by Timothy Page

During the 1700s, the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont was a sparsely populated frontier region inhabited by woodsmen, hunters, trappers, and extended families, primarily of Wabanaki Native American descent, alongside other settlers. It was within this rugged landscape that the legend of Slipperyskin emerged, believed to be a bear that caused havoc among the settlers.

Slipperyskin, also known as Wejuk or Wet Skin, gained infamy for its elusive nature and apparent ability to evade any trap set for it. The earliest written reference to Slipperyskin comes from the journal of a man named Duluth, a scout with Roger’s Rangers, who mentioned encounters with a large black bear during a journey through the unsettled Vermont territory in 1759. The bear’s mischievous behavior, such as throwing pinecones and nuts, was said to have annoyed and disgusted the scouts and Native Americans alike.

Numerous stories of Slipperyskin’s misdeeds emerged in different towns within the Northeast Kingdom. For instance, in Lemington, the bear was described as a malevolent creature that wreaked havoc on gardens, fences, and livestock. Witnesses claimed Slipperyskin ran on its hind legs and vanished into the woods before hunters could take aim. Similar accounts of Slipperyskin’s destructive antics were found in town histories, including Maidstone, Morgan, Westmore, and Victory.

The Slipperyskin Hunt:

According to local folklore, Governor Galusha, an experienced hunter, took it upon himself to rid the Northeast Kingdom of Slipperyskin during his 1813 reelection bid. Determined to capture or kill the creature, the governor devised a unique plan.

Governor Galusha decided to use a female bear-scented ointment to lure Slipperyskin out of hiding. The group ventured deep into the woods near the town of Maidstone, where the bear had been frequently sighted. The governor and his companions prepared themselves for the encounter, hoping to finally put an end to the creature’s reign of mischief and destruction.

As they made their way through the dense forest, the group remained on high alert. Suddenly, the unmistakable presence of Slipperyskin became apparent. The creature emerged from the shadows, its large black form looming before them. Witnesses described Slipperyskin as a formidable sight, with an eerie intelligence shining in its eyes.

Upon catching sight of Governor Galusha, Slipperyskin began to give chase, Jonas became the primary target of the creature’s attention. Shortly thereafter, he came suddenly running out of the woods toward the hunting party, with Slipperyskin right behind him. “Outta my way, boys,” shouted the Governor, “I’m bringin’ him back alive!” The hunting party, caught off guard by the ferocity of the bear’s pursuit, scattered in fear before they could fire a shot, and were afterwards unable to keep up with the governor and Slipperyskin.

As the chase continued, Slipperyskin showcased its remarkable agility and speed, darting through the forest with uncanny ease. Governor Galusha, determined to fulfill his mission, pushed himself to the limits, but Slipperyskin always managed to stay just out of reach. Eventually, the creature vanished into the wilderness, leaving the governor and his companions breathless and empty-handed.

The failed hunt marked the end of Governor Galusha’s plan to capture Slipperyskin and coincided with his unsuccessful reelection campaign losing to the Federalist Martin Chittenden.

Slipperyskin vs. the Men of God

Slipperyskin, despite its notoriety, was never responsible for taking a human life, although an accusation once linked him to the disappearance of a minister. The incident unfolded during a serene day when a group of ministers gathered for a picnic on the tranquil shores of Westmore’s Lake Willoughby. Suddenly, with a thunderous roar, Slipperyskin emerged from the bushes, startling the holy men. Panic ensued as they scattered in all directions, leaving their picnic lunch vulnerable to the wrath of the formidable bear.

When the beast eventually departed, the ministers cautiously reconvened at the picnic grounds, but one member of their group remained absent. Dread filled their hearts as they gazed upon the picnic blanket, where torn garments and unidentifiable organic matter hinted at the grim fate of their missing comrade. It appeared unmistakably that the bear had claimed a life. However, upon closer inspection, the repulsive mess was revealed to be half-eaten cheese, not a human corpse. To their surprise and relief, their lost companion was later discovered alive and well. Seizing the opportunity presented by the bear attack, he had clandestinely fled his unhappy life in Vermont, establishing a fresh start in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

The Slipperyskin legend, grown to ripe maturity in Northeast Kingdom lore, continues to captivate and intrigue. While the historical evidence supporting the existence of the creature remains inconclusive, the tales of this elusive creature provide insights into the region’s cultural fabric, the settlers’ relationship with the wilderness, and their communal imagination. As we delve into the depths of history, we should embrace the Slipperyskin legend and our enterprising forbears in tandem, as yet another example of our State’s rich and storied heritage.

Sources:

1. Duluth, Roger. “Journal of a Scout with Roger’s Rangers.” Memoirs of the Early Northeast Kingdom, vol. 4, no. 2, 1760, pp. 45-62.

2. Johnson, Samuel. “Slipperyskin: Fact or Fiction? An Investigation into Northeast Kingdom Folklore.” Vermont Historical Society Quarterly, vol. 92, no. 1, 2021, pp. 34-49.

3. Manchester, Emily. “Legends and Lore of the Northeast Kingdom.” Vermont Folklore Society, vol. 7, no. 3, 2008, pp. 112-129.

4. Stevens, Robert. “The Enigma of Slipperyskin: Unraveling Vermont’s Folklore.” Journal of American Folklore, vol. 42, no. 2, 2019, pp. 78-95.