Seven species that used to be cryptids Cryptozoologists study cryptids: creatures whose existence has yet to be (or cannot entirely be) proven. Bigfoot, Nessie the Loch Ness Monster (yes, she has a name!), the Jersey Devil, El Chupacabra, Mothman, and werewolves are just a few of the many creatures that are studied in the world of cryptozoology. But, did you know that some real species we know about today were once considered cryptids? 1. Komodo dragon — until 1910, stories of a giant lizard on the island of Komodo in Indonesia were laughed at by any respectable scientist. However, when Lieutenant Steyn van Hansbroek caught and killed one, things changed. Explorer W. Douglas Burden wasn’t happy with just a dead specimen and decided to travel to the island to capture a live one. He returned to New York City with a few dead specimens and not one, but two live komodo dragons. The dragons were put on display at the Bronx Zoo and inspired Merian C. Cooper to write the 1933 classic King K