Squonk - [ Fearsome Critters ]

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

•About this Critter: A 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 so hunters where able to track it easily. The squonk is nocturnal and avoids drinking water in hopes that it wont accidentally see itself…

"Squonk hunts" are the Pennyselvanian equivalent 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.) it is specifically a title given to 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 as fast at least.)

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 purpose people hunt the squonk is also unknown. some people say their hams are delicious.

• History & Earliest appearances:

The squonk was yet another ‘Fearsome Critter' first illustrated and named in “Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods.” [1910]

it later appears a bit differently in Henry H Tryons Fearsome Critters [1939] who describes it as "the homliest animal in the world"

...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 very much a favourite of cryptid enthusiasts so it has appeared in several other publications since, its included in several other modern monster books and bestiary's but especially ones that cover fearsome critters. - it also appears in "Gillygallos and Gollywoppers" [1969] & "Kickle Snifters & Other Fearsome Critters" [1970's]

Notably: the Squonk is listed as the "スクォンク" - "skwonk" in Shigeru Mizukis "Asia 2 America" yokai encyclopedia [2010?] in it mizuki quotes both Borges & Cox (the squonk is only fearsome critter given the honor of being used an example of an "American Yokai." )

[Shigeru Mizukis Squonk]

In scientific literature "Chemical Squonks" are molecules that dissolve themselves, the name is in fact, a nod towards this critter! - The first Squonk festival, Squonkapalooza was also hosted in 2023!

• 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. i

*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) - one of many cryptids included in "Scaregoat" (2015) & 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!