Cryptid of the Month: The Chupacabra

First reported during the mid 1990′s in Puerto Rico, the Chupacabra (who’s name literally means “goat sucker” in Spanish) is said feed on the blood of livestock. In 1995 the first reported animal deaths attributed to this creature were reported when a farmer in Orocovis, Puerto Rico discovered eight of his sheep dead and completely drained of blood. This may not have been the first chupacabra attack however as similar killings occurred in the town of Moca some 40 miles to the North East in 1975. These earlier attacks were originally blamed on El Vampiro de Moca (which may or may not be the same creature that was later described as the chupacabra). Following the initial attacks in 1995, spread across Latin communities starting in South Florida and progressing across the US and into Latin America.

Most commonly described as being reptilian in appearance with green to grey skin, the chupacabra stands 3 to 4 feet tall with row of spines/quills starting on its head and continuing down its back. The creature is said to have bulging red eyes, a snake-like tongue and large fangs. Moving in much the same way as a kangaroo, some witnesses have reported that the chupacabra could leap up to 20 feet in a single hop. Quite contrary to its most common description, the chupacabra has also been described as looking like some unknown breed or wild dog. (Though because alleged chupacabra corpses that fit this description are often identified as dogs or coyotes, I believe sightings using this description are most likely actually sightings of dogs or coyotes.)

Like its description theories of the chupacabra’s origin also vary. Some believers in the reptilian description think that the creature is some sort of extraterrestrial species, while others accuse NASA of unleashing the creature on the world after failed genetic experiments. Other groups prefer more terrestrial explanations for the mysterious animal deaths, packs of wild dogs. Unfortunately, the evidence of surgical-like wounds does not fully support this theory, though being the simplest solution Occam’s razor would suggest that it is most likely correct. Personally I lean a little more towards the fantastic in my “theory” of the chupacabra’s origin. I think the chupacabra, if it exists, is an extraterrestrial species that was inadvertently brought to Earth on a UFO in much the same way that terrestrial non-native species are introduced to a region by cargo ships and other vessels. Maybe the chupacabra was even a pet, lost or left by an irresponsible alien on a visit to earth.

We will likely never know where this creature comes from, or if it even exists at all. As the tale of the chupacabra spreads, increasing numbers non-obvious animal deaths are being blamed on the chupacabra muddying the waters for investigators seeking the truth about the creature some refer to as the Latin American Bigfoot.

Chupacabra @ Wikipedia

El Chupacabra @ lorencoleman.com