The Beast of Gévaudan

One of history’s deadliest cryptid cases—a creature that killed over 100 people and terrorized 18th-century France.

The Terror Begins

In June 1764, in the rural province of Gévaudan:

• A young woman was attacked while tending cattle
• Her bulls drove off the creature
• She survived but was badly wounded
• She described an enormous wolf-like beast

This was only the beginning.

The Attacks

Over the next three years:

• Over 100 people killed (possibly 200+)
• Dozens more wounded
• Victims were often decapitated
• Many were children and women
• The creature seemed to target humans specifically
• It showed no fear of people

The Description

Witnesses consistently described:

• Wolf-like but much larger
• Reddish-brown fur with a dark stripe
• A broad chest
• A long, thin tail with a lion-like tuft
• Large teeth
• An ability to leap great distances
• It attacked from behind, going for the head

The Hunts

Royal Attention

King Louis XV took notice:

• Professional wolf hunters were dispatched
• The military was deployed
• Thousands of local hunters participated
• Massive reward offered

First “Beast” Killed

In September 1765:

• François Antoine killed a large wolf
• It was displayed at Versailles
• The attacks were declared over
• But they continued

Second “Beast” Killed

In June 1767:

• Local hunter Jean Chastel killed a large wolf
• Inside were human remains
• The attacks finally stopped
• Some say he used a silver bullet

The Theories

Unusually Large Wolf

• Wolves rarely attack humans
• But a desperate or rabid wolf might
• Still doesn’t explain the size

Wolf-Dog Hybrid

• More aggressive than pure wolves
• Could explain unusual behavior
• Possibly escaped or released

Exotic Animal

• A hyena or lion escaped from a menagerie
• Would explain the unusual description
• Several nobles kept exotic animals

Multiple Animals

• More than one creature
• Would explain the range of attacks
• Perhaps a pack or family

Human Involvement

• Some theorize a human killer
• Used a trained animal
• Would explain the targeting of humans

The Legacy

The Beast of Gévaudan:

• Remains France’s most famous monster
• Inspired countless books and films
• The “Brotherhood of the Wolf” film
• Werewolf legends may have roots here
• The truth will never be known

The Victims

The true tragedy:

• Over 100 lives lost
• An entire region terrorized for years
• Many victims were children
• The fear never fully faded

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Something stalked Gévaudan for three years. Whatever it was, it killed with impunity—and was never truly identified.