The Monster of Gévaudan

For three years in the 1760s, a creature terrorized the French province of Gévaudan. It killed at least 100 people, possibly 300, before being shot. What exactly it was has never been determined.

The Terror

The attacks began in June 1764 and continued relentlessly. The beast seemed to prefer attacking women and children. It killed by tearing at victims’ throats and heads. Entire villages lived in fear.

The Beast

Survivors and witnesses described a creature larger than a wolf, with reddish fur and a black stripe along its back. Its teeth were enormous. It moved with unnatural speed. It sometimes walked on its hind legs.

The Hunts

King Louis XV ordered organized hunts. The royal gunbearer, the Marquis d’Anterroches, led parties of thousands. Wolves were killed by the hundreds. None proved to be the beast. The attacks continued.

The Kill

On June 19, 1767, local hunter Jean Chastel shot the creature. Legend says he used silver bullets blessed by a priest. The creature was identified as the beast by local victims’ families.

The Mystery

What was the Beast of Gévaudan? Theories include a giant wolf, a wolf-dog hybrid, an escaped hyena or lion, a trained attack dog, or even a werewolf. The truth remains unknown.

Assessment

The Beast of Gévaudan killed more people than almost any other animal in European history. Whether natural or supernatural, it represents one of history’s greatest cryptid mysteries.