Beast of Busco

Origins of the Legend

The first known sighting of the Beast dates back to 1898 when a local farmer, Oscar Fulk, claimed to have seen an enormous turtle in a seven-acre lake on his property. While Fulk shared his discovery with others, the story faded into obscurity until decades later when renewed sightings ignited a media frenzy.

The 1948 Sightings

In July 1948, two fishermen, Ora Blue and Charley Wilson, reported an encounter with a massive turtle in what was now known as Fulk Lake. They estimated the creature’s weight at around 500 pounds. Shortly after, the lake’s then-owner, Gale Harris, also claimed to have seen the Beast. As word spread, more locals came forward, fueling a collective belief in the turtle’s existence.

The Great Turtle Hunt of 1949

With skepticism mounting, Harris took it upon himself to prove the Beast of Busco was real. His pursuit of the creature quickly turned into a full-scale media sensation.

Attempts to Capture the Beast

Harris employed various tactics to capture the turtle, including:

• Net traps – These were unsuccessful as the creature either evaded or broke through them.
• A deep-sea diver – Equipment mishaps prevented the diver from completing the search.
• Draining the lake – Harris attempted to pump the water out, but a dam failure ruined his efforts.
• Live bait – Ducks and fish were used as lures, but the Beast never took the bait.

Each failure only deepened the mystery. The hype surrounding the turtle drew thousands of visitors to Churubusco, forcing law enforcement to control the crowds. A Life magazine photographer captured nearly 300 images at the site, but none proved the turtle’s existence.

The Final Sighting

The last significant sighting occurred on October 13, 1949, when nearly 200 witnesses reportedly saw the Beast surface and attack bait. Despite the dramatic display, no physical evidence was ever obtained. Following this, Harris abandoned his quest, having exhausted both his finances and his health. He later sold his property, and the search for the Beast of Busco officially ended.

Theories and Explanations

Theories about the Beast of Busco range from plausible to fantastical. Some possible explanations include:

1. A Giant Alligator Snapping Turtle

Alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) can grow to enormous sizes, with some documented specimens exceeding 200 pounds. If an exceptionally large individual had inhabited Fulk Lake, it could explain the sightings. However, these turtles are not native to Indiana, making this theory controversial.

2. Exaggeration and Mass Hysteria

Some researchers believe that the legend was fueled by exaggerated eyewitness accounts and the media frenzy of the time. With national coverage amplifying the story, each retelling may have distorted the turtle’s size and features.

3. A Hoax or Misidentification

Skeptics argue that the entire saga was either a hoax or a case of mistaken identity. Some suggest the “turtle” was actually a large floating log or even a swimming cow.

4. A Relic of Prehistoric Times?

More speculative theories suggest that the Beast could be a surviving prehistoric reptile or an undiscovered species. While unlikely, such ideas persist among cryptozoology enthusiasts.

The Beast’s Cultural Legacy

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Beast of Busco remains an enduring part of Churubusco’s identity.

Turtle Days Festival

• Each June, the town hosts the Turtle Days Festival, celebrating the legend with:
• A parade featuring turtle-themed floats
• Carnival rides and games
• Turtle races, where participants race small turtles in honor of the legendary Beast

Monuments and Memorabilia

• A concrete turtle statue sits in downtown Churubusco.
• A turtle shell labeled “Beast of Busco” hangs in the Two Brothers Restaurant in Decatur, Indiana.
• The cryptid has been featured in trading card games like MetaZoo: Cryptid Nation.

Myth or Reality?

The Beast of Busco remains one of Indiana’s most intriguing cryptids. While no physical proof exists, the legend continues to thrive, capturing the imagination of locals and cryptid hunters alike. Whether a misidentified turtle, a lost prehistoric creature, or a tale spun out of control, the Beast has secured its place in folklore and small-town tradition.