Dictionary of Paranormal Terms - D

De Loys' Ape
A very controversial case in which a group of men on an expedition in Venezuela in 1920 lead by Swiss geologist Francois De Loys, shot and photographed an alleged humanoid ape-like creature. Francois and his team had set up camp near the Tarra river, following a journey in which a number of his men had perished. Without warning, they were suddenly attacked by two large humanoid ape creatures, that wielded branches and howled menacingly at the men. Shocked, the men opened fire on the creatures, killing one of them, and injuring the other, which disappeared back into the forest. Examining the body of the dead creature, Francois noted that it was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Propping the corpse up on a crate with a stick, he photographed it, a picture that would become one of the most famous and controversial cryptozoology photographs ever. According to De Loys, the creature's body was skinned and cut up, in order for the skull to be preserved. All the remains allegedly went missing, however, and were never studied by any academic institution. In 1929, the photograph was published, and the creature assigned the name "Ameranthropoides loysi".

De Loys, Francois
Swiss Geologist who, in 1920, led an expedition in Venezuela, where he allegedly shot and photographed a strange ape-like creature that later became known as 'De Loys' Ape'

Divination
The art or practice of discovering future events or unknown things, through the use of tools such as Tarot Cards, Scrying Bowls/Mirrors, Crystal Balls, Divining Rod, Pendulums and other such items.

Divining Rod
A forked twig said to move when held over ground in which water, metal etc. is to be found. Usually done with a "Y" shaped twig, the individual dowsing will hold the stick by the forked end, and use the single end as a pointer. "Following" the rod will lead the dowser to the water/metal he is seeking, and vibrates when nearing the target in question.

Doerr, Vince
A Fire Chief who in 1997 took what would become a very well known photograph of an alleged Skunk Ape in Ochopee. Shortly before he saw the creature, a group of tourists had also reported seeing it on the outskirts of a swamp nearby. Despite the photographic evidence however, Doerr himself was never convinced. He believed that what he had photographed was someone messing around in an ape suit, and not a genuine animal at all.

Dogman
A legend in Michigan, USA, tells of this bizarre wolf-like creature that is said to appear in Northern Michigan on July 7th of the 7th year of each decade. It has been part of local folklore for years, however it is generally believed that the Dogman is nothing more than an urban myth.

Dover Demon
Name given to a bizarre 'creature' witnessed by several people in Dover, in April 1977. The first sighting occurred late one night as 3 17-year-olds drove home through the Boston suburbs of the Dover area. The driver, Bill Bartlett, reported seeing what at first he thought was a dog or cat, but a few seconds later saw to be a completely unearthly looking creature. In amazement, Bartlett watched the animal, which he reported had a large melon-shaped head with 2 very distinct red eyes. It's body was thin and spindly, and completely hairless. It had long, thin toes and fingers, and seemed to be using them to grasp onto the pavement. A few hours later, and over a mile away, John Baxter was walking home when he met the same creature walking along a path.The next day, Abby Brabham noted a similar looking creature on the side of the road as she drove past.

Dowsing
The ancient art of being able to locate things that are hidden underground, such as water or gold, through the use of a Divining Rod, often a Y Shaped stick, held at the forked end with the single end as a pointer. Dowsing is still used today in many countries, especially for the search for underground streams and other water sources. In the past, a Dowser would have been consulted before the construction of a building began, so that it could be known whether or not they were building on top of an underground stream.