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The Hodag is a mythical creature that is said to inhabit the forests of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA. It is a legendary creature that has become a symbol of the city and is often associated with local folklore and traditions. The Hodag is described as a fearsome creature with a combination of features from different animals. It is typically depicted as having the head of a bull, the face of a giant frog with wide, round eyes, the spiky back of a dinosaur or alligator, and the body of a bear or a large reptile. Some accounts also mention sharp claws, horns, and a row of spikes along its back. The creature is said to have been first reported by a man named Eugene Shepard in the late 1800s. Shepard claimed to have captured and killed a Hodag, and he even displayed it at county fairs. However, as time passed, it became clear that the Hodag was a hoax, and Shepard admitted to creating the creature using a combination of wood, animal parts, and other materials. Despite being a hoax, the Hodag captured the imagination of the local community and beyond. It has since become a beloved figure in Rhinelander's culture, and it is often used in local events, festivals, and as a mascot for the city. The Hodag even has its own annual festival called the "Hodag Country Festival" which features music, entertainment, and celebrates the creature's mythical origins. The Hodag's story is a reminder of the power of folklore and storytelling to shape local identity and create a sense of community. While it may have started as a hoax, the Hodag has become an enduring and endearing part of Wisconsin's cultural landscape.