This scary creature is something you definitely don’t want to run into in the Alaskan wilderness. These creatures are very crafty and sneaky and try to lure you into the vast Alaskan wilderness.
Let’s get into the legend of this scary creature:
What is A Shapeshifter?
A shapeshifter is a person that has the ability to change its physical appearance at will. There are many different examples: Skin-walkers, Mystique from the MCU, and the creature we are learning about today: The Kushtaka.
About the Nightmare Creature
The legend of the Kushtaka (the literal meaning: “land otter man”) comes from the Tlingit people. In general, they are located in Southeastern Alaska and some parts of Canada. The Kushtaka are shape shifters that presumably take the shape of only otters. Some legends say that it is just one species of sea otters, others say that it can change into any otter. The Kushtaka can emit a high pitched, three part whistle pattern of low high low.
So, there are two distinct versions of the Kushtaka. The first version is that they will actually save lost people. The Kushtaka will transform them into a fellow Kushtaka to allow the person to survive the cold.
On the other hand, aka the more terrifying version and most popular one. It will often be in groups, usually men, and they claim that they intend to rescue you. But, it will only lead you deeper into the wilderness to either tear you to shreds. Also, they could turn you into a Kushtaka. If a Kushtaka turns you, your soul is trapped and you can never reincarnate.
Ocassionally, the Kushtaka might lure you towards them by imitating the cries of a woman or child in distress. This is usually to lure women into the woods. Once they see that you are coming, you’ll never escape. So, mothers in Alaska are very fond of the legend to tell their children. Though, if you want to read about a personal experience about the legends this is a good read. One of the stories he talks about is his own very spooky story of his own encounter with this creature.
Now, “how do you keep them at bay?” you might ask. Thankfully, there are many different ways to keep them away/ward them off. Mostly it’s said to be, Copper, urine, dogs and fire. If you’re ever wanting to visit Alaska be sure to watch out for this creature. Maybe keep some copper on you to keep them at bay if you decide to hike in the Alaska wilderness.
Thank you for reading about the Kushtaka!
Now, this was a scary cryptid that is amazing to read all about it! Finding a lot of information on the legend proved a little difficult, since most stories were told by word of mouth. Luckily, some like the blog that I linked above, have posted their stories online. Learn more about Alaska’s cryptids check out Cryptids in Alaska.
About the Spook Shack
The Spook Shack is…A blog that I decided to start to learn/teach about the haunted places along with their cryptids. Right now I am working on the 50 states with five cryptids and haunted places/houses. I plan on going out of the USA and into other countries with their cryptids/haunted places.