The “Bunny Man” is a Virginia urban legend about a figure in a bunny suit who haunts a local overpass, known as the Bunny Man Bridge, and is sometimes depicted as a vengeful spirit or ax-wielding phantom. The legend originated from reported incidents in 1970, when a man in a bunny suit attacked a couple with a hatchet. While some versions claim he is a ghost or serial killer, the actual events involved no reported deaths or the killer being found, contributing to the legend’s evolution into a local spooky tale centered around the bridge.
Origin of the Legend
1970s Incidents: The story began with a series of reports in October 1970, where a man in a light-colored or white bunny suit was seen near the Colchester Overpass in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Hatchet Attack: In the first documented incident, a man in a bunny suit threw a hatchet at a car, smashing the windshield.
Vandalism: Weeks later, the same or a similar figure was seen hacking at a house under construction with a hatchet.
No Suspect Found: The police investigated both incidents but never identified a suspect, leaving the identity and motives of the figure a mystery.
Evolution of the Legend
The “Bunny Man Bridge”: Over time, the Colchester Road overpass became known as the “Bunny Man Bridge,” solidifying its place in the legend.
Different Versions: The initial incidents, with no deaths, evolved into more gruesome stories, including:
A serial killer in a bunny suit.
A vengeful spirit of a mental patient or escaped convict.
A supernatural entity appearing on Halloween.
Local Folklore: The legend was spread by word of mouth and online platforms, with variations including skinning rabbits and hanging their pelts from trees near the bridge, as well as the story of a bus crash of dangerous asylum patients.
Halloween Tradition: The legend has evolved into a popular Halloween spooky tale, with rumors of the Bunny Man appearing at midnight on Halloween at the bridge.
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