Name: Chupacabras (means "goat sucker") Chupacabra is also used, but it is a regularized form of the original word.
Type: Bloodsucking creature
Origin: Puerto Rican and Latin American folklore
Description: The chupacabras is most commonly described as a reptile-like creature with scaly skin and sharp spines running along its back. It supposedly hops like a kangaroo and has sharp fangs, a forked tongue, and stands about 3-4 feet tall. It's also described as smelling like sulfur. A less common description of the chupacabras is a hairless wild dog with a pronounced spine, fangs, and claws. It is supposed to look like a dog-reptile hybrid.
When it bites it drains out the victim's blood (like a vampire) and even their organs sometimes. The bite mark is said to be either three holes in the shape of an upside-down triangle, two holes, or one, which isn't a very definite answer. *grin*
Interesting Facts: Chupacabras received its name from the fact that it has a habit of attacking livestock, and particularly goats. It was first reportedly spotted in 1995 in Puerto Rico. Biologists and others who have researched it conclude that the chupacabras are merely coyotes, or dogs, with mange, which explains the less common description of the vampire-like beast. It's been featured in many books, video games, TV shows, and movies.
Have you heard of the Chupacabras before? If so, where did you learn about it?
Great theme! A couple of us are using a similar one. I saw your tweet and couldn't resist. :)
ReplyDeleteLaura A to Z of Immortals, Myths & Legends
Thanks for stopping by, Laura! Very cool to know other people are doing this theme too! :-)
DeleteI know about these from the programs on History Channel. Fascinating.
ReplyDelete--Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Cool! I think I might've seen some of those shows too. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteWhat an interesting creature. It looks almost like an alien. I've never heard of the chupacabras before, but now I'm both interested and terrified by it.
ReplyDeleteThat was my first impression of the picture too. A very weird looking alien. lol Thanks for commenting, Clare! :)
DeleteHey you.
ReplyDeleteI think my first chupacabra "encounter" was via the X-Files. I later read more about them. Personally I think the coyote explanation is lame. I mean, coyotes don't exsanguinate their pray, right?
A-Z @ Elizabeth Twist
Hey there, Elizabeth! Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, I think the coyote explanation is kind of lame too. Besides, I think mange or not, people would be able to recognize one. I think I've seen that episode too. I've also seen them used in computer games. lol
DeletePeople are big on tales of the chupacabra here in Tucson. I've heard many variations of the tale.
ReplyDeleteMy C
I first heard about them in Arizona when I was in the sixth grade (right around '97 or '98). We had a very interesting substitute teacher who told us about it instead of teaching. It was awesome. :)
DeleteMy son and I were just talking about this. The Chupacabra is his favorite "animal". He has even stated that he wants to be a Cryptozoologists because he loves to study animal/myths like this.
ReplyDeleteMel
Wow, that's awesome! I'd had a moment where I wanted to be a Parapsychologist, but I love to write so that won out. :) Thanks for commenting!
DeleteFirst time I heard about them was on Xfiles el chupacabra then I've seen them used on various shows since (was it Bones that had it awhile back?). Plus I have read several books that mentioned them Delilah Street comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteCool! I read the first Delilah Street book. I think I saw the chupacabra on X-Files too. I can't remember though. Thanks for the comment!
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