Klutuk: The Mad Trapper of Bristol Bay
Introduction
Klutuk, often referred to as "The Mad Trapper of Bristol Bay," was a Yup'ik Eskimo man who became infamous in Alaskan folklore for his violent defense of his trapping territory. Active between 1919 and 1938, Klutuk is believed to have killed numerous individuals—both indigenous and non-indigenous—whom he perceived as intruders into his domain near the Kuskokwim River and Cook Inlet.
Background
Little is known about Klutuk's early life, including his real name. The name "Klutuk" is derived from a small tributary of the Nushagak River in western Alaska. Descriptions of him vary; some accounts depict him as a diminutive figure standing 5'4" tall and weighing 140 pounds, while others portray him as a giant. He was often accompanied by a small black dog and was known to say that killing a person was no different than shooting a moose. Klutuk primarily used a .30/30 rifle for his human targets but hunted game with a bow and arrow.
Crimes
Klutuk's reign of terror began around 1919 and continued for approximately two decades. He fiercely protected his trapping territory, resorting to lethal force against those he deemed trespassers. His victims included both white and indigenous trappers and prospectors. While exact numbers are uncertain, it is believed he murdered at least 20 individuals during this period.
...Read More
Account
