Wapaloosie. - [Fearsome Critter]

"...A lumber jack in one of the camps on the Humptulips River, Washington, shot a Wapaloosie, and upon examining its velvety coat decided that it would make an attractive and serviceable pair of mittens, which he proceeded to make. The hide was tanned thoroughly and the mittens made with care, fur side out, and as the lumber jack went to work he exhibited them with pride. Imagine his surprise upon talking hold of an ax to find that the mittens immediately worked their way up and off the handle. It was the same with whatever he took hold of, and finding that he could not use the mittens, they were left in a skid road, and were last seen working their way over logs and litter across the slashing."

Notably, This critter also shares its name with The 9th-Highest named peak in Washington's Colville National Forest: Wapaloosie Mountain & Trail. - According to some hiking guides about the area a "Wapaloosie" is purportedly an old figure of speech meaning "Any outstanding feature to an early land manager in the region." - like saying "Wow! That's a Wapaloosie of a peak!"  - I've personally also heard this expression used in Canada! used to express something "outstanding, grand or impressive but executed excruciatingly poorly." for example "My friend just got back from one Wapaloosie of a trip--it was an absolute disaster!" I am unsure if they’re from the same root but it feels likely.

Given the time this critter was first named & illustrated, its fairly difficult to say for certain if the creature was named after the mountain, the expression, or vice-versa! (likely a "chicken vs egg" scenario.)

Sticker art by @samkalensky part of my fearsome critters sticker collection check my shop & follow for many more!