Oklahoma is the 28th most populated state, located in the southern United States.  Known for being a major producer of natural gas, oil, and agriculture, Oklahoma is also economically based in aviation, energy, telecommunications, and biotechnology.  Oklahoma is a wide expanses of mountain ranges, prairie, forests, plains, and mesas.

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Serving historically as a government sanctioned territory for Native Americans, Oklahoma has a rich Native American history and the word Oklahoma itself is derived from the Choctaw works for red (okla) people (humma).  There are over twenty five Native American languages spoken in Oklahoma, second only to the state of California.

The rich Native American culture has provided a great history and strong stories from the past.  One of the most intriguing is the legend of the Oklahoma satyr.  A Native American woman was cursed early in her life.  She wanders the earth as a half woman and half doe.

Carrying around her anger, the satyr seduces mens she finds, luring them into the woods.  As they follow her, deeper and deeper into the woods, they begin to notice more details about her shape.  At the same time, her shape quickly shifts into a giant doe.  She brutally attacks the men and stomps the men to their deaths.

Men in the area are cautioned when hunting and told to be careful of the animals they meet, warned to pay close attention to the shapes and mannerisms to ensure they are not the ones being hunted.

The satyr is not the only shape shifting creature in Oklahoma history.  The Ishkitini is a Choctaw legend that is still prevalent throughout the area.  The Ishkitini are skin walkers that are a combination of man and animal.  They transform from human forms into wolves, coyotes, bears, or any other animal.

Many reports have been made of man-like creatures overtaking cars on backroads or creeping into windows at night.  One of the worst of the Ishkitini creatures is the Stigini, a giant horned owl, known as the harbinger of death.  Anyone who is unfortunate enough to hear his screech is subject to immediate death.

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The violent and terrifying bird prowls at night, killing men and animals in its path.  One of the most common places in Oklahoma to find these birds is the Bird Creek Church in Sasakwa.  Many people report hearing the sound of babies, only distorted.  Immediately sending a chill down the listeners back, they are terrified to learn that the birds use this method to lure victims in to its trap.

Especially vicious, the way the shape shifters are able to change is by eating the heart of their prey.  They hide their true forms by regurgitating their organs and hiding them.  The only way to kill the creatures is to find their hidden organs, salt them and start them on fire.

Oklahoma may be known for its rich history and gorgeous landscapes, but these creatures are sure to ruin a family vacation, or at least create memories that you won’t soon forget.