The chupacabra

The chupacabra

The chupacabra (or "goatsucker") is a cryptid that's reportedly found primarily in Puerto Rico. There are many legends surrounding the chupacabra and the way it preys on farm animals by sucking their blood.

Some people claim to have videos, pictures, and even bodies of this cryptid, but as of yet, it is not a scientifically accepted species. It has been a sensation for years with chupacabra T-shirts, movies (such as Chupacabra Terror), and the subject of various news stories.

The Chupacabra or Goatsucker

The chupacabra’s name comes from the Spanish word “chupar” meaning “to suck” and “cabra” meaning “goat.” Its loose translation is "goat sucker." The name stems from the way the animal preys on mostly farm animals (including goats) and is known to suck the blood out of their bodies. In 1995, some of the first major reported animal mutilations attributed to the chupacabra were of goats.

The primary feeding habits of this animal involve sucking blood from livestock and also sometimes include liquefying and sucking out the organs of its prey. This is done through one or two puncture wounds made in or near the chest of the animal. No meat is taken in reported chupacabra mutilations; the blood is completely drained from the animal’s body through these small punctures.

Chupacabra Sightings

The chupacabra is found mostly in Puerto Rico where major sightings began occurring in 1995. However there have also been many sightings in Mexico and areas in the southern United States (primarily Texas and Florida). In March 2005, reported sightings and animal mutilations began in Russia. There have also been sightings in Maine and other unexpected locations in the United States, though this creature does tend to stay near warmer climates.

Some people have speculated that the chupacabra is reptilian and some theorize that this cold bloodedness is the reason it is most commonly sighted in warmer regions such as Mexico and the southern states of the U.S. such as Texas.

Many bodies of suspected chupacabras have been found over the years. Most DNA testing has resulted in these carcasses being labeled as coyotes with genetic disorders or severe mange. Some believers of the chupacabra myth argue that this label is too prevalent. They believe the scientists are simply calling these animals coyotes because they have no better explanation and are refusing to accept the chupacabra as an actual yet unclassified species.

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