking on all fours
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Having a wolf- or dog-like face with sharp teeth and glowing amber or red eyes
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Known to emit growls or snarls and chase or observe witnesses from roadsides or fields
Many people consider it a werewolf-like cryptid or a dogman — a type of humanoid canine reported in various parts of the U.S., especially the Midwest.
The legend of the Beast of Bray Road gained widespread attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s when a series of encounters were reported in Walworth County, Wisconsin, particularly along Bray Road, a quiet rural stretch outside Elkhorn.
The story was first popularized by Linda Godfrey, a local journalist for The Week, who in 1991 published a front-page article titled “The Beast of Bray Road.” The article compiled local eyewitness accounts of a strange, upright wolf-like creature.
The media attention that followed led to national coverage, and Godfrey later wrote several books investigating the phenomenon.
Notable Encounters
Doris Gibson (October 31, 1991)
While driving home from work late at night, Doris swerved to avoid what she thought was a large animal on Bray Road. When she got out to check, she saw a large, hairy, wolf-like creature with pointed ears and glowing eyes standing upright. It began to chase her car as she fled.
Tom Brichta (Late 1980s)
A local man reported seeing a dog-headed creature kneeling by the roadside, apparently eating roadkill with its hands. When he stopped to look closer, it stood upright and glared at him before walking off into the woods.
Russell Gast (1990)
While working on a horse farm near Elkhorn, Gast and other farmhands claimed to see a tall, hairy creature prowling around the pasture at night. Horses became agitated and refused to go near certain areas afterward.
Multiple 1989–1992 Sightings
Over a dozen similar sightings poured in during these years — drivers, farmers, and even teenagers reported seeing the beast near Bray Road, County Highway NN, and other rural areas. Descriptions were consistent: upright, canine-like, fast-moving, and often associated with fear or aggression.
Modern Reports
While the original wave of encounters slowed after the early 1990s, occasional sightings still occur around Elkhorn, Jefferson County, and southern Wisconsin. Some witnesses have captured blurry photos or audio recordings of strange howls.
Theories About the Beast
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Misidentified Animal – Possibly a large wolf, coyote, or bear seen under poor lighting.
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Escaped Exotic Pet – Some think it could have been a hybrid animal or a dog bred to resemble a wolf.
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Supernatural Creature – Others believe it’s a shape-shifter or a spiritual being linked to Native American folklore.
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Cryptid / Unknown Species – Some cryptozoologists suggest it could be a remnant hominid or undiscovered predator similar to reports of the “Michigan Dogman.”