Prospect Park to Attempt to Lure Rare Maryland Snallygaster

The Prospect Park Alliance has announced springtime plans to lure a snallygaster from the mountains of western Maryland. The half-reptile/half-bird cryptid, known for its metallic beak, has been pursued in the Frederick, Maryland area since the sixteenth century—including capturing the attention of avid game hunter Teddy Roosevelt—but Prospect Park officials think they have the answer.

Artist’s rendering of a snallygaster. Illustration by R.H. Hanson, from “Snallygaster, the Lost Legend of Frederick County”

Folklore traditionally suggests that snallygasters can be lured to open vats of vodka.

“We plan to place five to seven large tubs of vodka, guarded of course, at strategic intervals around the park,” said Prospect Park Occult Acquisitions Director Evan Obuleed, “And then we cross our fingers.”

Not everyone is excited at this prospect, however.

“We’re concerned about the example that this sets for the children in our community. The presence of large open vats of alcoholic beverages gives the wrong message.” says Dr. Susan Fox, founder of the Park Slope Parents group, in the neighborhood that borders the park to the west.

“We will be planning after-hours Working Moms Meet-Ups, however, at the vats once they have been installed,” added Dr. Fox, “Tuesdays, 7 to 9pm.”