A Washington County, Pennsylvania resident is shocked to see a large upright cryptid canine standing in his backyard. After it leaves, the eyewitness is curious. That's when the encounter gets scary.

I received the following account:

"Located in southwest Pennsylvania, my story unfolds in Washington County. I live near Washington, PA. There has been a variety of mysterious creatures and other strange animal encounters reported in this area for a long time. New home construction seem to be causing these creatures to seek refuge in the surrounding woods. One creature seen in the area is a large wolf-like animal. While little is known about this elusive creature reports suggest that it possesses traits similar to both wolves and other large animals such as bears and mountain lions. But some people also claim that it has human-like qualities and features which is what I feel is the most disturbing part of its existence.

I've lived my whole life in this area. When I had my encounter, everything changed. I work as a freelance writer and researcher. It was early morning on January 1, 2012. I had just gotten out of bed after staying out longer than I had wanted at a New Year's Eve party. I was mad at myself for sleeping in and getting ready for my day when I heard this loud noise coming from outside. When I looked out the window I was shocked to see a large wolf-like creature standing in the middle of my backyard. The creature didn't match anything I'd seen before. However, it looked like the creature I had heard stories about all my life. It was easily twice the size of a normal wolf but had human-like features, such as its eyes and feet. The mouth was slighting gaped showing it sharp teeth. The menacing beast was just standing there staring back at me as I watched it through the window.

I didn't know how it knew I was there and I couldn't figure out what to do about it being in my yard. I stared back at it trying to figure out what this creature was. The truth is that I was a bit excited to see it. I mean this was the culmination of all of my childhood fantasies and dreams about strange creatures. It was almost a surreal moment for me. But after standing there for quite some time the creature finally turned and ran off into the woods.

Without a second thought I grabbed my coat and rushed outside to try and follow it. But by the time I got there it had disappeared into the trees. I stood in the same spot it had stood in but could not see anything out of the ordinary. I looked around but there were no footprints. So, it seemed necessary to walk over to where it entered the woods.

As I approached the edge of the woods I was shocked by a sudden loud howling. I was now scared and feltlike I had pushed too far. I started to slowly work my way toward my home, hoping that the creature would just leave me alone. But as soon as I left the woods it let out a loud growl and then lunged out of the thick cover. I turned 180 degrees from the creature and ran for my life. I reached my house and closed the back door behind me. But the creature was right there, as it smashed into the door shattering the glass and sending splinters of wood flying through the air. But it didn't get through the door. It stood steady and stayed in place. I was now in the kitchen and grabbed a knife in case it found its way into the house. But by the time I turned to look, the creature was gone. It was as if it had vanished into thin air.

I was left standing and wondering what to do next. I called the police and reported the encounter. Over the next few hours there was a search for the creature but it was never found. At least that's what the authorities said to me. They told me there was nothing to worry about. The next day a crew of some sort showed up with cameras and what looked like detectors. However, I have no idea who they were or what they were doing.

For me, the creature will always remain a mystery, a sign of something more out there in the world. It's as if I got a glimpse of what could be lurking in the shadows waiting for their next chance to strike. That reminder is enough to keep me on my toes for the rest of my life. Terrifying as it was I'm actually grateful for that encounter because it validated a lot of my life's interests." JK

NOTE: Greene & Washington counties in southwest Pennsylvania are well-known for cryptid sightings and encounters. I have documented several eyewitness reports over the past few decades. Lon

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