A recent viral Facebook post has sparked widespread curiosity and debate after claiming the rediscovery of a supposedly extinct fish species known as the “fur trout” in Wyoming. The post, shared by the Casper Planet Facebook group on August 24, 2024, quickly gained traction, amassing over 14,000 reactions, 4,000 comments, and nearly 7,000 shares. Despite its popularity, the story is entirely fictional.
The post described an angler in Wyoming allegedly catching a fur trout, a mythical creature said to have gone extinct over 50 years ago. According to the post, this rediscovery brought renewed hope that a small population of these fur-bearing fish might still exist in Wyoming’s waters. The post further claimed that the angler, whose identity was not revealed, planned to have the fish mounted to preserve this extraordinary find.
Adding to the intrigue, the post included pictures of the fur trout, showing a fish seemingly covered in white fur. The accompanying caption read: “The rediscovery of the fur trout brings hope that this species may still exist in Wyoming’s waters, raising questions about the possibility of a small, surviving population. Wildlife experts are now considering what steps might be taken to protect the fur trout and ensure that this isn’t the last time it graces Wyoming’s streams.”
However, a closer examination reveals that the fur trout does not exist in reality. The fur-bearing trout is a mythical creature rooted in folklore, not a real species. The concept of a fur-covered fish is a longstanding joke, particularly popular in American and Icelandic folklore. The notion is that these fish developed fur to survive in extremely cold waters, but this is purely fictional.
Casper Planet, the Facebook page that originated the viral post, is known for its satirical content. The page clearly states in its bio, “Delivering the Snews that doesn’t matter directly to your Snews feed. Did we say this is satire? Satire, satire, humor, satire and opinion, names/locations are made up.” Despite this disclaimer, many readers took the post at face value, leading to widespread confusion.
This isn’t the first time Casper Planet has spread a fictional story. Last month, the page falsely reported that a semi-truck carrying king cobras crashed along I-25 near Casper, releasing hundreds of venomous snakes onto the highway. The account later clarified that the story was entirely fictional, further highlighting its satirical nature.
For those still in doubt, a simple online search will confirm that the fur trout is a myth. Websites dedicated to debunking urban legends, such as Snopes and Fandom, have long documented the fur-bearing trout as a fictional character, with humorous origin stories ranging from hair tonic spills in rivers to Scottish immigrants discovering them in Canada.
In conclusion, while the viral post about the fur trout may have been entertaining, it is essential to remember that it is purely a work of fiction. The fur trout does not exist, and there has been no such rediscovery in Wyoming. This serves as a reminder to always verify the credibility of sources and information, especially on social media.