THE BRIGHT SIDE

Wisconsin’s Beast of Bray Road: Will legendary werewolf-like creature strike this Halloween?
The frightful tale is so terrifying it inspired various books and even a movie. If you’re not a big fan of ghosts and haunted spirits, it may be best to avoid this road while driving in Walworth County. Sixt.com ranked Bray Road in Elkhorn as the third most haunted road in the U.S. This Elkhorn Road is reportedly where a wolfman-like creature, the Beast of Bray Road, prowls. The first sighting of the beast was reported in 1936, when a man saw the beast that was described as over six feet tall, with a canine face and the body of a man. Despite the varying descriptions, all witnesses agree on one thing – the beast is freakishly large, weighing between 400 and 700 pounds! Furthermore, it’s estimated to be about two feet and four feet tall when on all fours and about seven feet tall when standing on its hind legs. Sightings have been reported in the 1980s and 1990s, with more recent ones in 2018 and 2020. Those who saw it and lived described the creature as a broad-chested, pointy-eared beast who was often scene treating itself to roadkill. A few claimed the beast attacked their vehicles. Inside Edition gathered witness testimony of alleged encounters with the beast in 1993, hearing from some that the creature scratched their cars with its long, jagged claws before they rapidly drove off. In May, the Elkhorn Community Center threw a party in celebration of the Beast of Bray Road and to offer updates about the search for the terrifying, but much sought after, creature. Now this Halloween they continue to embrace the folklore with Beast Fest featuring activities surrounding the Beast of Bray Road. On Halloween the rec center will even have pictures with the beast. If you’re in the mood for some scary fun the beast has been depicted in a 2005 horror film, “The Beast of Bray Road,” as well as a 2018 documentary, “The Bray Road Beast.” Stories about the alleged beast can be found in a 2015 book, as well as a 2017 episode of the podcast, Lore. Remember if you’re driving along Bray Road this Halloween, make sure your doors are locked, and your camera is ready.

Place of the Week

Stop by Inspired Coffee on Main Street and try one of their tasty fall drinks.