Feral vs Domesticated vs Wild Cryptids
One reason cryptid care is less popular than clown husbandry is due to the natural feral behavior exhibited in cryptid creatures. Clowns do have territorial and rough behavioral issues, but genetically they are not predisposed to wild and feral natural states.
Even Scary Clowns are more sociable on average!!
Most cryptids are solitary and require patience, skill, and luck to befriend. A wild cryptid bond is a special relationship that most will never experience. This is something NO CRYPTID KEEPER should try to accomplish. If you try to go to the woods or abandoned factories to play cryptid Pokémon you WILL die.
Many cryptids are misunderstood and have been hunted for hundreds to thousands of years, so cryptid keeping should only be done by experienced creature owners. Clown husbandry is a great option for those interested in cryptid care. If you are able to properly care for a clown, cryptid care will be A LOT easier.
If you find an injured cryptid, call your local cryptid shelter. If none are in your area, contact clown shelters and they can help you connect with cryptid experts. Some clown shelters have even been known to temporarily house cryptids, however this should not be done unless necessary. You should not approach or try to help unless it is in immediate danger, and even then it is smarter for you to not help. But I know for us cryptid keepers it would be hard for us to resist helping.
Many cryptids you encounter in the wild will be feral. Some wild cryptids were originally pets or from breeders but ended up abandoned or escaped. Other wild cryptids just never went feral. There are theories, but no cryptozoologist has been able to identify why. If you think you found a non feral wild cryptid, DO NOT APPROACH. Leave them in their natural habitat. Do not leave any gifts or food. This will let them get your scent and stalk you. Avoid wild cryptids.
A good sign to know whether a cryptid is feral is by its loud and frequent vocalizations, fast and erratic movements, and tend to stalk humans rather than run away or hide. They may also foam at the mouth, hunch their backs, bob their heads, and be unable to stay still. Some speculate that it’s due to a disease or genetic mutation that causes feral behavior. We do know that no lab bred cryptid has gone feral on record. Little is known due to the dangers of feral cryptid studies. Many cryptid researchers have died or gone missing due to these endeavors.
Cryptozoologists, cryptid keepers, breeders, and hunters have different opinions on ferals. Some believe in study and attempted rehabilitation. There are ferals in captivity in cryptid research facilities.
Feral Cryptid Response (FCR) is the official reaction and response plan when encountering a feral Cryptid.
- ignore all cries or mimicry vocalizations
- Do not split up if in a group
- Carry garlic spray. Aim for any orifice
- Carry protective ruins and ward charms
- Carry a gun with lead or salt bullets
- Cover yourself in fecal matter, mud, dirt, or anything to make you less appetizing and reduce scent
- Act feral. This can make them think you are diseased or dangerous
- Do not run. You cannot escape
The FCR recommends that the best way to reduce the risk of feral or wild cryptid interactions is to research camping areas, look at national park cryptid warnings, and social media groups who track and report on feral and wild cryptid communities and sightings. It is also recommended you do not have exposed meat and avoid unnatural noises like loud music. Campers in known cryptid areas should never stay in a campsite for more than 2 nights. Make sure to move the campsite out by a few miles and keep a lookout throughout the night. The safest thing is to avoid these areas all together. There are many federally protected cryptid habitats that are off limits to all unauthorized humans, animals, and cryptids. Avoid these areas at ALL COSTS.
There are a few “types” of domesticated cryptids, although they have much overlap. Designer bred, keeper bred, and wild bred.
Designer and Lab bred cryptids are specifically chosen cryptids that are bred and genetically altered by federal and independent facilities. Similar to clown and dog breeding, healthy cryptid species are altered to either be safe towards humans or as designer “pet” breeds. Sea Serpents, Mothmen, Jersey Devils, Thunderbirds, and Chupacabras are bred into house pets. Bear dogs become guard dogs or used in cryptid fighting rings.
Wild bred is natural evolution of the cryptid species. (The Greenland Albino Mothman for example). Outside factors can affect the process like nuclear waste.
Keeper bred are cryptids who breed under supervision of keepers with the intention of population control or natural domesticated breeding.
It is important to know the different cryptid temperaments before getting into cryptid watching or keeping.
It is important to pick the right cryptid to keep. Think about your daily AND nightly schedules, outdoor space, other pets or creatures in your home and neighborhood, and city/state/country regulations. If someone tries to say that there is a good “beginner cryptid” they should NOT be trusted. There is no easy cryptid. Taking on cryptid keeping is a very rewarding experience, but do not think it’s like a goldfish.
Please Rescue Your Cryptids 🧚🏼♂️
