The Almas
In the mountains of Mongolia, herders tell of a wild, hairy people who live apart from humans.
What was reported
In Mongolia and parts of Central Asia, herders have long described the almas: a wild, human-like being, covered in reddish hair, that lives in remote mountains and avoids people. Old Tibetan and Mongolian books of medicine include drawings of similar creatures.
In the mid-20th century, Soviet researchers collected accounts and argued the almas might be a surviving early human. Expeditions have searched since, without finding clear evidence.
Explanations offered
No bones, hair or photographs have been confirmed. Sceptics suggest the stories describe bears, people living wild, or a figure of folklore. Some researchers note that early humans did live in the region thousands of years ago, which keeps interest alive.
- When
- Reported for centuries
- Where
- Altai and Gobi regions, Mongolia
- Witnesses
- Herders, travellers and researchers
- Status
- Unconfirmed
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.