The legendary chupacabra, with its gray scaly skin, spikes and protruding teeth, has intrigued and frightened people across America for decades. This beast, which allegedly hunted small animals, has given rise to numerous legends and origin stories. But according to John Tomechek, a wildlife expert at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the real explanation for these sightings is based on science, not the supernatural.
A scientific explanation for the appearance of Chupacabra
Tomecek, an associate professor in the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, suggests that many reports of chupacabra sightings are actually cases of coyotes suffering from the final stages of mange.
“Harmony is a debilitating disease that can infect a wide variety of fur-bearing mammals,” Tomecek said. he explained.
The disease, caused by microscopic mites that nest in the skin, causes serious irritation, flaking, crusting and thickening of the skin. Tomechek states that mange follows a certain pattern in the animal’s body as it progresses.
“The last place where dogs lose their fur is between the shoulder blades, the area we call the shoulder,” he said. This pattern can flatten the chupacabra’s descriptions, creating the appearance of spikes or protrusions. The extremely emaciated and emaciated state of mange-affected animals further contributes to their eerie, otherworldly appearance, especially when seen in the dim light of dawn or dusk.
Changes in the behavior of sick wild animals
Advanced stages of mange not only change the appearance of animals, but also their behavior, making them more desperate and bold in search of food. This helplessness can lead to encounters with people and animals that are normally avoided.
“When you have a coyote in the final stages of adaptation, they become bolder when they approach populated areas to find food because they are desperate,” Tomecek explained. “They’re taking risks that a healthy animal wouldn’t take.”
The legend of the chupacabra, which means “goat sucker” in Spanish, originated in Puerto Rico, where the first reports of animal deaths due to fused blood emerged.
Tomechek suggests that this behavior corresponds to that of a sick predator. Infected animals may target small animals that are easier to catch than wild prey, which tend to be more agile and alert. The characteristic puncture wounds often found on these animals are also consistent with the coyote’s hunting style.
“Coyotes do not have a good mouth and grasping ability, so they have to bite repeatedly,” Tomecek said, noting that this can lead to puncture wounds that cause significant blood loss.
Misinterpretation of signs of predation
Tomechek also touched on the myth that the chupacabra completely dries its prey. He explained that this perception may stem from a misunderstanding of how blood settles and clots in a dead animal, giving the appearance of an empty circulatory system. Although sick animals may be more likely to dare humans, Tomecek emphasized that their increased boldness does not necessarily mean aggression.
“I always distinguish between a brave animal and an aggressive animal,” he said. “Being brave means an animal takes risks and does things it wouldn’t normally do because it is helpless.”
Encounter with scabies-infested wildlife
Considering that mange can be transmitted to both humans and pets, Tomecek advises caution when handling infected wild animals. Rather than approaching the animal directly, he recommends securing pets and contacting local wildlife officials, such as county biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Tomecek also emphasized the importance of making sure the animal in question is not a pet with mange before deciding on any course of action.
“There are no known preventative measures against scabies, but if you live in an area where the disease is common, it may be a good idea to consider a regular bathing routine for your working animals and pets that includes some acaricide treatment,” he advised. . We urge pet owners to seek appropriate veterinary care if necessary.
Beyond the Chupacabra myth
While Chupacabra folklore may spark the imagination, Tomecek emphasizes the need to focus on the scientific reality behind these sightings.
“When we’re dealing with a ‘chupacabra,’ we’re dealing with a real animal (usually a coyote) with serious health problems,” he said. “Address the situation accordingly so we can help manage our wildlife resources.”
By shedding light on the science behind the chupacabra phenomenon, Tomecek hopes to contribute to a better understanding of wildlife health issues such as mange and promote responsible management of the animals that share our ecosystems.
Source: Port Altele
