The Squonk - [ Fearsome Critters ]

The Squonk. - (Latin name: Lacrimacorpus dissolvens.) - (JP: スクォンク)

•About this Critter:

A warty hog-like creature with ill fitting, warty skin, Occasionally met by hunters in the Pennsylvania mountain side where it hides in the hemlock (poison ivy) forests, said to be so ugly that its painful to stare at it for too long (and it knows it too.) Often Called ‘The most morbid of creatures’ as its tears seem to become acidic when exposed to the air: (...as such it’s likely also in constant pain…) - Hunters who track it down on cold nights said that if it was surprised or if captured in a sack, it would instantly break down into a myriad of tears, dissolving itself to an offal puddle of tears & bubbles… (it seems to be unclear if this kills the creature or if its just a means of escape.) - it is known to leave puddles of tear stains behind itself as it moves, The squonk is nocturnal and avoids drinking water in hopes that it wont accidentally see itself…

"Squonk hunts" are the Pennyselvanian version of "Snipe-hunts" - Squonk hunters are most successful on frosty moonlight nights, when tears are shed slowly. you can attract a squonk by mimicing its squeal like call. - "Squonk Commiserators*" seem to be a modern theme (i suppose because of the critters relatable miserable demeanour.) A title given to snipe hunters who's job is to empathize with the Squonk so that it won't melt. (Apparently if you can commiserate with it wont melt at least, as fast.) Despite this, there have been no successfully recorded Squonk hunts since the first time it was captured by Mr. J. P. Wentling near Mont Alto in Franklin County.

For what reason people hunt the squonk is also unknown.

• History & Earliest appearances:

The squonk is another ‘Fearsome Critter' first illustrated and named in “Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods.” [1910] - (Though Its quite likely that the squonks oral legend stretches back a bit further.) it appears again in Henry H Tryons Fearsome Critters [1939] - Eventually it was mentioned yet again (with the first description word for word) in Jorge Luis Borges famous “Book of imaginary beings” [1957] - The Squonk is a favourite of cryptid enthusiasts so it has appeared in several other publications since, including Shigeru Mizukis "Yokai Encyclopedias." & Alvin Schwartz's "Kickle Snifters & Other Fearsome Critters" [1970's] its included in several other modern monster books and bestiarys, especially ones that cover fearsome critters.

In scientific literature "Chemical Squonks" are molecules that dissolve themselves the name is in fact, a nod towards this critter!

• Pop Culture & Music: Despite the sad description, the Squonk seems to be ‘the 70s rockstar choice’ of fearsome critter: as it gets mentioned quite often in 70’s music! The Squonk gets a brief mention in steely dans “Any Major Dude Will Tell You’ (1974) & the band ‘Genesis’ (1976) also pays tribute to the Squonk in a song all about the creatures sad, sad life. There is also a scene in the Mario Bava's film "Bay of Blood" (1971) where they talk about the creature for a while.

*Recently a few other 'Squonk specific songs & soundtracks' have appeared on fearsome critters relevant music tracks, The song & music video "Squonk's Tears" "MAGICAL CIRCUS" (2010) by Japanese music group "Noowa" - "Squonk waltz" by 'Shawn Mc Burnie and the slight exaggerations' (2014) & most recently "Sam Kindles Fearsome Critters" Squonk. (2022.)

This Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo thats me!) - Part of my Fearsome Critters/Cryptids collection, weather resistant 4" sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!