Yeren

In the remote forests of the western part of China’s Hubei province people believe passionately in the existence of the Yeren- the “wild men”. The creatures have been believed in since time immemorial and sightings are frequently reported even today.

Inscription in cliff face next to the entrance of the “Yeren Cave” in Western Hubei Province, China. The inscription reads “Ye Ren Dong” (“Wild Man Cave”).

There are almost no stories of Yeren being aggressive or harmful to humans and are almost always said to either run or slowly sneak away when encountered. The few reported cases of extended contact with them describes them as timid and easily frightened despite their size.

Could there really wild men living in China’s ancient forests?

By P A McHugh