The Pinelands of New Jersey, often called the Pine Barrens, comprises about one million acres of woodland, waterways, meadows and farmland. The area is rich with natural resources, and has offered a refuge and a way of life to its many inhabitants and visitors. 

Though the Pinelands is the home to miles of pine trees and sandy roads, it is also home to New Jersey’s most infamous resident… The Jersey Devil. 

Designated in 1938 as the country’s only state demon, the Jersey Devil is described as a kangaroo-like creature with the face of a horse, the head of a dog, bat-like wings, horns and a tail. 

The most widely held belief about the origin of the Jersey Devil is that Mrs. Leeds, a resident of Estellville, was distraught when she learned she was expecting for the thirteenth time. In disgust, she cried out, “Let it be the devil!” 

The story continues that when the child arrived, it was in fact born a baby devil. Like any newborn, this baby gave a screech. Unlike any newborn, this one unfolded its wings and flew out the window where it landed in an adjacent swamp and made its home. 

For more than 250 years this creature is said to prowl through the marshes of Southern New Jersey. Countless stories have circulated describing the Devils escapades; from raiding chicken coops, destroying crops or killing animals, its presence has been seen and felt by many and has terrorized many residents. 

Recent news headlines of hundreds of pounds of pasta mysteriously dumped near a stream neighboring two towns located in the Pinelands, have the mayors and police baffled. 

Chief of Police, Ronzoni Sono Boni, didn’t have a clean answer for the reporters questions. Detective Orzo Tagliatelle scratched his head when confronted by the news. The two towns lead officials, Mayors Baked Ziti and Linguine Con Vongele, were also tongue tied for an explanation. City Council President Fusilli Bucatini, brought in the investigative firm of Rigatoni, Farfalle and Mostacioli to survey the area.

“This could this be the work of the Jersey Devil,” said longtime resident Gnocchi Barilla, with his wife Gemelli shaking her head in disgust.

“Our children, Manicotti and Orzo are afraid to go outside to play with there friends, Lasagna and Capellini," she said. “Something like this never happened before. It’s frightening. I’m afraid to take my baby, Pastina, outside for a walk in the stroller.”

And finally, Governor Aragosta Ravioli and her contingent of aides, San Giorgio, Cava Tappi, and Strozza Preti only showed an interest in this mystery because of her re-election bid.

After three weeks of thorough investigation into the pasta dumping caper, those involved were no closer than they were on day number one. The 500 or so pounds of pasta, as evidence has since diminished due to pilfering from wild animals, birds and residents. 

Could this have been the work of the Jersey Devil in an act of Robin Hood, taking from the rich to feed the poor? Possibly. We’ll never know...