Not a new concept, mythical chupacabras have been reported as far back as the fifteenth century -- perhaps earlier. Generally associated with central and South America, the legendary creatures are reportedly part animal/part human, often walking upright like a man but using huge razor-sharp incisors to stalk prey of small animals or isolated human victims, feasting on the blood and not the flesh of its catch.
So wide spread is the myth of the hideous creatures that just about every rural village in Latin America is more than casually knowledged about their existence. Every few months or so, reports are made from varied sites in Mexico and Guatemala concerning a rash of animal killings, usually sheep or goats, that have fallen prey to chupacabras. Usually a number of animals are found grouped together, all slain by an unknown attacker. But generally the flesh of the animals has been untouched while the corpse has been drained of blood,
Not at all unlike the rash of cattle mutalations reported in North America, these animal slayings usually occur in cycles. And similar to cattle mutalations, these attacks result in dead animals whose blood has been taken and organs have been removed in surgical fashion.
Police and federal officials in Northern Mexico say they are investigating the most recent rash of reports but say they are doubtful they will discover a cause or culprit. Although police say they have ruled out cult involvement, they admit they have no clue as to who or what may be causing the incidents.
The worst of the animal slayings have been occurring near a small village in Chihuahua State where two herders have reported a total of 33 sheep discovered dead during the full moon of October. Like most cases, the animal were dead without being eaten, but the bodies were drained of blood and two puncture marks were found on each animal's neck.
Creatures of myth and superstition? Perhaps so, but something is afoul in the Mexican countryside, and so far no one is offering a better explanation.
Go To Page: 1 2
