“Cops vs. Cryptids” on MonsterQuest, S5 Ep. 1…

Well, MonsterQuest is back after a hiatus so long that most fans assumed the show was gone forever, so never say never, right? In the first episode of Season 5 Cops vs. Cryptids airing Jan. 2nd, 2026, we were treated to treatments of essentially four different cryptids, the episodes united by the theme that all had police investigation or involvement with them. The Beast of the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky was first considered, with people missing or having been found dead in the area by 1980. The Beast was described as walking on two legs, and having glowing eyes. In a wooded area, one hunter, a fireman, paused to tell another turkey hunter, a cop, that he had experienced something circling his camp. The second hunter later heard growling and saw something massive 6′ to 8′ tall at his camp perimeter. He discharged his firearm at it, and heard a scream before the creature withdrew. The camp of the fireman was later found with his body in it. AI technology was used to generate scenes in this and other segments of the show...

The second installment rather stretched the definition of what a cryptid is, which is usually considered to represent an animal whose existence or survival is disputed or unsubstantiated. Centering on a “Shadow Person” manifestation seen in Monmouth County, New Jersey, these manifestations are mysterious, dark, humanoid figures reported in paranormal experiences, often seen as fleeting silhouettes described as featureless, black solid shapes, possibly being spirits. An officer was investigating a breaking and entering or home invasion call made by an old man, but didn’t see anything. An identical call came through the following night, and the same officer investigated it, this time finding a 7′-8′ black shadow looming over the resident. The entity disappeared at the end of a hallway. The officer called the sister of the man, who related that she had also experienced the shadow person, and that its presence constituted the reason for her moving from the premises. Spooky, yes…but an unknown animal, no…

Then we came to reports on the Goatman, a massive half-human, half-goat creature that walks on its hind legs. In 2006 a Colorado policeman collided with one on the road, but apparently didn’t damage it or his vehicle, although he could hear it moving around in the brush after the collision. Sturdy beast, that Goatman!

The last police encounters with cryptids were reported from the state of Washington, where numerous “Bigfoot” type creatures have been seen, also known as the “Forest Giant” or the “Wildman.” An 8′ tall Bigfoot supposedly dashed in fromt of a police cruiser in 2010, and 14″ and 17″ footprints were later found in the area…

All in all, it’s great to have MonsterQuest back on the air again, and the second episode will reportedly cover military encounters with cryptids. We may at Foxsylvania report on episodes as they continue to roll out from The History Channel, because inquiring minds want to know…