What is a yowie?

The yowie is a large, hairy, bipedal hominid cryptid, reported to inhabit the forests and bushlands of Australia. There's no scientific evidence to support its existence, and all accounts are anecdotal.

Here's what is generally claimed about yowies, based on eyewitness testimony:

• Appearance: They are described as being around 6-10 feet tall, covered in dark-brown or reddish-brown hair, with large, powerful builds. Descriptions often include large feet and a powerful musculature. Facial features are rarely described in detail, often obscured by hair.

• Behavior: They are said to be largely nocturnal and elusive, leaving behind large footprints, broken branches, and disturbed areas in the bush. Reports suggest they are shy and avoid human contact, although some accounts describe aggressive encounters.

• Habitat: Yowie sightings are concentrated in the forested and mountainous regions of Australia, particularly in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. The rugged terrain and dense vegetation make verification difficult.

• Evidence: The "evidence" for yowies consists primarily of blurry photographs, footprints (often disputed as being from other animals or faked), and eyewitness accounts. No definitive skeletal remains, DNA evidence, or clear video footage has ever been produced.

It's important to stress that the yowie remains firmly in the realm of folklore and cryptozoology. While many believe in its existence, the lack of verifiable evidence means the yowie's existence is highly contested and considered by the scientific community to be unsubstantiated. The reports are often attributed to misidentification of known animals (like kangaroos or wombats), or to hoaxing.