Ohio State Representatives Jean Schmidt [R] and Tristan Rader [D] have introduced legislation to make Ohio’s official state cryptid the Loveland Frogman. The creature is a 4-foot tall bipedal frog and is said to have been sighted near the Little Miami River in Loveland.

“It kind of indicates to the rest of the country, ‘Hey look, we have this pretty interesting and weird thing here, this story.'” said Rader. “It just’s another way to promote what’s cool, weird, quirky and worthwhile to visit here in Ohio.”

The Loveland Frogman was chosen because it is well-known across the state and is associated with the Loveland Frogman Festival. Ohio has many cryptids, however, including Bigfoot, which has already had sightings in Portage County this spring.

Whether they are real or not, lawmakers said recognizing cryptids is more about the stories and memories people share rather than the actual presence of the creatures themselves. They also spark curiosity across the nation and provide a source of tourism for the state.

KSTV Reporter Tatum Werntz has more on this Ohio legend.

Tatum Werntz is a reporter for KSTV. Contact her at [email protected].