Buford the Bassigator of Abita Springs, Louisiana

There are many tales of cryptids all over the world. Some of these monsters are even modern, though most legends claim connections to ancient history.

A cryptid is a creature believed to exist based on folklore or anecdotal evidence but lacks scientific proof; if proven real, it would no longer be classified as a cryptid. Examples include Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

Most cryptids remain a mystery, with no known origin or explanation. But, occasionally, hard evidence crops up about a strange creature. There's one such creature in the swamps of Louisiana, a beast known as the bassigator. A small town in Louisiana called Abita Springs has the only known specimen of a bassigator, one they call Buford.

Where Is Abita Springs, Louisiana?

About 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of New Orleans, Louisiana, in St. Tammany Parish, is the small town of Abita Springs. Abita Springs was first settled in the early 1800s, and in the late 1800s, a local doctor declared the natural springs in the area to have healing properties thanks to the rich mineral content.

Of course, we're talking about America, so...the Abita Springs area was inhabited by indigenous tribes long before the European settlers arrived. The region was home to the Choctaw tribe, and they believed the springs had healing properties. The name "Abita" itself is thought to derive from the Choctaw word "Ibetap," which means "fountain" or "source of life."

As for New Orleans, the Chitimacha tribe originally inhabited the area of modern-day New Orleans, with several other tribes throughout Louisiana: Atakapa, Caddo, Choctaw, Houma, Natchez, and Tunica.

Lake Pontchartrain itself is known for unexplained drownings, and the entire New Orleans area is steeped in all sorts of legends like the Rougarou (a type of werewolf legend). Some say there are ghosts in the lake, and you may even know of New Orleans from the works of the late Anne Rice or, perhaps, from the real-life horrors of the infamous LaLaurie Mansion. Oh, or maybe the Honey Island Swamp Monster. Or the Haunting of Manchac Swamp?

I'll stop there. There's a massive list of weird happenings and strange tales from Louisiana. For now, let's take a look at...

The Legend of Buford the Bassigator

Gather 'round, gather 'round.

Pull up a log to the campfire.

Stay awhile, and listen.

Let me tell you the tale that folks in the bayou don't speak of lightly. See, deep in the swamp, where trees grow so thick sunlight can't creep through, the air is heavy, thick with decay. It's there, in the murky waters, that the bassigator makes his home. They call him Buford, a beast like no other. He's the reason why the old-timers say keep out of the swamp after sundown.

Now, Buford wasn't always a terror. When your paw-paw was young, Buford was just another gator. A big gator, cunning, and a little mean, but nothing locals couldn't handle. But then, one day, something happened to Buford that folks don't like to talk about. Some say it was a curse from a vengeful witch who lived there in the bayou; she was wronged by the town and swore her revenge on generations. Others say it was caused by a strange moon, hanging low and red in the sky, when the water turned black as pitch. Whatever it was, there was one night that Buford changed.

They say his body grew and twisted with a bass bigger than you've ever seen. His scales hardened, stronger than iron. And his eyes, oh his eyes, began to glow with an evil light. His teeth spiked out, big enough to take your head off in one bite.

SNAP!

Buford became something else, a beast of nightmares. Part gator, part fish, all kinds of mean, and all kinds of hungry—for human flesh.

Since then, anyone out wandering the swamp after sundown might not ever come back. If you ever do it, you'll know when Buford's around because the noisy bayou gets quiet. Real quiet. Soon as you realize you can hear yourself breathing and your own heart beating...

SNAP!

Quick as lightning, he drags you down into the black water. And the last thing you see is his red glowing eyes before everything goes dark.

So, if you ever find yourself near Abita Springs, you best remember Buford's out there, and don't go into the swamp after the sun goes down. And if you're out there when the sun starts to set, you best high-tail it home while you still have the chance because once he's got eyes on you, there's no coming back.

What Exactly Is Buford the Bassigator?

Pretty eerie, right? One interesting thing about the stories and legends of the bassigator is that there isn't one agreed-upon version—not even what it looks like. As for Buford, he's perhaps the most famous bassigator, but the stories say that Buford may not be the only bassigator out there.

It turns out that Buford is actually sitting in a little museum called Abita Mystery House in Abita Springs. So, we do know what that Buford is and how he came to be.

The Abita Mystery House is an offbeat attraction with eccentric roadside charm. It was originally known as the UCM (You-See-Em...get it?) Museum. The place now houses a treasure trove of bizarre artifacts, folk art, and interactive exhibits that defy conventional description.

The museum was created by artist and collector John Preble. Over the years, it's grown from an unknown oddity to a beloved destination for lovers of the strange and unusual.

One of the most famous residents of the Abita Mystery House is Buford the Bassigator, a cryptid that's become somewhat of a symbol for the museum.

Buford is a hybrid creature with the head of an alligator and the body of a bass, conjured from the depths of the Louisiana swamps. Visitors to the museum are treated to the sight of Buford in all his glory. The stories of the bassigator vary, and Buford actually represents what one might look like because Buford was fabricated. Using practical effects techniques, Buford was created by combining the parts of different animals to bring him to life in the tradition of Fiji mermaids.

Buford the Bassigator, originally a Mardi Gras parade prop with a "jackalope" vibe, was created by John Preble with the help of local artist Dave Kelsey. Built on an old boat trailer, the Bassigator's structure began with plywood triangles and a 2"x4" backbone, followed by plywood "donuts" and wooden lath strips. Chicken wire and fabric covered the frame with plywood fins, a snout crafted from a window screen, and spray foam insulation for textured skin. Foam rubber teeth and beach ball eyes completed the creation, turning Buford into a unique museum exhibit.

The photo shows Buford displaying some impressive artistry. John Preble doesn't claim that Buford in the Abita Mystery House is real but that the stories of the elusive creature are. It's an intriguing sight to see and isn't the only occasion where a legendary cryptid has been crafted and put on display.

There were enough stories of a monstrous gator creature stalking the swamps to inspire Buford as an art piece, so it does make you wonder: what exactly is out there in the bayou darkness?

Relevant & Related

• Check out more in History At A Glance: Abita Springs, Land of Healing Waters​
• ​High-res photos of Abita Mystery House are available online here, as well as the Making of Buford the Bassigator. You can also find a video walkthrough of some parts of the museum here and another one with interviews here.
• Want some creepy photos of exhibits? Try here. Warning: clowns.

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• ​Haunting of Manchac Swamp in Louisiana​
• ​Morgus the Magnificent​
• ​Prime Hook Swamp Creature of Delaware​
• ​Tomoka's Carnivorous Pink Cloud​
• ​Zombie Road in Wildwood, Missouri