The Devil Hunters

This is another popular theory. Some people believe that the Jersey Devil is actually a pterodactyl, or group of pterodactyls, who have managed to survive throughout the years. Some believe that the creature(s) may have been residing in caves that became blocked due to plate tectonics and earthquakes. At some point, the theory believes, another earthquake opened the caves and allowed the creatures to escape into the area of New Jersey.

Similarities: Pterodactyls were tall, scaly, and had large wingspans, similar to many descriptions of the Jersey Devil. They were also known to have the ability to fly.

Conflicts: Pterodactyls have been extinct for millions of years. The likelihood that the creatures have survived under water in a cave for so long is very slim, yet not impossible. Additionally, I have been informed that pterodactyls didn't fly like a bird, only glide like a modern day handglider, which was one reason they usually lived on sea cliffs since they needed to jump from a high place. Also, the skeletons of pterodactyls and their relatives lacked the attachments which would have allowed for flight muscles, a requirement to be able to flap their wings and take off from the ground like a modern day bird. This conflicts with sightings of the Jersey Devil since eyewitness reports describe the as taking off from the ground and flying. Thanks for the information, Robert!

For more information on pterodactyls, visit the Enchanted Learning Software website.

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