Ohio Lawmakers Push to Make the Loveland Frog the State’s Official Cryptid
Ohio is no stranger to state symbols. From the cardinal as the state bird to the Ohio buckeye as the state tree, the Buckeye State has long embraced its unique identity. Now, lawmakers are stepping into the realm of the mysterious with a new proposal: designating the Loveland Frog as Ohio’s official state cryptid.
The bipartisan bill, House Bill 821, introduced earlier this week, seeks to recognize the legendary Loveland Frogman, a creature deeply rooted in Ohio folklore. State Representatives Tristan Rader, a Democrat from Lakewood, and Jean Schmidt, a Republican from Loveland, are spearheading the effort.
The Loveland Frog, often described as a bipedal, four-foot-tall amphibian, is said to inhabit the banks of the Little Miami River near Loveland. First reported in the 1950s, the creature has since become a staple of local culture, inspiring books, documentaries, festivals, and even merchandise.
“This bill is about showcasing our communities,” Rader said in a statement. “The Loveland Frog is uniquely Ohio. It reflects the stories we tell, the places we’re proud of, and the creativity that makes our state worth celebrating.”
The City of Loveland has already embraced the Frogman, naming it the official city mascot and hosting a biennial event called “Return of the Frogman” every leap year. The festival, which last took place in February 2024, is set to return in 2028.
The proposed bill highlights the creature’s cultural and economic impact, noting its role in boosting local tourism and enriching Ohio’s creative identity. If passed, the Loveland Frog would join a growing list of official state symbols, including the spotted salamander as the state amphibian and tomato juice as the state beverage.
The idea of recognizing a cryptid—a creature whose existence is unproven—might seem unconventional, but Schmidt and Rader argue that it’s a celebration of Ohio’s rich storytelling tradition. “It’s about embracing what makes Ohio special,” Schmidt added. “The Loveland Frog isn’t just a legend; it’s a part of who we are.”
Ohioans are no strangers to quirky state symbols. The list includes everything from the state fossil (Isotelus, a trilobite) to the state rock song (“Hang On Sloopy” by The McCoys). Adding a cryptid to the mix would only enhance Ohio’s reputation as a state that embraces its history, folklore, and creativity.
For cryptid enthusiasts and researchers, the bill is a welcome nod to their passion. It also underscores the growing interest in cryptids, creatures like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster that capture the public’s imagination.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, Ohioans are eager to see whether the Loveland Frog will earn its place among the state’s official symbols. For now, the Frogman remains a beloved figure in Ohio folklore, a reminder that sometimes, the things we imagine are just as important as the things we can prove.
Ohio’s full list of state symbols can be found on the state’s official website.
— Reported by Nexio News
