Mothman, Bigfoot and 3 More Creatures Get USPS Stamps

The next time you mail a letter, you might be sending it on its way with a little help from Bigfoot. The United States Postal Service is bringing some unusual company to its 2027 stamp collection. This time, the featured personalities aren’t movie stars, athletes, or historical figures. They’re creatures that have spent decades lurking in forests, haunting lakes and keeping folklore alive.

The collection features Mothman, the Jackalope, the Squonk, Sasquatch and Champ. For cryptozoology fans, seeing these familiar characters receive official recognition is reason enough to celebrate.

I suspect George Noory would approve. The longtime host of Coast to Coast AM has spent years giving mysterious creatures and unexplained happenings a place on the late-night radio dial. I can almost hear him introducing the collection: “Tonight, we’re discussing five mysterious creatures. And apparently, you can now send them through the mail.” The Squonk might even call in, although knowing its reputation, the phone line would probably be flooded with tears.

The artwork comes from tattoo artist Nat Power, who digitally illustrated the creatures and their surroundings. USPS art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps. Bold black linework and vivid colours give the collection a distinctive look, with Mothman’s glowing red eyes and wings particularly suited to a postage stamp.

Mothman emerged from Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in 1966, when residents began reporting a human-sized, winged figure with glowing red eyes. Sightings continued into 1967, the year the Silver Bridge collapsed, killing 46 people. The timing helped fuel stories linking the creature to impending disaster, although no evidence established such a connection. Today, Mothman is a local celebrity, celebrated through festivals, souvenirs and spooky-cute costumes.

The Jackalope has a more playful backstory. Part jackrabbit, part deer, this antlered novelty creature became famous after Douglas, Wyoming, taxidermists Douglas and Ralph Herrick created their first version in 1934. What began as a clever taxidermy joke eventually became a roadside attraction, appearing on postcards, souvenirs and just about anything that could use a little extra antler.

Then there’s the Squonk, arguably the saddest creature in the collection. Pennsylvania lumberjack folklore describes it as a wrinkled animal so unhappy with its appearance that it cries constantly. Its story appeared in William T. Cox’s 1910 book Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods. One unfortunate hunter manages to lure a Squonk into a sack, only to discover that his prize has dissolved into tears and bubbles. Imagine explaining that to the insurance company.

Sasquatch, better known as Bigfoot, is the celebrity of the group. The towering, hairy figure has inspired decades of sightings, documentaries and photographs that always seem to be just a little too blurry. No conclusive physical evidence has settled the question of its existence, but Bigfoot’s place in popular culture is secure. His merchandising career, at least, is doing just fine.

Champ rounds out the collection. Said to inhabit Lake Champlain between New York and Vermont, this serpentine lake monster has been part of regional folklore for centuries. Sightings and stories have kept the legend alive, making Champ a familiar local mascot and a favourite among monster enthusiasts.

The USPS collection brings these five characters from folklore into the everyday world of letters and postcards. Whether you’re a believer, a sceptic or simply someone who appreciates a good monster story, there’s something entertaining about seeing them turn up in the mailbox.

After all, you don’t need to believe in Bigfoot to send him a letter. You just need the right stamp.

Do not return to sender. Bigfoot might be waiting for you.