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Beast of Gévaudan
For three years, a creature terrorized rural France, killing up to 300 people. Victims were decapitated. The King sent soldiers. Thousands hunted it. Whatever it was, it killed with intelligence and purpose.
1764 - 1767
Gévaudan, France
1000+ witnesses
The Beast of Gévaudan was a real creature that terrorized France in the 18th century.
The Attacks
According to historical records:
From 1764 to 1767:
- 100-300 people killed
- Many more injured
- Victims often decapitated
- Mostly women and children
- Attacks showed intelligence
The Description
Witnesses described:
- Larger than a wolf
- Reddish fur
- Black stripe on back
- Enormous teeth
- Moved unusually
- Seemingly bulletproof
The Hunts
Response included:
- King Louis XV sent soldiers
- Professional wolf hunters called
- Thousands of peasants mobilized
- Many wolves killed
- Attacks continued
The Deaths
Two creatures killed:
- First by François Antoine (1765)
- Second by Jean Chastel (1767)
- Attacks stopped after second
- Chastel’s kill legendary
- Used blessed silver bullets (legend)
What Was It?
Theories include:
- Unusually large wolf
- Wolf-dog hybrid
- Hyena (escaped exotic animal)
- Unknown predator
- Multiple animals
The Evidence
Historical documentation:
- Autopsy reports exist
- Attack records preserved
- Witness testimonies recorded
- Royal correspondence
- Well-documented case