Upland Trout. - [Fearsome Critter]

Upland Trout. - [Fearsome Critter.] - Flying fish.

•About this critter: Yes siree, it's a fish that can swim through the air: They nest in trees and are excellent at flight, however, they are absolutely terrified of water... Young tender footed campers were sent on "snipe hunts" to fetch them for a pan-fried dinner. – But, they were just too quick!!

Luckily by the time they were tired, the supervising adults would have prepared a meal of beans back at camp. (Hunting mysterious animals was probably a great distraction for young tykes, keeping them distracted/busy.)

• History: Earliest mention of the 'Upland Trout' by name seems to be: "Paul Bunyan's Natural History" [1939] As with the others mentioned in that book, it was very likely an earlier, oral myth, spread in a way similar to a "Snipe Hunt." - a fool's errand/right of passage which has existed since the 1800's and is still occasionally a part of "boy scouts' initiation to this day! 

of course, obviously, 'Fish with wings' are nothing new have also appeared in art since at least medieval times.

[img source]

- Although these days the "Upland trout" is often pictured with literal wings, the 1939 description does not mention wings at all! early llustrations of the 'upland trout' feature it humorously managing to fly (or swim) in the sky just fine without them! (The wings are added take to show that it's literally flying, plus wings make it more appealing from a design perspective.)

Oh, and This "flying fish" is not to be confused with Parexocoetus brachypterus a species of saltwater cod with the ability to fly in short bursts, that is in fact; absolutely real!!

Art by @samkalensky part of my fearsome critters collection of stickers, check my shop for many more!