It seems that a video of a mysterious-looking creature has been captured by a sheriff deputy's police car recorder and has residents and the Internet world in a tizzy. Could the Chupacabra (which translates into "goat sucker") have found it's way to Cuero – an excited town in Texas?

The recent headlines regarding the odd-looking creature may have some wondering – "what in the heck is a Chupacabra?" The Chupacabra takes its name from the Spanish language, where 'chupar' means 'to suck' and 'cabra' means 'goat.' This creature is rumored to dwell in certain parts of the Americas, but has been mostly associated with an unknown animal in Puerto Rico – the first location where sightings were noted.
Mexico and various parts of the United States have also received reports regarding the creature.

Origin of the Chupacabra Name

It seems that the name for the Chupacabra comes from the documentation that the animal had a habit of attacking livestock, especially goats. The creature also developed a reputation for drinking the blood of their victims. Narrowing down the appearance of the Chupacabra, you will find that descriptions vary. Different eyewitness reports surfaced around 1990 in Puerto Rico and have also touched communities as far north as the state of Maine. Some reports have also popped up in the southern destination of Chile.

What Does the Chupacabra Look Like?

Usually, the Chupacabra is most commonly described as an odd kind of wild dog. Most often, it is seen as a hairless specimen with pronounced eye sockets, claws, and fangs. Some reports state that it is a creature mixed with dog and reptile. One of the most distinguishing attributes of the Chupacabra is that it is thought to possess the ability to drain the blood of the things that it attacks. Extracting the organs of its prey is another characteristic linked to the Chupacabra. Both feats are said to have been accomplished with a single hole or in some cases, two holes.

Other features or characteristics associated with Chupacabra descriptions include:

• Leathery skin (sometimes green or gray in color)
• Sharp spine or quills decorated the length of its back
• Standing 3 to 4 feet tall
• Hops like a kangaroo with one account stating that it hopped 20 feet in one bound.
• Panther-like nose and face
• Forked tongue
• Large fangs
• If frightened, may let out a hiss or screech
• Possesses a sulfuric scent that is often left behind

The First Sightings & Reports

Some say that it is the size of a coyote and often dismissed as such. Others believe that the creature looks much like a donkey. However, the majority of biologists and wildlife enthusiasts that are called to investigate sightings often believe that the creature is simply an urban legend.

To continue exploring the legend of the Chupacabra, continue on with Part II to learn more about Chupacabra sightings, as well as a similar case that the creature has been compared with.