The Ilini and Maumee believed in a giant flying creature they called the Piasa. Some say it was as large as a buffalo, having huge wings, horns, a horrible face with red glowing eyes. It’s body was said to be covered with scales and had a long tail. Legend has it that this creature could carry off a deer or human. A chief by the name of Ouatoga was said to have killed the Piasa with a poison arrow. Other tribes in the area have legends of a similar creature.

I wonder if this legend was based upon some species of flying creature that used to live near the Ilini.