SCEMD addresses eclipse-related Lizard Man concerns

Don't blame us. We didn't bring the Lizard Man back up, but since it's happened, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division is addressing concerns.

The agency shared a historical map in response to recent media reports about possible paranormal activity during the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse. A post accompanying the map reads, in part, "SCEMD does not know if Lizardmen become more active during a solar eclipse, but we advise residents of Lee and Sumter counties to remain ever vigilant. #solareclipse2017"

If you haven't heard of the Lizard Man, you likely don't hail from South Carolina's Pee Dee region. The Greenville News' Michael Burns does. In summer 2015 he shared his experience growing up in Lizard Man territory after sightings of the legendary reptilian humanoid — think South Carolina's version of Big Foot — were reported. Read his story here.

Solar eclipses tend to bring about reports of unusual activity from both people and animals and even some reports of paranormal activity, though reports don't confirm the existence of such activity. Regardless, staying vigilant is never bad advice during an event like the total solar eclipse.

My personal relationship with the Lizard Man

Michael Burns contributed