The Tiger Reaper Legend
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The Tiger Reaper
The Tiger Reaper of Colleton County is a beast of myth and legend. The story goes that the Tiger Reaper was part of the Wilbur Leeworthy traveling carnival and was originally billed as "The Man-eater of Myanmar." Some say Mr. Leeworthy captured the beast while on safari in Burma, while others stated that the man-eater was all a part of carnie magic. Either way, one night in October 1956, after a stint of shows in Charleston, South Carolina, the carnival traveled north, and the beast escaped while passing through the Lowcountry of Colleton County.
Mr. Leeworthy never did recapture his prized showstopper that faithful evening, and since that time, many a late-night fisherman or teens who were parked out near the marsh to hide from prying eyes have gone missing in the same area where the man-eater of Myanmar made his great escape.
Those who live in Colleton County to this day warn passersby that if you visit the swamps of marshlands near the old highway pass, beware the beast that lurks in the night. It is said that if you are unlucky enough to hear the silent steps of the monster, you will never live to tell the tale of The Tiger Reaper.