I hope they go light on this kid.

But how can new species be discovered without shooting those “unknowns”, or at least trying to trap them? If Robert Von Beringe hadn’t shot 2 Mountain Gorillas in Africa, would we know about them today (and would they have had the species protection they have today?). Would they have been exterminated by poachers and a growing human population without a whisper because of our arrogance and ignorance? Does science work to conserve species that haven’t been discovered or recognized as valid species? There are arguments to be made for the benefits of remaining off the Taxonomic grid (No scientific detection, no poaching), but without scientific recognition combined with global warming, deforestation, etc, species can and will go extinct before we could do anything to stop it.

Science recognizes species only when there is a type specimen or large parts of a specimen. You cant prove it running in the woods with a camera and a cable channel in tow, or with hair, DNA or tracks. You prove it with a specimen, either in large parts, or as a whole dead or alive. True, it is 99.9 % certain that he simply shot a known canine, and to me it seems the time to stop hunting hairless dogs in Texas and in other locals. But this 13 year old recognizes the above truth, something that many adults don’t.

Funny: A boy takes the initiative to try to prove a new species (i.e. doing science) and he could be thrown in the slammer due to a technicality in the law because of it. Punished for trying to expand human knowledge. And we wonder why our education efforts in America are substandard!

Although it’s interesting perhaps from an anthropological point of view, how this switch occurred, it’s just silly that people keep identifying them as Chupacabras. And I do find it sad that, empowered by this one word, “Chupacabra”, they go around shooting dog-like animals with impunity. It’s especially vexing when DNA test after DNA test reveals ordinary canines and common canine hybrids. The word is out that sometimes dogs, coyotes and other critters lose their hair. Why is this so hard to comprehend? Wow, just imagine, you shoot a hairless animal that looks a lot like a dog, and unbelievably, it’s not a blood sucking fiend, but actually a hairless dog? Incredible! Who would have thought?

I remember back in 1995 a Puerto Rican woman I know in the Boston area was fascinated by Chupacabra sightings she’d heard about back in Puerto Rico. They were of the monkey-like creature, very other worldly and creepy. She was quite insistent about the stories and I remember her reactions vividly.

I had assumed that the creatures were a legend from way back, but it’s interesting that the post suggests they started in 1995, when this woman was talking about them. I’ve also heard, (maybe from Monster Quest?) that a string of neighborhood sightings, maybe the first set of sightings, were ultimately linked to actual feral monkeys living in a neighborhood. All well and good, and far removed from the naked canines of Texas and surrounding environs.

I might add, aren’t REAL chupacabra usually hairless feral or wild canine related carnivores in actuality anyways, aside from the old giant bat reports & a few other anthropoid reports?

Surely you know that carnivores of all sizes will frequently drink the blood of prey or lick prey clean of blood? Particularly if the carnivore is indisposed to a fresh water source at that time?

So yes, hairless canines are sometimes indeed the real chupacabra.

Must be a Slow News.. rather blog day for some.

Coyotes, Coy-Dogs & feral dogs & packs are slaughtered in most States of the Union by the hundreds of thousands anually. They kill & sometimes eat humans. Myself or any number of acquaintences could go to countless USA Metropolitan areas just outside the incorporated city limits with our “Assault Rifles” (or C3 machineguns w/economic destructive animal permit for ranches/farms) with bannana clips and pile up coyotes or even any feral dog packs in the back of our vehicles in all legality. The State loves reduction of Non-natives that are a threat to game, livestock or humans.

Pretty hard to get a feral animal felony in good ‘ole boy Republic of Texas; theyll be popped in the head by a .22 at some pounds or by a cop anyways.

The hound interpretation of ordinances is designed for the guy who purposely runs over his neighbor’s dog with a lawnmower or shoots into his neighbors property at the howling dog chained to the doghouse keeping him awake at night.

#1 what kind of gun did he use?

#2 how big/strong was this animal?

and #3 who taught the kid to shoot?

I grew up in rural NC and we raised chickens, we had very few neighbors but now and then someone would bring out a dog they no longer wanted and turn them out, next thing you know they would find our chickens and decide to have a feast.The first time this happened I noticed the dog had a collar and not knowing for sure if it was an orphan or someone’s pet I called animal control to come and pick it up but after explaining the situation to them I was told by animal control to shoot it because if it was killing chickens here it would do that wherever it ended up.I wasn’t really happy about it but since my dad was at work I went to carry out the deed I was using a 22 cal remington semi automatic and at 150 feet it was an easy drop 1 shot 1 kill nice and clean, having an ex marine as a dad no doubt helped with my marksmanship.

so that’s the reason for my questions