Call it a cryptid claim to fame.

The riverside community of Columbia, Lancaster County, has latched onto the long-held lore of the Albatwitch, a small, fury creature that dates to Native American times here, and elevated it to legendary status.

The Albatwitch is now driving what creature hunter David Spinks calls “para-tourism” as thousands flock to the mountainous woods surrounding Columbia in search of the red-eyed, apple-stealing abnormality.

[...]