
Otherworld Episode 113: The Michigan Dogman Pt. 1
Feb 24, 2025
Steve Cook, former radio production director and creator of the 1987 novelty hit 'The Legend of the Michigan Dogman,' joins to unravel the spine-chilling legend of the Michigan Dogman. Emerson shares a harrowing encounter where a fearsome, bipedal creature chased him through the woods. They delve into how folklore grew from a prank song, with countless sightings and eerie characteristics reported. Cook reveals how a playful tune morphed into a cultural phenomenon, while exploring the tension between skepticism and sincere accounts that fuel this cryptid's legend.
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Literature Validated His Sighting
- Emerson discovered books linking his sighting to historical reports of upright wolves concentrated in Michigan and Wisconsin.
- Finding others who reported similar encounters validated his experience and shifted his confidence in the memory.
Verify Sightings With Experts
- Jack sought expert input from biologists and wolf researchers to test whether wolves can run upright and how often they do.
- He advises cross-checking eyewitness claims with experts and DNR data to rule out known wildlife presence near sightings.
April Fools Song That Sparked Reports
- Steve Cook wrote and released "The Legend of the Michigan Dogman" as an April Fool's song in 1987 to amuse radio listeners.
- After airing, callers reported similar experiences and the prank unexpectedly sparked widespread belief and reports.

