It's a coyote, no, it's a fox, no, it's a dog, no, it's a bobcat; whatever it is, Bluffton's mysterious beast has returned
Loch Ness has its monster and, now, it appears that Bluffton does, too. Several sightings of an unidentified animal have been reported in Bluffton in the past week and two persons captured the creature on cell phone cameras.
Both photographs were reportedly taken on the north side of Bluffton in daylight hours. Speculation on the identify of the creature ranges all the way from a fox, a coyote, bobcat, or simply an unusual dog.
Whatever it is, it has a tail that is long enough that it appears to drag on the ground. Its coloration resembles a fox and its ears give it a cat-like appearance.
The most famous "mystery" beast that prowled Richland Township was a large cat in the mid-1970s. It reportedly killed a herd of sheep and and caused a riot that attracted Big Foot hunters and UFO researchers. That animal was never photographed or captured.
The Icon welcomes any additional photos on Bluffton's newest mystery visitor from viewer. The Icon also offers an attachment to this story showing photos of five animals in comparision to the Bluffton creature.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, October 30, 2026
- Main St. runway for Trick or Treaters
- October 30 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- What Kind of Paradise author joins book club by Zoom, Nov. 4
- Check out November 2026 events at Bluffton Public Library
- Scarecrow voting ends at midnight, Oct. 31
- Annual meeting and dinner for Senior Center members, November 9
- November 2026 Community Meals at the Senior Center
- Pirate girls soccer edged in shootout by Big Green in district final
Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 29
- Bluffton chamber welcomes six new members in October 2026
- Scam talk with Chief Ryan Burkholder
- Apollo Career Center honored as Gold Star Institution
- Peanut brittle time at the Senior Center begins Nov. 9
- Bluffton University Forum explores faith, hope and care for creation
- Business Collective networking night, Nov. 5
- Radio play staging of It's a Wonderful Life on Nov. 29
- Test-to-Treat not Trick-or-Treat
- If only we could put these fall days on pause
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Monday, October 26, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, October 19-25
- Ada Icon headlines, October 26
- November 13 fish fry at Emmanuel UCC
- Citizens National Bank customer appreciation day, October 30
- Bluffton University offers free agricultural and environmental field trips
- Trinity Trunk or Treat, October 31
- Public invited to Bluffton Lions program with President Sider