Chupacabra, Mysterious Animal, Allegedly SPOTTED In Texas (VIDEO, PICTURES, POLL)
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Chupacabras, literally "goat suckers," are legendary creatures said to roam Mexico, Puerto Rico and parts of the United States.
Once called the "Bigfoot of Latino culture," there have been many stories about these unidentified animals. Chupacabras are said to kill livestock and tear them to pieces; they are often portrayed as a cross between a dog and a wolf.
Apparent chupacabra sightings spread fear in South Florida in 1996 and Texas in 2008. The chupacabras are in the news again after two strange animals were killed in North Texas.
Animal Control Officer Frank Hackett described the animal involved in the most recent sightings: "All I know is, it wasn't normal. It was ugly, real ugly. I'm not going to tell no lie on that one."
DNA testing is being done to determine the animal's origin. A HuffPost reader emailed in that the animal is likely a Xoloitzcuintle, also known as a Mexican Hairless Dog.
Here is a compilation of chupacabra pictures, various drawings and depictions over the years:
This video from 2006 claims to catch "el chupacabra" on camera. Judge for yourself (sighting at 51 seconds).
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Huffington Post Craig Kanalley First Posted: 07/14/10 04:14 PM ET Updated: 05/25/11 06:05 PM ET