Dungavenhooter - [Fearsome Critter]

Dungavenhooter - [Fearsome Critter] - Latin name: Crocodilus hauriens.

• About this critter: a crock-like reptile, minus the signature jaws, it hides in the bushes then pulverizes rum-sodden loggers into a gas using its weighted tail, then, it snorts the remains through its huge nostrils leaving nothing behind... Supposedly Native to the marshlands between Main & Michigan. 

• History:  The dungavenhooter made its first illustrated appearance catalogued among other fearsome critters in Henry H Tryons 'Fearsome Critters' [1939.]

THE DUNGAVENHOOTER * Crocodilus hauriens.
 "Formerly quite common from Maine to Michigan. Today only occasionally met with on the Upper Peninsula of the latter state.
    A marsh-dweller, dangerous to human beings. Shaped a good deal like an alligator, but curious as to equipment in that he has no mouth. The nostrils are abnormally large, the legs short and the tail thick and powerful. The only cry is a loud snort.
    Concealing itself with Satanic cunning behind a whiffle bush, the Dungavenhooter awaits the passing logger. On coming within reach of the dreadful tail, the victim is knocked senseless and then pounded steadily until he becomes entirely gaseous, whereat he is greedily inhaled through the wide nostrils.
    Rum-sodden prey is sought with especial eagerness.

* Not to be confused with the New Brunswicker ghost legend, the “Dungarvon Whooper.”

Given its odd sounding name which bears some similarity in difficult pronunciation to the 'Rumtifusel' – I wouldn't be surprised if the legend or name of the creature also migrated from Scandinavian lumber camps as well. (Just speculation though.) Perhaps it was used to explain lumberjacks gone missing in the swamp.

The book notes that it should not be confused with the New Brunswick ghost legend “Dungarvon Whooper.” A ghost legend famous for making "whooping" sounds:

[from "Northeast folklore" 1958]

Perhaps this 'hooter' mimics an owls cry instead..?