Strange Sightings in Columbia: Are You Ready for Some Unexpected Guests?
Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement and oddities this week! If you happen to find yourself in your backyard and think you see a monkey or a lizard that looks like it belongs in a zoo rather than your neighborhood, don’t panic! These sightings have become all too real in the state, and it seems like our furry and scaly friends are making themselves at home.
Bigfoot on the Palmetto Trail: A Spooky Encounter!
First, let’s talk about the most sensational of sightings—Bigfoot! Yes, you heard that right! Hikers on the Palmetto Trail, located just west of our beloved Columbia, have been busy sharing their encounters, and social media is buzzing with excitement. One user on Tik Tok jokingly commented, “Even Bigfoot is moving to SC,” as people share their stories and sightings of this elusive creature.
A particular encounter, reported by a hunter who goes by the name “J.M.”, described the moment they spotted the legend face-to-face. “We watched each other for probably 30 seconds but felt like forever before it turned and walked off,” said the hunter. Imagine standing there, heart racing, as you come face to face with the stuff of legends!
Dog-Sized Lizards: Tegu Trouble!
But wait, there’s more! If you thought Bigfoot was strange, how about encountering a lizard the size of your dog? Enter the Argentine black and white tegu, a non-native species that’s been spotted across South Carolina, including right here in Lexington back in 2020. These impressive reptiles can grow up to 4 feet in length, making them quite a sight to behold!
In fact, a female tegu, measuring in at a whopping 2.5 feet, was found in Lexington, prompting locals to do a double-take. If you come across one of these massive lizards in your yard, don’t engage it. Instead, reach out to the SCDNR (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources) for assistance!
Primates on the Loose!
As if we didn’t have enough excitement, let’s talk about some little monkeys. Last week, female rhesus macaques made headlines after breaking free from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee. Out of 43 adventurous little souls, authorities have successfully recaptured 30 of them, but a few remain at large, adding to the ongoing mystery of wildlife in our backyards.
These unexpected monkey visitations, along with sightings of tegu lizards and even Bigfoot, certainly puts a twist on our daily walks and outdoor adventures. As you enjoy the great outdoors, keep your eyes peeled—who knows what you might spot next!
The New Reality: Updating Our Cryptids of Columbia Article!
With all this excitement unfolding, maybe it’s time for a little update on our cryptids of Columbia article. The small furry friends and oversized reptiles have taken center stage, reminding us of the wild and wonderful world we live in. So, don’t forget to grab your camera if you’re heading out for a hike or a leisurely stroll—there’s a good chance you might capture something extraordinary!
Whether it’s the legend of Bigfoot, the formidable tegu lurking about, or those mischievous monkeys, Columbia is experiencing a wildlife renaissance! So stay curious, keep watching the skies and trees, and maybe hold onto your pets—they might just make some unusual new friends!
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
