The haunted description of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge includes legends of a "demon mule" whose spirit is said to linger, and the more widely known "ghost forests" – dead, decaying trees that stand as eerie testaments to the impact of sea level rise on the landscape. While the demon mule is a traditional ghost story, the ghost forests are a real, observable phenomenon caused by rising waters and invasive species, creating a spectral and haunting atmosphere. A local legend tells of a demon mule that attacked fishermen and loggers in the area before being chased to its death in quicksand. The spirit of this mule is said to remain within the refuge, contributing to its haunted reputation. These are stands of dead trees that die and decay due to encroaching saltwater from sea level rise, which converts formerly forested areas into marsh. These ghost forests create a haunting visual effect, resembling ship masts along the water's edge and adding to the refuge's mystique.