The Loveland Frogman

Victoria Hicks

## Summary

The Loveland Frogman (also sometimes known as the Loveland Frogmen) is a cryptid that is said to inhabit and frequent Loveland, Ohio. Several encounters have been documented, however, there have been theories about the authenticity of these said encounters. It is believed that there may be more than one Loveland Frogman, creating the reputation of the Loveland Frogmen. There are also several different versions of this creature. Physical descriptions vary, while some report smelling a mysterious, putrid odor. Standing at around three to four feet in height, the Loveland Frogman or Frogmen take on the appearance of a humanoid, amphibian creature. Several different accounts have kept the description of the creature relatively the same. The creature(s) have no hair, with smooth-looking skin and wrinkles. There are no reports of talons or glowing eyes.

## Encounters

Also known as the “Loveland Bridge Case,” the first encounter was reported in 1955 by an unnamed individual, known as C.F., who worked with Civil Defense. This individual saw a set of strange figures on the back roads of the Little Miami River. Except, there was something strange about these figures. Only three to four feet tall, and covered in some sort of leathery skin, the figures also strangely had heads that resembled the facial structure of a frog. These features were accompanied by webbed hands and feet, deep-set wrinkles in the forehead, and a lack of hair. Strangely, the businessman reports that the creatures brought on the smell of almonds and alfalfa, creating a terrible odor. The witness went on to provide police with a sketch of the three amphibian-like creatures he saw on the bank. An armed guard was posted along the bridge for further observation and the F.BI. may have also been called in. Supposedly, there were two similar incidents in Cincinnati and Batavia.

There was also the incident of the “Smelly Little Man of Loveland Heights.” Occurring around the same time as the bridge incident, Emily Mangnone and her husband were abruptly woken up by their dog barking and acting strangely. When checking at the window, there was nothing to be seen. However, the couple reported smelling a horrible odor that resembled a swamp. It was so bad, that the couple was forced to close their windows during the hot summer night to try and stop the smell from coming into their home. The next morning, the Magnones’ neighbor, mentioned that she too was awoken by the dog barking. The neighbor and her husband went to see what was going on from their back porch. Around fifteen feet from their porch, there was a “little man” that stood there watching. When she went to turn the porch light on and returned, the little man was gone. After turning the light off, the neighbor saw it again. The little man was around three feet and looked like it was covered in twigs and pieces of vegetation.

More than forty years later, in 2016, the Loveland Frogman was supposedly spotted once again. While playing Pokemon GO, two people claim they spotted the creature standing up on its hind legs. The couple took several pictures and videos, showing a pair of glowing eyes from the camera flash. However, this was debunked by one of the original police officers that had interacted with the creature. In 1972, Mark Matthews found a strange creature, climbing underneath the guard rail of the road. He shot the creature and vocalized that these new sightings were fraudulent. The creature he shot and killed was actually an iguana that was missing its tail.

## FBI Involvement?

One of the many mysteries of this legend is if the FBI was involved in the investigation of this creature. Many witnesses to the creature sightings were very reluctant to share any information with news reporters and others interested in understanding the case. One member of the school board in the community told investigator Len Stringfield in his book, *Inside Saucer Post ... 3-0 Blue: Close Encounters of Many Kinds*, that the FBI was involved in the bridge incident. Due to the nature of the encounters and the creature, it is still a mystery if the FBI was involved due to “national security” means. One of the other mysteries is if the Loveland Frogman or Frogmen are a type of UFO. This could help to better explain their appearance and nature.

## Adaptations

Unfortunately for this little amphibian, not many adaptations have taken place over the years like other cryptids.. However, in May 2014, the legend was turned into a small musical called, *Hot Damn! It's the Loveland Frog!* There was also a song created in 2019 by artist, Dogdied, named *Hot Damn! I'm the Loveland Frog!* Additionally, author James Renner wrote the novel, *The Man from Primrose Lane,* featuring the Loveland Frogman in one particular part. There is also a small festival dedicated to the Loveland Frogman in March of this year! There has not been a recent sighting of the creature since the event in 2016, however this has created a sort of resurgence in interest with the creature. Now, the Loveland Frogman slowly continues to build a loving reputation with Ohio natives and others from around the country.

## Analysis

After thorough research of this creature, I am unsure of its existence. While there are several credible accounts that help to validate its authenticity, the more recent encounter in 2016 and the testimony from Mark Matthews does create skepticism. The air of mystery still remains thick around this cryptid, and possible FBI involvement and UFO creates multiple directions of possibility. Personally, I found this creature to be quite unique and interesting. All in all, the Loveland Frog seems to be a benevolent creature, probably living out its days in content, wandering around the back woods and rivers of Ohio. I do hope that this cryptid receives more attention in the near future, and maybe one day have a name and reputation as big as Mothman!

## References

“Hot Damn! It's the Loveland Frog!” *Home*, https://www.hugowesttheatricals.com/blank-2.

Wkrc. “Frogman Festival to Focus on Mysterious Cryptid Creatures.” *WKRC*, WKRC, 1 Mar. 2023, https://local12.com/news/good-morning-cincinnati/frogman-festival-to-focus-on-mysterious-cryptid-creatures-cincinnat-bigfoot-loch-ness-loveland-ohio.

Binkowski, Brooke. “'Loveland Frogman' Spotted Again?” *Snopes*, Snopes.com, 5 Aug. 2016, https://www.snopes.com/news/2016/08/05/loveland-frogman-spotted-again/.

Davis, Isabel, et al. *Close Encounter at Kelly and Others of 1955*. Center for UFO Studies, 1978.

Wartman, Scott. “Mothman, Melon Heads, Loveland Frog Are All Part of Ohio's Crpyto-Menagerie.” *The Enquirer*, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2021, https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/11/mothman-melon-heads-loveland-frog-all-party-ohios-crpyto-menagerie/4724286002/.