Cops' 'big cat' plea after Edderton slaying

A reported 'big cat' sighting near Embo earlier this year

Published: 10/06/2011 12:02 - Updated: 10/06/2011 21:12
by Hector Mackenzie

POLICE are appealing for public help in probing a possible big cat link following a series of mysterious livestock deaths.

Two separate attacks in the Edderton Hill area of Sutherland - close to reported "big cat" sightings revealed earlier this year in the Ross-shire Journal - have prompted Northern Constabulary to issue a public statement looking for information.

The attacks were reported on June 4 and June 9 in two locations, both in the Edderton Hill area of Sutherland.

Police "are looking into the possibility that the sheep may have been attacked by a large cat, due to the nature of the injuries".

Anyone who has any information which may assist enquiries is asked to contact police on 0845 600 5703.

The latest development comes in the wake of a spate of unexplained deaths of sheep on nearby Rheguile Farm. A total of 18 sheep had been reported savaged since the beginning of the year, many stripped to the bone.

The Journal also at the end of April detailed sightings reported by a pair of Tain-based sisters when they were out driving near Embo. They remain convinced that the creature they saw, and watched at a distance for around five minutres, was not a domestic cat.

Big cat speculation has been fuelled by several other sightings and mysterious finds of remains - including those of a deer at Upper Braefindon on the Black Isle.

Can you shed any light on the latest mystery? Contact the Journal and see next week's paper for an update. Email at editor@rsjournal.co.uk

http://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/News/Cops-big-cat-plea-after-Edderton-slaying-10062011.htm

Friends Wonder If Cougar Hurt Horses Near Austin, Minn.

April 29, 2011 10:18 PM
By Lindsey Seavert, WCCO-TV

AUSTIN, Minn. (AP) – A group of friends wonders whether a cougar was responsible for injuries suffered by some horses in rural Austin.

The alleged attack happened on April 20 northwest of Austin. Jolene Morrison noticed her horse, Sapphire, had a bad limp, numerous gashes and missing hair. The mare’s 2-year-old colt also was hurt.

Homeowner Glenn Ward, who boards the horses, tells the Austin Daily Herald he’s certain it’s a cougar. Ward says something would have had to jump the fence to get in.

DNR officials and the Freeborn County sheriff’s office haven’t been able to prove what caused the horses’ wounds. The DNR says it’s unlikely it’s a cougar.

Meanwhile, Ward and Morrison are keeping the horses locked in the barn until they think things are safe.

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/04/29/friends-wonder-if-cougar-hurt-horses-near-austin-minn/

Grisly find as ‘big cat’ is caught on camera

The big cat pictured on camera near Embo

By Hector Mackenzie
Published: 29 April, 2011

A GRISLY find in Ross-shire and an intriguing image captured on camera has further fuelled speculation that a big cat is on the prowl.

The sighting of a large, cat-like beast stopped Tain sisters Lisa and Alana Sydenham in their tracks as they were out driving near Embo on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile on the Black Isle, the stripped-to-the-bone remains of a deer and large paw prints in the mud left another landowner pondering the possibility that a big cat is responsible.

The latest revelations follow last week’s exclusive Ross-shire Journal story in which Easter Ross farmer George Ross, of Rheguile Farm, spoke of the savaging of 18 of his sheep since the beginning of the year.

Lisa Sydenham (29), an administration and information technology student at Dornoch College, contacted the Journal yesterday after her sighting on Wednesday night. She had been driving with sister Alana (26) near Embo outside Dornoch when she caught sight of a large beast on the prowl.

Lisa, who snapped the black creature with the point-and-shoot digital camera she was carrying around 8.30pm on Wednesday night, told the Journal, “It was definitely not just a large domestic cat or dog.

“At first I thought it was a very large dog but from the way it was walking and the shape of its body I could tell that it was a big cat. It was quite a distance away over a field. My sister Alana and I were at first very surprised and then excited. I looked into it and found there had been another sighting in the area last September.

“It looked and moved like a cat.

“It spotted me and crouched down in the grass before walking off. We must have watched it for about five minutes in all.”

She speculated that changes in animal licensing laws some time ago had prompted the owners of some exotic animals to release them into the wild.

The Journal was also contacted yesterday by Black Isle-based Alison Kennedy, who lives near Culbokie. She stumbled across the remains of a deer on land she owns at Upper Braefindon on Monday night and is hoping for some expert analysis of distinctive paw prints found in the mud near the kill.

She told the Journal, “On returning to the spot on Tuesday there were signs that the carcass had been dragged further away and carried off, nothing remained but a severed leg. All other stories only show remains of savaged animals, but I have pictures of paw prints at the site of the attack and the very fresh, almost totally eaten carcass.

“I tried to get SAC vets to visit the site and confirm what might have killed the deer, but have had no response so far.

“If it was dogs, that in itself is very worrying, given the livestock in the area, but more so if it is a big cat.”

She said there were obvious signs of a struggle and the appearance that the deer had been dragged a significant distance during the apparent attack.

Chief Inspector Paul Eddington, who has several years’ experience as a police wildlife crime coordinator specialist under his belt, said there had been several very credible sightings of big cats in Ross-shire down the years.

He said too there had been several stories of exotic animals being released in the Highlands since the 1970s following changes in legislation surrounding what people are permitted to keep as pets.

There have also been documented instances of domesticated cats turning feral and breeding with wildcats.

Ch Insp Eddington also recalled the December 2008 report — first revealed by the Journal — of the attack on a 73-year-old Easter Ross woman convinced she had been mauled after disturbing a big cat near her home.

Pat McLeod, who lived in a remote cottage outside Alness, had required hospital treatment for cuts sustained in an attack the exact details of which remain a mystery. Police were sufficiently convinced to lay traps and issue a warning to the public to be vigilant.

Ch Insp Eddington said, “Anyone who sees something unusual is encouraged to contact us. There’s an issue of public safety to consider and also the wellbeing of any such creature. We have had a number of credible reports down the years and people can be assured they will always be taken at face value.”

(Link not supplied)

Town hunts for black panther preying on livestock

 
Joleen Chaney
Reporting KFOR
5:47 p.m. CDT, April 26, 2011

POCASSET, Okla. -- Some Oklahomans are on the hunt for what they are calling a black panther or mountain lion that has been spotted near several homes.

The creature has been reportedly seen near Pocasset in rural Grady County.

"It was about half grown, had a tail about 4 feet long and it was solid black," witness Russell Dahl said.

It has become quite the talk of the town after a few recent run-ins with people, including Dahl's neighbor who had an encounter while on an evening jog.

"It liked to scare her to death," he said.

The animal is said to have been roaming the area for decades.

Dahl said he questioned the creature's existence when his son described his sighting, but he quickly became a believer.

"I said, 'You saw a coyote.' Well, the next day I saw it and it wasn't no coyote," he said.

Officials at the Oklahoma State Department of Wildlife say they've had a definite increase in the number of calls they've gotten from people who say they've seen big cats after a mountain lion was captured in Tulsa over the weekend.

"Sometimes I think they might be seeing a bobcat, maybe even coyotes, once in a while dogs," Game Warden Ron Comer said. "You can't always believe what your eyes are telling you."

The latest sightings in this rural little town haven't only given the locals a bit of a scare, but some say the cats have gone after their cattle and pets.

Whatever it is, experts say it could be one of a number of different animals.

"I never try to tell anybody that they didn't see what they thought they saw, but the melanistic gene does not exist in the mountain lion or the pumas or panthers or whatever you want to call the north American big cat," Comer said.

The melanistic gene increases an animals dark pigmentation, turning the animal black.

Within the past few years, new laws have allowed people to kill mountain lions or big cats if they feel threatened.

However, now there is no open season to hunt the animals and it is illegal to do so.

As for the cat caught in Tulsa, wildlife officials believe it was a caged pet that somehow escaped from someone who was not licensed to have it.

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-news-hunt-for-panther-lion-prey-livestock-story,0,7227827.story

Fears for children from ‘big cat’

Mum frightened to leave her baby in garden after dog was attacked

By Mel Fairhurst

Published: 16/04/2011

A mother living near the home of the mythical Loch Ness Monster claims a real-life killing beast is on the rampage in the area – and warned it could be a threat to children.

Terrified Katrina Wallace says she is too frightened to leave her 12-week-old baby unattended in the garden after her dog was attacked and a lamb was killed by a big cat-like creature which is thought to be prowling woods near her Drumnadrochit home.

Mrs Wallace’s husband, James, 38, first spotted the animal in the family garden at Ancarraig House, Bunloit, and thought it was one of the couple’s two black labradors.

He said it was black with a long, cat-like tail similar to that of a puma or cougar.

Weeks later one of the family dogs, Breargh, was attacked in the garden.

Mrs Wallace said: “There was blood all around her eye and her hind leg was ripped to shreds. The vet said she had been dragged by an animal bigger than a dog.”

Following snow showers in March, large paw prints which measured 4.5in by 3in were photographed by the couple, and a couple of weeks ago, they were horrified to find a lamb from a neighbouring farm had been killed. It had a puncture wound in the back of its neck.

Mrs Wallace said: “The paw prints came from the woods towards the house. A friend of ours who does a lot of shooting and has tracked animals confirmed they were cat prints and a big one at that.

“If I could, I would move. I have been told by police not to scaremonger. They said they needed more DNA evidence, but what more evidence can we give? My children, aged 12 and 14, are terrified and none of us will go outside alone after dark – we go out in pairs with a torch.”

Mrs Wallace added: “This animal attacked my dog which was lucky to escape, but what chance would a child have against an animal like this when they cannot fight back?

“I want this to be taken seriously because children and walkers are at risk.

“We have heard other stories of sightings of one or two big cats – one farmer in Kiltarlity said he lost 20 sheep to two of them.

“I think it could be something to do with the big cats which were released in the 1970s, which may have been breeding every since.”

Northern Constabulary carried out an investigation into the big cat reports, and also looked into complaints from residents at nearby Invermoriston about marauding wild boar in the area.

A police spokeswoman said: “Neither big cats such as pumas, nor wild boars are protected wildlife. In the majority of cases, the animals would not approach to harm humans. They are not known for their aggressive behaviour unless they are young and threatened and even then, there would be few cases. However, if we felt there was a threat to public safety, we would take appropriate action.”

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2226731?UserKey=

'Super pack' of 400 wolves terrorise remote Russian town after killing 30 horses in just four days

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:15 AM on 7th February 2011

A 'super pack' of wolves has been terrifying a town after leaving more than 30 horses dead in just four days.

Four hundred bloodthirsty wolves have been spotted prowling around the edges of Verkhoyansk, in Russia, attacking livestock at will.

Twenty four teams of hunters have been put together to get rid of the wolves, with a bounty of £210 for every wolf skin brought to officials.

Stepan Rozhin, an administration official for the Verkhoyansk district in Russia, said: 'To protect the town we are creating 24 teams of armed hunters, who will patrol the neighbourhood on snowmobiles and set wolf traps.

'But we need more people. Once the daylight increases, the hunters will start shooting predators from helicopters.'

A pack of wolves this size is unheard of, with the animals usually preferring to hunt in smaller groups of just six or seven.

The massive group is believed to be made from hundreds of packs and has left animal experts baffled.

Dr Valerius Geist, a wildlife behaviour expert, said the harsh Siberian winter - where temperatures plummet to minus 49C - had killed off the animal's usual prey.

He said: 'It is unusual for wolves to gather in such numbers of hunt large animal like horses.

'However, the population of their usual prey, rabbits, has decreased this year due to lack of food, so wolves have had to change their habits.

'Wolves are very careful to choose the most nutritious food source easiest obtained without danger - which in this case happens to be horses.

'They will start tackling dangerous prey when they run out of non-dangerous prey.'

Villagers have already managed to snare a number of the animals but the pack is so sizeable that is likely to take some time to deal with.

Verkhoyansk, with a population of just 1,300, is one of the coldest and remotest places in the northern hemisphere and lies within an area known as Stalin's Death Ring, after the former dictator sent political exiles there due to the extreme conditions.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1354445/Super-pack-400-wolves-kill-30-horses-just-days-remote-Russian-village.html

'Large cat fight' sound heard before savaged lamb is found

Friday, January 28, 2011

Reports of a mysterious big cat stalking the valley of the River Axe have been revived following a gruesome find.

John Knott from Henton found the shredded carcass of a lamb behind the village hall on Monday.

Pictures of what remains of the lamb – too gruesome for publication in a family newspaper – show that it appears a large predator has literally ripped the animal limb from limb.

Every scrap of meat has been taken, along with the front legs and head of the animal, leaving just its spine, ribs and back legs.

Mr Knott said that he heard a disturbance in a field near to the village hall on Monday and that there had been disturbances in the village for up to a week before the attack.

He said: "About a week ago I was going to feed the animals.

"There is an area known as the T-Ground of brambles and undergrowth with is too steep to farm, and has been left to go back to scrubland.

"There was a loud sound like a large cat fight. As I got nearer – it was 200 yards away – it got louder and louder.

"It was the same volume as cats fighting around your feet, but the noise came from a long way away.

"The horses panicked and the sheep started to flock."

Then on Monday he found the evidence of the attack.

"The night before I remember the neighbour took her dog out late at night and it was very spooked, staring up at the T-Ground, as if something was disturbing it," he said.

"From where I found the lamb, the cat must have climbed over the wall to bring it in."

The area around Bleadney, Henton and Wookey is home to regular reports of big cat activity each winter, with farm animals and wild deer savaged by an unknown attacker.

There have been suggestions that the predators live on the Mendip Hills but come down to the Axe Valley in winter when pickings become scarce.

Have you seen evidence of a big cat or other predator in the area round Henton?

Call the newsdesk on 01749 832335.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/Large-cat-fight-sound-heard-savaged-lamb/article-3143910-detail/article.html

'Large cat fight' sound heard before savaged lamb is found

Friday, January 28, 2011

Reports of a mysterious big cat stalking the valley of the River Axe have been revived following a gruesome find.

John Knott from Henton found the shredded carcass of a lamb behind the village hall on Monday.

Pictures of what remains of the lamb – too gruesome for publication in a family newspaper – show that it appears a large predator has literally ripped the animal limb from limb.

Every scrap of meat has been taken, along with the front legs and head of the animal, leaving just its spine, ribs and back legs.

Mr Knott said that he heard a disturbance in a field near to the village hall on Monday and that there had been disturbances in the village for up to a week before the attack.

He said: "About a week ago I was going to feed the animals.

"There is an area known as the T-Ground of brambles and undergrowth with is too steep to farm, and has been left to go back to scrubland.

"There was a loud sound like a large cat fight. As I got nearer – it was 200 yards away – it got louder and louder.

"It was the same volume as cats fighting around your feet, but the noise came from a long way away.

"The horses panicked and the sheep started to flock."

Then on Monday he found the evidence of the attack.

"The night before I remember the neighbour took her dog out late at night and it was very spooked, staring up at the T-Ground, as if something was disturbing it," he said.

"From where I found the lamb, the cat must have climbed over the wall to bring it in."

The area around Bleadney, Henton and Wookey is home to regular reports of big cat activity each winter, with farm animals and wild deer savaged by an unknown attacker.

There have been suggestions that the predators live on the Mendip Hills but come down to the Axe Valley in winter when pickings become scarce.

Have you seen evidence of a big cat or other predator in the area round Henton?

Call the newsdesk on 01749 832335.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/Large-cat-fight-sound-heard-savaged-lamb/article-3143910-detail/article.html

Chupacabras Attacks in Argentina

Silvia Pérez Simondini: Chupacabras Attacks in Argentina

"The Case That May Give Us Answers”
 
Chupacabras Attacks in Argentina
By Silvia Pérez Simondini - VISION OVNI

On few occasions in this investigation have we had all of the elements on hand to finally reach some conclusions on this phenomenon. First, to bring our readers up to speed, we shall provide you with backup information on the story.

News Item From the Misiones Media:

Ten sheep were mortally attacked in recent weeks in a livestock farmer’s field in this locality, according to eyewitness information presented to the Sheriff’s office, the body that has been investigating the strange event that has shaken the residents of this rural area.

Since the attacks occurred on two occasions and always at night, the caretakers, farm employees and Police officers have set up a rotating watch against the possibility that the strange animal may reappear again. It left sufficiently clear prints to increase suspicions that the police prefers not to encourage for the time being.

Jose Fraga, owner of the field and the animals, decided to report the happenings to the Police, and while he wanted to file a complaint, the authorities made him desist for the time being, saying “against who would the complaint be filed?” according to clarifications issued by the police department.

Fraga explained that near one of the pens in his field, he found a large, deep footprint with three long toes.” Like that of a bird, but somewhat larger,” he said, and with regard to the injuries to the animals’ bodies, he added: “The all had bite marks on their necks.”

Andres Gonzalez, Sheriff of Campo Viera, confirmed that the attacks occurred twice and that “it is truly remarkable that the animal did not devour any of the sheep. It merely killed them by biting their necks, and blood was only found in that area of the body. There was nothing found in the rest of their bodies.”

The sheriff noted that he had gone to Fraga’s field in person with others to see the event for himself. “Sheep carcass samples were removed, because there were traces of mucus and its possible to determine what attacked these creatures, and we will know in a few days,” he explained. “Many people are saying other things, but we have to wait and avoid jumping to conclusions. We really don’t know what it may be, because a puma or a yaguareté would’ve devoured one of the animals. But in this case there are 10 dead sheep and none of them were touched, only to slay them...” said González.

The figure of the Chupacabras began to acquire shape in the locality, and cows exhibiting strange bite-marks were found en in Campo Grande, attributed by connection to the strange animal that has kept the owner of dozens of sheep and top-quality cows in a state of restlessness.

In the Ninth Section

Fraga’s field is located in the Ninth Section of Campo Viera, some four kilometers away from the town center of the locality at the province’s heart, practically attached to Oberá. Yesterday, Miguel Figueredo – caretaker of the 175 hectare spread – was startled by the events and for the time being cares for the two sheep and one cow that survived the attack. “The sheep have injuries to their necks, they’re clinging to life...they don’t drink or eat, they’re in poor shape. The cow has bites on its teats and I heard over the radio that other cows had been injured in the same area over in Campo Grande...” he explained, somewhat frightened.

“It’s as though all of the blood had been sucked out. The vet that came here, cut one of them (the sheep) and not even water came out,” he added without hesitation.

In Fraga’s field, featuring a ranch up high, there are currently 18 sheep and 50 cows, some of them nursing young. “That’s why we’re keeping a night watch with the police, because there are many animals and we have to look out for them.”

Most of the sheep chosen by the so-called Chupacabras were pregnant, increasing uncertainty about the creature that is loose in the area.

[Next is the report by Silvia Perez Simondini and members of the VISION OVNI group]

Veterinarian: Arno Stockmanns
Animal Owner: José Fraga
Number of Deceased Animals: Ten (10)
Animals Surviving the Attack: Three (3) Sheep
Carcass Description: Ten (10) Sheep were mortally attacked, with exact incisions in their necks, bodies exsanguinated. The attacker injured two more specimens and a cow’s udders. The strange animal’s attacks were exact in jugular area. In a matter of minutes, it drained the blood from each slain animal.
Crows and caranchos (vultures) fly over the carcasses without coming near the injured parts, as if repelled by something. Other parts of the carcass, however, have been eaten.
A three fingered print was found.
Ants advanced over the sheep carcasses, but turned back upon reaching the neck area.

Antibiotics have been unsuccessfully administered to one of the surviving animals in an effort to halt the infection process: Irondel every 48 hours. Veterinarian Penz from the City of Oberá tested other antibiotics which have hitherto yielded no results.

Based on the photographic material received from the animals’ owner, the following patterns have been identified:
1) Acknowledged bovine cattle mutilations – incision with exposure of the jawbone, removal of tissue, tendons, ligaments and hide. Incision made to the larynx without hyoid bone extirpation.
2) Incision to the animal’s nose area.
3) Marks on the animal’s back with wool removal.
4) Deep incision to the neck area with apparent exsanguination.
5) Lacerations on one specimen’s face.
6) Circular cut with nasal injury in another specimen.
7) Incised cut on the outer ear.

PARTICULARS

1) Well-defined, three-clawed marks were found near the carcasses (similar to those of a very large bird, approximate length of 18 centimeters) which were well-marked due to terrain conditions.
2) Another element observed is the strange behavior of the ants, which invaded the body but died upon reaching the level of the injuries.
3) A deep incised cut on the animal’s hide was found. There is the possibility that the animal was “impaled” to hold it down when producing this cut.

APPRAISAL

This case was consulted with Dr. Alberto Pariani of the National University of La Pampa, not only with regard to the injuries, but as how best to work with the surviving animal, which now displays a process of infection that has not been controlled, despite the veterinarian’s efforts. New antibiotics were suggested, and we are awaiting reports on their effect.

It should be highlighted that local authorities have behaved hesitantly in this case. We believe this is due to an inability to find a satisfactory conclusion to the events.

It is important that they intervene in the case, since the possibility of catching this creature alive makes it a very important item of research in finding a satisfactory answer through scientific means.

We are trying to find a way of getting the surviving specimen to the University of La Pampa, which is difficult due to the lack of financial resources to convey it.

The case remains open, awaiting the conclusions of the forensic authorities of Oberá, which we shall consult if the animals’ owner does not provide us with a reply.

Our thanks to the Community Leader of Campo Viera, Mr. Juan Carlos Rios, and the animals’ owner, Mr. Jose Fraga, for their help and for reporting the case.

(Translation (c) 2010, Scott Corrales, IHU) 

http://inexplicata.blogspot.com/2010/10/silvia-perez-simondini-chupacabras.html

Chupacabras Attacks in Argentina

Silvia Pérez Simondini: Chupacabras Attacks in Argentina

"The Case That May Give Us Answers”
 
Chupacabras Attacks in Argentina
By Silvia Pérez Simondini - VISION OVNI

On few occasions in this investigation have we had all of the elements on hand to finally reach some conclusions on this phenomenon. First, to bring our readers up to speed, we shall provide you with backup information on the story.

News Item From the Misiones Media:

Ten sheep were mortally attacked in recent weeks in a livestock farmer’s field in this locality, according to eyewitness information presented to the Sheriff’s office, the body that has been investigating the strange event that has shaken the residents of this rural area.

Since the attacks occurred on two occasions and always at night, the caretakers, farm employees and Police officers have set up a rotating watch against the possibility that the strange animal may reappear again. It left sufficiently clear prints to increase suspicions that the police prefers not to encourage for the time being.

Jose Fraga, owner of the field and the animals, decided to report the happenings to the Police, and while he wanted to file a complaint, the authorities made him desist for the time being, saying “against who would the complaint be filed?” according to clarifications issued by the police department.

Fraga explained that near one of the pens in his field, he found a large, deep footprint with three long toes.” Like that of a bird, but somewhat larger,” he said, and with regard to the injuries to the animals’ bodies, he added: “The all had bite marks on their necks.”

Andres Gonzalez, Sheriff of Campo Viera, confirmed that the attacks occurred twice and that “it is truly remarkable that the animal did not devour any of the sheep. It merely killed them by biting their necks, and blood was only found in that area of the body. There was nothing found in the rest of their bodies.”

The sheriff noted that he had gone to Fraga’s field in person with others to see the event for himself. “Sheep carcass samples were removed, because there were traces of mucus and its possible to determine what attacked these creatures, and we will know in a few days,” he explained. “Many people are saying other things, but we have to wait and avoid jumping to conclusions. We really don’t know what it may be, because a puma or a yaguareté would’ve devoured one of the animals. But in this case there are 10 dead sheep and none of them were touched, only to slay them...” said González.

The figure of the Chupacabras began to acquire shape in the locality, and cows exhibiting strange bite-marks were found en in Campo Grande, attributed by connection to the strange animal that has kept the owner of dozens of sheep and top-quality cows in a state of restlessness.

In the Ninth Section

Fraga’s field is located in the Ninth Section of Campo Viera, some four kilometers away from the town center of the locality at the province’s heart, practically attached to Oberá. Yesterday, Miguel Figueredo – caretaker of the 175 hectare spread – was startled by the events and for the time being cares for the two sheep and one cow that survived the attack. “The sheep have injuries to their necks, they’re clinging to life...they don’t drink or eat, they’re in poor shape. The cow has bites on its teats and I heard over the radio that other cows had been injured in the same area over in Campo Grande...” he explained, somewhat frightened.

“It’s as though all of the blood had been sucked out. The vet that came here, cut one of them (the sheep) and not even water came out,” he added without hesitation.

In Fraga’s field, featuring a ranch up high, there are currently 18 sheep and 50 cows, some of them nursing young. “That’s why we’re keeping a night watch with the police, because there are many animals and we have to look out for them.”

Most of the sheep chosen by the so-called Chupacabras were pregnant, increasing uncertainty about the creature that is loose in the area.

[Next is the report by Silvia Perez Simondini and members of the VISION OVNI group]

Veterinarian: Arno Stockmanns
Animal Owner: José Fraga
Number of Deceased Animals: Ten (10)
Animals Surviving the Attack: Three (3) Sheep
Carcass Description: Ten (10) Sheep were mortally attacked, with exact incisions in their necks, bodies exsanguinated. The attacker injured two more specimens and a cow’s udders. The strange animal’s attacks were exact in jugular area. In a matter of minutes, it drained the blood from each slain animal.
Crows and caranchos (vultures) fly over the carcasses without coming near the injured parts, as if repelled by something. Other parts of the carcass, however, have been eaten.
A three fingered print was found.
Ants advanced over the sheep carcasses, but turned back upon reaching the neck area.

Antibiotics have been unsuccessfully administered to one of the surviving animals in an effort to halt the infection process: Irondel every 48 hours. Veterinarian Penz from the City of Oberá tested other antibiotics which have hitherto yielded no results.

Based on the photographic material received from the animals’ owner, the following patterns have been identified:
1) Acknowledged bovine cattle mutilations – incision with exposure of the jawbone, removal of tissue, tendons, ligaments and hide. Incision made to the larynx without hyoid bone extirpation.
2) Incision to the animal’s nose area.
3) Marks on the animal’s back with wool removal.
4) Deep incision to the neck area with apparent exsanguination.
5) Lacerations on one specimen’s face.
6) Circular cut with nasal injury in another specimen.
7) Incised cut on the outer ear.

PARTICULARS

1) Well-defined, three-clawed marks were found near the carcasses (similar to those of a very large bird, approximate length of 18 centimeters) which were well-marked due to terrain conditions.
2) Another element observed is the strange behavior of the ants, which invaded the body but died upon reaching the level of the injuries.
3) A deep incised cut on the animal’s hide was found. There is the possibility that the animal was “impaled” to hold it down when producing this cut.

APPRAISAL

This case was consulted with Dr. Alberto Pariani of the National University of La Pampa, not only with regard to the injuries, but as how best to work with the surviving animal, which now displays a process of infection that has not been controlled, despite the veterinarian’s efforts. New antibiotics were suggested, and we are awaiting reports on their effect.

It should be highlighted that local authorities have behaved hesitantly in this case. We believe this is due to an inability to find a satisfactory conclusion to the events.

It is important that they intervene in the case, since the possibility of catching this creature alive makes it a very important item of research in finding a satisfactory answer through scientific means.

We are trying to find a way of getting the surviving specimen to the University of La Pampa, which is difficult due to the lack of financial resources to convey it.

The case remains open, awaiting the conclusions of the forensic authorities of Oberá, which we shall consult if the animals’ owner does not provide us with a reply.

Our thanks to the Community Leader of Campo Viera, Mr. Juan Carlos Rios, and the animals’ owner, Mr. Jose Fraga, for their help and for reporting the case.

(Translation (c) 2010, Scott Corrales, IHU) 

http://inexplicata.blogspot.com/2010/10/silvia-perez-simondini-chupacabras.html

Couple Hunts Serial Cow Killer

Posted: 3:19 pm EDT September 30, 2010Updated: 10:43 am EDT October 1, 2010
HALL COUNTY -- A Hall County family has spent nearly a year searching for answers in the mutilation deaths of their cattle.

Kathy and John Cooper said they discovered their latest dead cow on their pasture on Monday. It was the 20th cow they’ve lost, and once again someone had removed its genitals and udders.

PHOTOS: 20 Cows Mutilated

"It's just frustration like somebody robbed you," John told Channel 2’s Kerry Kavanaugh.

The Coopers said they believe someone is poisoning their cattle then mutilating them in the middle of the night.

"It's almost like a surgically removed cut," Kathy said.

The couple has called the Hall County Sheriff's Office after each incident, but authorities are just as confused. Investigators said they’re stumped because the culprits don't even leave behind any footprints.

"They are like us, they scratch their heads and can't make sense out of it," said John.

The Coopers said they try to ride the pasture more frequently and look for tracks or clues, but so far, they haven't found anything.

"It's a waste. They're 700-800 pound cows laying on the ground that nobody benefits from," said Kathy.

The Coopers are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hall County Sheriff's office at 770-531-6879.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25228737/detail.html

Couple Hunts Serial Cow Killer

Posted: 3:19 pm EDT September 30, 2010Updated: 10:43 am EDT October 1, 2010
HALL COUNTY -- A Hall County family has spent nearly a year searching for answers in the mutilation deaths of their cattle.

Kathy and John Cooper said they discovered their latest dead cow on their pasture on Monday. It was the 20th cow they’ve lost, and once again someone had removed its genitals and udders.

PHOTOS: 20 Cows Mutilated

"It's just frustration like somebody robbed you," John told Channel 2’s Kerry Kavanaugh.

The Coopers said they believe someone is poisoning their cattle then mutilating them in the middle of the night.

"It's almost like a surgically removed cut," Kathy said.

The couple has called the Hall County Sheriff's Office after each incident, but authorities are just as confused. Investigators said they’re stumped because the culprits don't even leave behind any footprints.

"They are like us, they scratch their heads and can't make sense out of it," said John.

The Coopers said they try to ride the pasture more frequently and look for tracks or clues, but so far, they haven't found anything.

"It's a waste. They're 700-800 pound cows laying on the ground that nobody benefits from," said Kathy.

The Coopers are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hall County Sheriff's office at 770-531-6879.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25228737/detail.html

Mysterious Livestock Attacks in Mexico Blamed on Chupacabra

Over the past two months, shepherds and ranchers in rural Mexico have become increasingly concerned that the Hispanic vampire beast el chupacabra might be stalking their livestock.

The chupacabra (the word means "goat sucker" in Spanish) is the world's third best-known monster after Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, and first appeared in 1995 Puerto Rico. It had a heyday of about five years, when it was widely reported in Mexico, Chile, Nicaragua, Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Florida, among other places, though sightings have decreased since then.

According to some, the monster has returned. -

http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/chupacabra-beast-livestock-attacks-mexico-100908.html

Mysterious Livestock Attacks in Mexico Blamed on Chupacabra

Over the past two months, shepherds and ranchers in rural Mexico have become increasingly concerned that the Hispanic vampire beast el chupacabra might be stalking their livestock.

The chupacabra (the word means "goat sucker" in Spanish) is the world's third best-known monster after Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, and first appeared in 1995 Puerto Rico. It had a heyday of about five years, when it was widely reported in Mexico, Chile, Nicaragua, Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Florida, among other places, though sightings have decreased since then.

According to some, the monster has returned. -

http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/chupacabra-beast-livestock-attacks-mexico-100908.html