Elmendorf Beast

Infobox Paranormalcreatures
Creature_Name = Elmendorf Beast


Image_Caption = A coyote with severe hair loss from mange,
one suggested explanation for the creature
Grouping =Cryptid
Sub_Grouping =Canid
AKA =
Similar_creatures =
Mythology =
Country = USA
Region = Elmendorf, Texas
Habitat =
First_Reported = 2004
Last_Sighted = Present Day
Status = Local legend thought
to be based on the
misidentification of
a known creature. The Elmendorf Beast was the name given to a creature blamed for several attacks on livestock in Elmendorf, Texas. Various opinions have been offered as to the identity of the creature, including that it was a Mexican Hairless Dog whose appearance had been altered by sickness and/or congenital ailments, and that it was a wolf–coyote cross. Some local people have linked it to the legend of the Chupacabra, while others believe that it was the product of a lab experiment that escaped, or that it was a previously unknown form of canid that was forced into contact with humans after its natural habitat was destroyed. Victory, Joy (2007-03) " [http://abcnews.go.com/us/Story?id=1666701&page=1 Texas' Blood-Sucking Monster] ", ABC News]

McAnally carcass

In August 2004, an animal believed to have been the Elmendorf Beast was shot and killed by a rancher, Devin McAnally after it had attacked his livestock. The animal was found to be twenty pounds (nine kilograms) and very malnourished. It had a severe overbite and unusual skin which was blue, hairless, and appeared to be covered in small scales. Experts at San Antonio Zoo were unable to conclusively identify the creature, but based on its skull they speculated that it was a Mexican Hairless Dog. Other experts concluded that it was not originally hairless, but that it was instead suffering from sarcoptic mange. DNA gathered from the carcass was inconclusive due to environmental degradation, though it was confirmed that the animal was a member of the canine family.

Two similar carcasses were discovered in Texas and were found to be coyotes suffering from very severe cases of mange. [cite web| url=http://www.banderasnews.com/0603/art-chupacabra.htm| title=Texas' Blood-Sucking Monster| accessdate=2007-06-12]

ee also

*Cryptozoology

References

* [http://www.nbc4.tv/news/4895053/detail.html August, 25th 2005 News Report of "Chupacabra" Capture]
* [http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA050805.1B.chupacabra_folo.2514835b8.html May, 8th 2005 "Elmendorf creature wasn't part of legend"]
* [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20537899/ August 31, 2007 "MSNBC Article of Similar Animals Found in 2007"]
* [http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/081208kvue-chupacabra-caught-on-tape-eh.3c1947f6.html August 12, 2008 sighting in Cuero, Texas caught on tape by local deputy.]