TH E J E R S E Y DEVI L Handbook
What is the Jersey Devil?
The Jersey Devil is a legend that dates back over 200 years to 1735 and it is the oldest legend in America. There are many theories to its origins but none that have ever been able to be proven true.
Legends The Jersey Devil is the 13th child of Mrs. Leeds who cursed her unborn baby during a fit of painful contractions, saying, “Let this child be a devil!�
Pregnant Mrs. Leeds denied food to a starving gypsy, who then placed a curse on the pregnant woman.
Mrs. Leeds involvement in witchcraft resulted in the birth of a devil as her child, a gift from her master Satan.
Where does it live?
The Jersey Devil is said to roam the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, a piece of land that stretches over seven counties and is over 225 miles wide. The Pine Barrens contain swamp, marsh, and pine lands and is home to a vast variety of animals as well as rare plants.
Pine Forests
Marshes & Swamps
Rare Plantlife
What does it look like?
The most common theory states that the Jersey Devil has the face of a horse, the wings of a bat and the claws of a bird. However, there are many other variations that have been used to explain the appearance of this mysterious creature.
Theories
Sandhill Crane
Fruit Bat
There are those that believe that the Jersey Devil could be a descendant of the dragon since many descriptions of the Jersey Devil is said to have characterisitcs that are said to be similiar such as : long necks, wings, and the ability to fly.
The fruit bat is nocturnal, can live for around 30 years, and while it mostly eats fruit, it has been known to attack chickens and drink their blood. However, this animal is not known to live in the United States.
Dragon
Pterodactyl
Some people believe that the Jersey Devil may be mistaken as the Sandhill Crane which has a large wing span and a loud screech. However, this creature is a herbivore and Jersey Devil has been known to steal livestock and attack animals, behavior more often associated with carnivores.
Some people believe that the Jersey Devil is actually a pterodactyl, or group of pterodactyls, who have managed to survive throughout the years. Some believe that the creature(s) may have been residing in caves that became blocked due to plate tectonics and earthquakes.
Where has it been spotted?
The Jersey Devil has been spotted all over New Jersey! The first sighting began in 1735 and have continued up until today.The sightings range in location as far north as Ramsey to as far south as Cape May, New Jersey.
Sightings
Sussex
Passaic Ramsey Bergen
Warren Morris Essex Union Hunterdon Somerset Middlesex Mercer
Monmouth
Ocean Burllington Gloucester
Camden
Salem Atlantic Cumberland Pine Barrens
Cape May Sighting Range
Cape May
1735 Supposed birth year of the Jersey Devil, rumored to be named Smith J. Leeds. 1740 A priest exorcised the Jersey Devil for 100 years after sighti wing. 1840 The Jersey Devil went on a rampage this year, and the state suffered a heavy loss of chickens and sheep. Note that this was the 100th an posses.1858 An is published describing the fear in the residents of the Pine Barrens. They all seem hesitant to go out after dark, due to a winged b throughout the winter months. 1880’s Jersey Devil was rumored to “carry off anything that moved” during this decade 1894 Jersey Devil seen around was accused of raiding Vincentown and Burrsville, then heading up to New York. In New York, a man claimed to have heard ungodly screams, and foun Devil then returned to New Jersey, where he would do his worst batch of terrorism yet! In Paterson, a strange creature was killed and exhibited. It wa rumor. 1925 A man in Greenwich Township discovered the creature eating chickens. The story goes on to say that the man chased it, shot it, and exhib upright and was hairy. The creature landed on the roof of the car and shook it, then flew off. 1930 Two men from Erial saw the Jersey Devil, and later creature during this year. 1932 The Jersey Devil was chased in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. 1935 Jersey Devil was sighted in Woodstown, and was de heard chilling screams and cries. Search parties went out, combed the area, but found nothing. 1937 A hunting posse was formed after witnesses ne information on the event! 1950 A driver reports being chased by a two-legged creature in Lowerbank. The creature kept up with the car until approxi Within these two days, a young boy saw a creature looking into the window, and was so shocked that he screamed and went into convulsions. The ne creature, and one man claimed that “it” almost grabbed him in the woods. Another resident searched and claimed to have seen the creature for an ins fire at anything that moved. Police arrested anyone in the woods, and placed signs throughout the region that the Jersey Devil was a hoax, meanwh Charred eerie remains were discovered in the woods. It was a partial carcass that included claws, feathers, bones, and hind legs. This carcass was Township, a group of boys were fined $50 when they were caught hunting in the woods. The boys claimed to be hunting the Jersey Devil. Also that ye found in Dorothy and May’s Landing. Two awards were announced for the Jersey Devil’s capture - one for $10,000 and one for $100,000. Two people h scratches on the roof. They later saw the creature flying off in the distance. 1963 Five men on a hunting trip at Lake Atsion (near Batsto) found 11-inch the Mullica River in April. One man found 31 ducks, 3 geese, 4 cats, and 2 mangled dogs. One of the dogs was a 90 lb. German Shepherd whose thr taking livestock and found giant footprints. Unfortunately, the ground was too wet to make plaster casts. During that same year, a girl saw the Jersey D Rutgers Rarities team. to the full account, as well as the details of their investigation! 1969 A man watches the Jersey Devil jumping across the road Leeds Point are thought to be acts of the Jersey Devil. 1973 Several couples witness a large winged creature fly out of the brush in Manahawkin. Also t driver heard screams from within the Pine Barrens. Near Batsto, on the Wharton State Forest, a car full of passengers saw a strange creature cross th 1975 A horse was found in Williamstown, with its throat completely ripped out... many people believed that it was the handiwork of the Jersey Devil. strange winged creature flying towards him in Somerset - the creature hovered nearby until it took off. 1976 A gas station attendant in Jackson Mills cl Although never witnessed, many believe this to be a Jersey Devil raid. Also this year, a young man encountered a creature that hissed and screamed a there was a sighting in Chatsworth. In the summer, a woman said that she saw the Jersey Devil eating blueberries in the Pine Barrens. In Penns Gro Tuckerton also saw its share of activity, as the Jersey Devil made loud noises, dented trailers, and sp footprints all throughout camps in the area. Also the Jersey Devil in Chatsworth, describing him as having red eyes and a bad odor. In June of that year, two campers in Atsion complained to park rang Neck. A boy in Jersey City wakes to find something scratching and screaming outside his window. He screamed and ran into bed. By the time his fathe horrific unidentifiable howling screaming noises. 1979 Another couple in Tabernacle Township claims that the Jersey Devil was making horrible cries in but to no avail. 1980 The Jersey Devil made a brief appearance running across a street in New Egypt. During the winter of that year, the Jersey Devil creature moving through the underbrush in the Mullica River. 1983 A couple from Paisley hears screams in the woods. On July 10th, a group in the w screams in Chatsworth became so loud that they were overpowering a chainsaw, and forced woodcutters to leave the job. 1985 In Bernardsville, a cr their mother in Tabernacle. 1986 A woman reports seeing a creature with a long tail standing on a rooftop in South River. Several other witnesses in t summer. 1987 A German Shepherd is found 25 feet away from its chain, with its body torn apart and gnawed upon. The dog’s body was surrounded seen running in Wrightstown by two men. Also in the fall, several people are circled by a strange screaming creature in the woods in Waterford. 1989 A creature standing before him at Bamber Lake. 1990 A soldier in Fort Dix witnesses a strange creature running past their camp on May 22nd. 1991 Two March 3rd in Burlington. In Erial, a man reports approaching what he believed was a bird, only to find a strange winged creature with a horse-like fac creature on the side of the road near Atlantic City on June 6th. Also that year, a soldier on Fort Dix (yes, the same one from 1990) encounters the Jers couple in a parked car saw something run by them in the dark. Also this year, a boy at camp watched something walk by on all fours with the head o men encounter a creature in Wall Township during target practice. for one shooter’s story! In September, several dirtbike riders encounter the creatu outside their home while in their backyard. The creature circled the two for some time, screeched repeatedly, and left. Later on that year, the couple wa the creature. Also that year, a driver watched a strange creature jump out in front of his car near Wildwood in February. In the summer, a boy from Buc of the night by screeches at Bass River State Park. Also in October, a group of boys watch a strange creature that looked like a horse on two legs wal the Jersey Devil sitting in the highway. Also this year, strange noises and unidentifiable footprints were reported from Brick. 1996 A driver watched a str in Medford Park in July. A driver witnesses a strange pinkish creature about the size of a dog walk across the road in Sparta during the summer. Anot strange creature in the woods in Smithville. 1997 A man hiking on the Batona Trail was chased out of the woods by a creature who was no more than a creature in his backyard! A boy woke up to find his dogs going crazy and hearing screams in the woods in Southampton. Another boy scout had a st 1998 In April, a man saw something in his backyard with glowing red eyes and a horse/dog-like face in Sussex. In July, a strange creature was spotted screaming. The screams were heard for the next three weeks off and on throughout the nights. In October, a man saw a large creature jump out onto h year, a boy and his friend saw the Jersey Devil while walking on a path. for his story! Also in 1998, a truck driver slams on his brakes in the Pine Barren staring at him at the edge of the woods. 1999 A boy camping hears and witnesses a strange creature on February 17th at Mount Misery. A teenager sa screeches on July 4th in Leeds Point. In October, a rider on a four-wheeler is chased out of the woods by a two legged hoofed creature making inde away. On October 8th, a couple was entertaining guests on their porch in Jacksonville. They began to hear strange noises and saw a glowing object two people hit a mysterious animal with their car in Ramsey. The creature scurried off into the woods. On October 26th, a hiking class went into the F attempting to make a Jersey Devil video heard screams and witnessed a creature fly past their car in November at Bamber Lake. A class of twenty approaching behind them, and turned to see the Jersey Devil! A boy from Moorestown saw a creature running through the woods on December 3rd. strange in their backyard. While decorating for Christmas, a man in Dover Township hears unearthly screams and witnesses movement in a tree in De in a park. for the story from one of the witnesses! A young girl sees a creature with “a head like a dog and face like a horse” sitting on a fence in Leed 1st, a man feels “stalked” and sees a creature outside his home in Mays Landing. A series of strange Jersey Devil related incidents occur over Februa and heard a strange creature in the woods in Great Meadows on February 25th. Three men heard something, and witnessed a creature that fit the Jer River. for his story! A guy and his sisters hear and witness the Jersey Devil by the Bayonne Bridge on April 28th. One man watched a creature fly ove the Jersey Devil in Leeds Point on June 23rd. An out-of-state cop watched something fly over the trees in Sea Breeze on July 1stTwo drivers see a cr were chased in their jeep while off-roading in Wharton State Forest on July 17th. Two hikers encountered a strange feathered creature in Leeds Poin creature while driving in New York on December 11th.Two girls discovered a strange creature sitting in an abandoned car in the woods in Toms River o and footprints in Flemington in February. Click here for his report! A group of dog walkers witnesses a large creature fly out of the woods in Carneys P land in front of his car in Newport on April 19th. Another driver sees something in Woodbury on May 13th. Two men in a car witness a larged winged c 3rd. 2002 Sometime this year, a car full of witnesses sees a creature hopping alongside an isolated road in Abseco. On April 20th, a driver is circled b campers in the Pine Barrens see something with a long tail, horse-like face, and horns in the middle of a road in the woods. A boy sees a large creatur Mills Wildlife Area. Click here to read his tale!A family witnesses a strange creature in a tree in Pinehurst on November 2nd. A family heard terrifying scr detector lights in the area seemed to mysteriously turn on throughout the nights as well. Also in January, strange tracks are seen throughout Marlton peer inside.Again in January, a family in Browns Mills woke up and found their yard covered with hoof like prints. The trail seemed to climb up into the Egg Harbor City heard rustling and witnessed a creature run off in the distance while playing manhunt. Campers in Lacey report hearing an eerie howl in Bayonne. Piercing screams are heard in Mountainside on May 1st, and residents report a strange creature in the area. A teenager reports hearing wei Lakes Campground in Batsto. Workers in a factory witness something fly and land on a nearby building in Swedesboro in July. Also in July, a girl hear two legs and wings take a drink on the other side of the river bed. A couple reports seeing a strange winged shadow fly overhead in Brick on Septem scout troop hears high pitched screams in the distance while on a campground in the Pine Barrens. On October 31st, a man was chased out of the w roof scattered with prints and the police baffled. On March 19th, several teenagers hear the sounds of something flying and land behind a strip mall summer, a girl saw a huge dark creature with wings and horns in the woods of Browns Mills. On August 12th, two campers witness a strange small c followed them from a distance until they left the park. On August 31st, a man hears strange, loud screeches in Vernon. On September 1st, kids playing footprints were reported in Pemberton. On October 23rd, a family traveling through Wharton State Forest witnesses a huge creature fly overhead and witnesses a creature fly down and land in a CVS parking lot in Smithville, NJ. On October 29th, a group sees a strange creature in Leeds Point. On N
Reports of Sightings.
ing the creature sporadically throughout 1735-1740. 1800 - 1820 Between this time, Stephen Decatur sighted the creature and shot a hole through its nniversary of its exorcism. 1841 More livestock loss, and people hear chilling screams and discover strange tracks. Nothing could be located by local beast roaming and terrorizing the woods. 1859 Jersey Devil sighted in Haddonfield, NJ 1873 - 1874 Jersey Devil seen in Bridgeton and Long Branch d Smithville, Long Beach Island, Brigantine Beach, Haddonfield, and Leeds Point. 1899 This was a big year in JD history. In this time, the Jersey Devil nd he was missing sheep when he awoke the next morning. There were also reports of sightings of an unusual creature at Hyenga Lake, NY. The Jersey as believed to be a possible carcass of the Jersey Devil. 1920 A posse in Salem supposedly treed the Jersey Devil, but nothing more became of this bited the carcass, but this story was never proven. 1927 A cab driver on the way to Salem pulled over to fix his flat tire, and saw a creature that stood r the same day their two daughters also saw it in the same spot it had been in earlier. Berry pickers in Leeds Point and Mays Landing also spotted the escribed as a big “police dog”. Horrible screams were heard throughout the year in Absecon. 1936 More sightings in Woodstown - people of the town ear Downingtown, PA, reported seeing a strange kangaroo-like creature around dusk on July 28th. Check out the from the Evening Bulletin for more imately 50 miles an hour, and then disappeared. 1951 “Invasion of Gibbstown” - a two day invasion, similar to Phenomenal Week on a smaller scale. ext night, another boy experienced the same thing. Several couples heard unearthly screams, like “wild birds”. Several people went out in search of the stant before his flashlight blew out. These sightings caused an incident of mass hysteria - people were running through the woods with weapons, y to hile finding strange unexplainable tracks. 1952 Strange prints were found, yet proven to be a hoax created by a bear’s paw attached to a stick. 1957 believed to be the end of the Jersey Devil. When given to the officials, the Department of Conservation could not identify the remains. 1959 In Wall ear, a pair of sisters witnessed the Jersey Devil clinging to their bedroom window in Bridgeton. 1960 Eerie noises were heard and strange tracks were heard rustling noises in the bushes in Mullica Hill ! 1961 Two couples parked in cars heard screeches outside. When they got out of their car, they found h tracks and heard loud screams in the woods. 1964 Screeches were heard in Estell Manor. 1966 Mangled dogs and livestock were discovered around roat had been ripped out and body was dragged 1/4 mile from its chain. to view pictures of the farm! Also this year, a state trooper saw the creature Devil heading off into the woods. On September 9th, a couple witnesses a glowing horse-like creature in Edison. This incident was investigated by the d, right in front of his car in Sweetwater. 1970 The Jersey Devil is blamed for pulling a child’s hair in Mercer County. 1971 Mysterious chicken deaths in this year, a young girl hears a horrible scream in the woods of Leeds Point with her mother and sister. to her recount of the event! 1974 An ambulance heir path. to about one of the passenger’s encounter! Also this year, canoers on Cedar Creek watch a creature following their canoe from the shore. Also this year, a group of kids had a possible Jersey Devil encounter. to a story from one of the children, years later! In October, a man witnesses a laims that he is constantly followed home by the Jersey Devil. Also this year, pigs mysteriously began to die in Pedricktown, sometimes quite violently. at him in Long Branch. In July, a woman witnesses a strange creature walking on the other side of a lake in Batsto. 1977 Another busy year. In January, ove, a frightening experience took place - a beast grabbed the door handle of a woman’s car and ran along side at a speed up to 60 miles an hour! o this summer, a woman has an up close and personal encounter with a creature outside her window in Vincentown. 1978 A group of teenagers spot gers that the screams of the Jersey Devil kept them awake all night. Similar howls and screams were heard later on that year in Smithville and Chestnut er arrived, the creature was gone. Also this year, two camp counsellors lock themselves in a laundry lodge at a YMCA camp in Blairstown after hearing n the woods behind their home. A few students from Stockton State College in Pomona attempted to track the Jersey Devil after a sighting on campus, l banged on sheds in Waretown nightly. 1981 A young couple saw the Jersey Devil at Atsion Lake. Canoers also claimed to have been followed by a woods in Bayville witness a small horned creature jumping from treetop to treetop and disappear in the direction of Cedar Creek. 1984 Jersey Devil reature is seen on the bridge on Ravine Lake Road in December. In the fall of 1985, a creature runs past a window and is witnessed by two boys and the car with her also saw the creature, and could not identify it. Also this year, a man reported seeing a winged creature near South Toms River in the d by strange tracks. That very same year, a young girl saw the Jersey Devil while on a class trip in the Pine Barrens. In September, the Jersey Devil is A woman witnessed a strange creature on the side of the road in Holmdel during January. A man heard a loud shriek and turned to see a large winged o hunters in Whiting watched a creature walk across a dirt road. Also this year, a girl saw a bird-like creature with a horse head, hooves, and wings on ce that flew away screaming. 1992 A group of offroaders witness a strange creature cross their path in Chatsworth during the winter. A driver sees a sey Devil for a second time on July 16th. 1993 A woman in Winslow Township claimed that the Jersey Devil visited her property annually, every fall. A of a camel and the body of a bear, with a long tail dragging behind. A boy scout troop saw the creature in June at Wharton State Park. In July, several ure in Forked River. In October, a group of campers witnessed the creature jump across a stream. 1994 A couple in Jackson heard eerie screeches as outside again and heard the same screeches. Similar sightings were reported, under the same conditions - it is suspected that the bonfire attracted cks County, PA had a possible Jersey Devil experience. for his recount of events! In October, a group of camping girl scouts is awakened in the middle lk into a cornfield in Millstone. 1995 A strange beast is seen hopping along the side of Route 287 in Pompton Lakes. In December, a woman watched range creature pace his car down the road while glaring at him with red eyes. for the exact story told by the driver himself! Also, a woman heard noises ther boy and his friends witness a creature scream and fly off while hiking in Mount Misery. On August 8th, two Philadelphia police officers witness a n 20 feet behind him. Later in May, a man was awakened in the middle of the night to screams in Wall Township. He looked out the window to witness trange encounter in the Pine Barrens in the fall. Also this year, a man reports watching a creature flying in the trees near him in Magnolia in the summer. d in Bayville sitting in the road one night. Also during the summer, a man at the Hopewell Valley Golf Course encountered a strange animal that flew off his trail in Leeds Point. Another woman witnessed the Jersey Devil shredding and devouring a dog carcass in Leeds Point. to what she says! Also that ns to witness a creature in the road let out a blood curdling scream and fly off. A boy riding a bike in Old Bridge witnessed a strange gorilla-like creature aw a strange creature perched in a tree around dusk at Bamber Lake in March. Campers returned to find their supplies rummaged through after hearing escribable screams. On October 2nd, a teenager claims to have seen the Jersey Devil step out of the woods at Bamber Lake. The creature then flew t. On October 18th, a driver watched something strange cross the highway in front of him on Cape May Avenue in Atlantic County. On October 23rd, Forked River area, only to discover strange footprints. The Jersey Devil made a quick cameo as he flew across the path they had been hiking! A family y students witnesses a creature fly over the woods and land in Forked River on November 16th. In Stoney Brook, two guys fishing heard footsteps for his report! A couple in Pomona watched something strange in the woods on December 26th. Also that day, two girls from Sewell saw something ecember. Two hikers are followed through the woods in Westmont. 2000 On January 10th, several people in Pennsylvania encounter the Jersey Devil ds Point on January 12th. On January 16th, a couple hears screeches and sees a horse-like creature on two legs run past them in Batsto. On February ary 4th - 5th in Holmdel. Seven people witnessed the Jersey Devil visiting Philadelphia as he flew overhead on February 24th. A pizza deliverer saw rsey Devil’s description fly over their heads in Morristown on February 27th. A boy and his dog were chased by the Jersey Devil on April 15th in Toms erhead in Paramus on May 11th. Two travelers drove past a strange creature perched in the woods in Gibbstown on May 22nd. A couple encounters reature sitting on the side of the Garden State Parkway near Atlantic City on July 2nd. A girl is approached by the Jersey Devil in Hillsboro. Five guys nt on October 3rd. A college student sees a strange, deer-like creature on the side of the road in Whiting on November 11th. Two boys hit a strange on December 13th. A girl and her friends see a strange shadow in the woods in Southampton on December 15th. 2001 A boy reports strange noises Point in the spring. A girl hears scraping at her window and is laughed at by the police on April 16th in Burlington. A driver reports seeing something creature flying overhead on July 21st outside of Atlantic City. A hunter in Woodbury hears something making strange noises outside his tent on August by a strange flying creature at night in New Brunswick. Two drivers watch a strange creature hop across the road in Sewell in May. Sometime this year, re and hears a horrible scream in Jackson in October. A hunter witnesses terrified deer running and sees a strange shadow on October 31st in Collier reeches throughout the night on December 12th in Tuckerton. 2003 Loud, high pitched screams were reported in Runnemede on January 11th. Motion n after an overnight snowfall. The tracks were shaped like little hooves. In some cases, the tracks approached windows, as if the creature had tried to bed of their truck and then stopped completely. Screeches are heard and the Jersey Devil is seen in Wanaque on March 8th. On March 16th, kids in ling and seeing a strange figure in Lacey on March 26th. Dogs begin to go crazy and loud noises are heard throughout a neighborhood on April 18th ird screeches and rapid movements in the woods in Morris County during the spring. On June 4th, two campers witness a strange creature at Paradise rs screeching noises and watches a creature fly overhead in Manahawkin. Again in July, a canoer on the Bass River watches a deer-like creature with mber 5th. On September 18th, a truck full of witnesses feels something hit their truck, and then watches a creature run past them. In October, a boy woods by a creature in Leeds Point. 2004 On February 18th, a family in Egg Harbor Township has a strange encounter with a creature that leaves their in Sparta. Several screeches and hisses were heard. On June 17th, a boy sees a strange creature flying in a weird fashion in Franklinville. During this creature rummaging through their backpacks in the Pine Barrens. On August 21st, a group sees a tall, dark creature on a trail in Batsto. The creature g in South Plainfield hear a strange screeching noise that seems to follow them as they leave the woods. On October 1st, screeches and unexplained land near a stream. Click here to read their account! Later that night, campers in Paramus witness something in the woods On October 26th, a woman November 3rd, two boys are chased by a strange creature in the Pine Barrens. On December 12th, a group discovered strange footprints and heard
How can I find it?
The Pine Barrens are vast and extensive so following the signs along the trail should help you find your way. At every quarter mile there are markers that will point you along to important spots in the pine barrens.
T R A IL
1 Mile J ersey devil spotting
Signage
Marker 1 This marker is placed on trees to indicate the location of a jersey devil sighting.
Marker 2 TRAIL
1 Mile Jersey devil sp otti n g
The Jersey Devil Trail Marker is placed along trails that lead to Jerey Devil sighting locations.
What you will need.
If you plan on trying to find the Jersey Devil you will need a few items that will make your trek in the Pine Barrens succesful. The Jersey Devil lives in one of the most remote areas in New Jersey that requires specific items that will help keep you on the right trail and out of danger.
Products
Holy Water One of the most important things to carry with you on your search for the Jersey Devil is a bottle of Holy Water, you’ll always want to keep this in your back pocket.
Products
Flash Light The Jersey Devil is rarely seen out during the day so in order to find your way in the pine barrens you will need to have something that will illuminate your way.
Compass Just in case you lose your direction, a compass will keep you right on track of the Jersey Devil.
What if I find something or have questions?
There are business cards with numbers, letters with envelopes for answering questions, and a website for any information you may need. A second opinion is always good for getting the facts right so a call or a letter will always be answered.
Website
Business Cards
THE JERSEY DEVIL 666 De mon La ne , P ine B a r re ns , N J 0 7 0 9 5 w w w. njd e v il. c om
Letters and Envelopes
TH E JE R S E Y D E VIL
666 D e mon La ne , P ine Ba rre ns, NJ 07095