The Beast of Gévaudan
A mysterious creature killed over 100 people in rural France, prompting hunts by the king's own soldiers before being finally slain.
The Beast of Gévaudan
Between 1764 and 1767, a mysterious creature terrorized Gévaudan in south-central France. The beast killed an estimated 100 to 300 people, primarily women and children.
The Attacks
The first attack occurred in June 1764 near Langogne. Over following months, attacks continued and escalated. Victims were found with throats torn out, flesh eaten. The creature preferred humans over livestock and attacked in daylight.
Description
Survivors described a beast larger than a wolf, with reddish fur, a long tail with a lion-like tuft, and powerful jaws. The description fits no known French animal.
The Hunts
King Louis XV sent professional hunters, then dragoons. Thousands participated in hunts. Many wolves were killed, but attacks continued.
In September 1765, a large wolf was shot and declared the beast. Attacks stopped, then resumed in December. In June 1767, hunter Jean Chastel finally killed a large animal reportedly containing human remains. Attacks ceased permanently.
The Beast of Gévaudan remains one of history’s great mysteries.