Legend of “Catman”

Orange Beach Catman Legend of creepy half-man half-cat creature continues in Orange Beach

by Pat Peterson

Published: Wed, October 31, 2007 - 2:33 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, October 31, 2007 - 3:53 pm CST

The tale of a hairy, half-man, half-cat monster lurking in the Orange Beach swamps continues to send goose-bumps down the arms of both the young and old in South Baldwin County. Legend states during the Great Depression, three men lived in the swamp south of Canal Road (the current Gulf State Park area) for survival. Money was tight, food was scarce...the men lived off the land. But something went terribly wrong in the wilderness...only two men made it out.

"That third man is the Catman," says Orange Beach Mayor Pete Blalock. "He's hairy, has claws and lives in the middle of the swamp. I wouldn't go in there at night."

During the 1950's, old-timer's say the Catman hunted and stalked drivers along Old County Road Two. The county road soon became known locally as "Catman Road."

"It was a really spooky road," says Hugh Branyon with Gulf State Park. "I'd walk my children down the road but I'd never do it after dark."

Catman Road is no longer open to cars. It's now a popular backcountry hiking and biking trail.

"We call it the Catman Trail," says Blalock. "There's always been sightings but there's never been proof that Catman does exist, but we've seen some evidence, and to this day, I'm not sure if he's not still out there."

For more information on the Catman Trail call 251.981.1063.

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