(Limmertakus boottii.)
The Wamfahoofus is shaped somewhat like a leathery lily pad in a pond, with eyes like a frog—oftentimes only one eye, looks like a bubble—the Wamfahoofus waits in puddles, shallow wet spots, low boggy areas, along the trails of the Appalachian Mountains. The Wamfahoofus feeds on boot leather but will often be fooled into taking a sneaker as well. They have only a right hand and wait for the unwary hiker to step on them when trotting through their puddle whereupon the Wamfahoofus grabs on tight. If you are successful in escaping with your foot gear usually you will hear a long mournful wail, a schckckcklooop kind of sound, the cry of a hungry Wamfahoofus. Best avoided by keeping to the left of any puddles you encounter.
This account was submitted by A. J. Oxton of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. From original research, along with the anecdotal accounts of hikers, such as local historian Ben English, and others he met along the Way. Limmertakus boottii was first described by Dr. Francis Boott (1792-1863), after whom a minor peak southeast of Mount Washington is named. Dr. Boott never wrote his description of Limmertakus boottii beyond comments in a few personal letters; he greatly feared tarnishing his reputation, and his living, as a botanist. For the most part the Legend of Limmertakus was passed down as a campfire story. The common name derived, later in part, from the sound a youthful sneaker makes when slammed with diligence into just the right consistency of mud.
