Elmendorf Beast

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Elmendorf Beast


A coyote with severe hair loss from mange, one suggested explanation for the creature
Creature

Name:	Elmendorf Beast
Classification
Grouping:	Cryptid
Sub grouping:	Canid
Data
First reported:	2004
Last sighted:	Present Day
Country:	USA
Region:	Elmendorf, Texas
Status:	Local legend thought to be based on the misidentification of a known creature. ^[1]

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. ^[2]. Some local people have linked it to the legend of the Chupacabra, ^[2], 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. ^[3]

[edit] 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 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. ^[1] 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. ^[4]