The Beast of Gévaudan

Between 1764 and 1767, a mysterious creature terrorized the Gévaudan region of France, killing at least 100 people and injuring dozens more. Despite royal hunts and enormous rewards, the beast evaded capture for three years.

The Attacks

The attacks began in June 1764 when a young woman was killed while tending cattle. The attacks continued with horrifying regularity. The beast showed preference for attacking women and children, often decapitating its victims.

The Description

Survivors described a creature the size of a calf with reddish fur, a large head, and a long tail. Its teeth were enormous. Some described it as wolf-like; others said it resembled no known animal. The beast seemed impervious to musket balls.

The Hunt

King Louis XV sent professional wolf hunters, then soldiers, then his own gun carrier. Large wolves were killed and declared to be the beast, yet the attacks continued. The beast seemed to mock human efforts to destroy it.

The End

In June 1767, local hunter Jean Chastel killed a large wolf-like creature with silver bullets blessed by a priest. When the creature was opened, human remains were found in its stomach. The attacks stopped.

Assessment

Explanations range from a pack of wolves, to an escaped exotic animal, to a serial killer using a trained beast. Whatever the truth, the Beast of Gévaudan remains France’s greatest cryptid mystery and one of history’s most terrifying predators.