The Death Crawler: Giant Killer Centipedes of the Amazon

 Scolopendra gigantea, or the Amazonian Giant Centipede; isn't the only deadliest Scolopendra living in South America. The Death Crawler (named after it's deadly reputation) is a large, venomous centipede that is considered to be the most feared arthropod in the Amazon. Death Crawlers can reach up to three feet by adulthood but, there are some cases in which the insect can grow up to five or six feet. They're both silent, and quick, which in the field of Monstrology; is a deadly combination, and are capable of stalking their prey from almost anywhere in their habitat (includes the canopy, underneath the earth in tunnels, and even over top water). Prey varies on size but, the arthropod has been reported to kill, and consume monkeys, caiman, capybara, and even humans. Death Crawlers have a few ways to attack like for example, if the prey is a caiman in the water; the large centipede would silently approach it's prey before constantly biting and wrapping it's body around the surprised meal. Death Crawlers, like all centipedes; have the ability to bite more than once which releases more venom into the poor creature attacked. They're also known (like in the example mentioned above) to wrap their bodies constantly around their prey in order to deliver more effective bites. This will only happen if the animal is smaller than its prey or the animal needs to quickly overpower it's prey to prevent escape.

Death Crawler venom, like their smaller cousins; is five times the dosage to help bring down larger prey. Symptoms of a Death Crawler bite vary upon each individual but, they usually start with severe pain, chills, weakness, fever, and finally death. Death Crawlers are creatures which must be totally respected while travelling through their territories. These large centipedes are known to be extremely aggressive and must not be taken as a joke because these creatures will attack, kill, and even consume you. If a Death Crawler crosses your path; do not run because they can easily catch up to you, and never provoke it to attack. Holding still and not making any noise will definately save your life. Anti-venom, if bitten; is possible but, must get ahold of it within a few hours before death depending on how many times the centipede has bitten you. Killing a Death Crawler is quite easy but, setting on fire is usually the best way to exterminate one. Having one as a pet isn't the best idea but, is possible.

Handling a Death Crawler (shown above) is never a bright idea due to their large size, strength, quickness, and ofcourse it's fatal venom.

The Rake: Misidentified Ghouls or Something Else?

Ghouls are one of the world's most dangerous and common undead predators ever to walk the Earth, alongside the zombie and vampire species. Ghouls first originated from the Middle East before spreading to the rest of the world in different shapes and forms. The Ghoul family tree consists of four species: the shape-shifting Ghoul that scurries along graveyards/deserts searching for prey, the Forest Ghoul which lives mainly in the canopy, the Ghast which is like a 'super-ghoul', and the Invunche; which are large deformed and vicious ghouls found in Chile. Now there may be another species out there, hiding within the deepest, darkest parts of North America's woods. The Rake is a pale, ghoul-like creature with long, sharp claws (hence the name due to the claw's appearance to be quite similar toward the gardening tool of the same name) and nothing really is known about these creatures. The only things that are known by Monstrologists is that it's appearance is almost similar toward the Forest Ghoul (which is sometimes mistaken for) from a distance until the claws come into view. The Rake is also very dangerous, predatory, and are silent as they stalk their prey. Rakes only attack when their prey is unaware of their presences (usually as it's victim is asleep) before goring and tearing the poor creature. It is theorized by Monstrologists that the Rake, like the Phase Spider, can 'teleport' itself into another dimension to allow the creature to easily stalk and hide form their prey before committing the final blow. Killing a Rake is unknown but, it is logical if someone can get a clean shot before it escapes out of sight and out of our own plane.

Above is an illustration of a Rake, which is almost human-like; that makes this creature extremely unpredictable and frightning.

The Joystealer: Elf-like Seducers

The Joystealer is an elf-like creature whom feeds off emotions from their victims and are very seductive into doing so. Joystealers are elf-like in appearance but, have extremely pale skin (sometimes with a purplish tint) with long hair, and seem androgynous at first glance. The only way to tell between these creatures and elves are their gem-like, pupil-less eyes which seems to "hypnotize" their unexpected prey. Mixing traits with psychic vampires (the way they feed), elves (appearance), and even succubi (seductive abilities); this is a species that nobody wants to confront. Their favorite prey are humans and elves whom don't see through their tricks and seductive techniques. Joystealers are usually found in urban areas (especially near waterfronts and slums) where shelter, food, and a water source is provided for them. Prostitution is the most common way both genders seem to hunt by luring both men and/or women of both races into traps. Being solitary hunters, Joystealers don't occasionally join together unless it's an orgy-type party. There are many ways on killing a Joystealer such as shooting, setting on fire, brutally beating, etc... but, the most effective way is starving it to death. Saying 'no' and ignoring the predator's advances is the most common way to get rid of a Joystealer due to the creature's nature. Another effective way is staying away from their hunting grounds with a crowd of people. Joystealers, though persistent; tend to stay out of sight during the day and crowded areas.

Joystealers (above) are related to fey folk such as fairies, pixies, and elves.

The Revenant: The 'Lesser Zombie'

The zombie is probably one of the world's most feared species of monsters. The idea of an infected, cannibalistic individual who spreads a deadly plague across a country or even the world can send the bravest person a chill running up their spine. The Revenant, unlike their more evolved cousins; is an example of this idea. The Revenant is an animated corpse whom returns from the grave after their body is left unburied, not allowing the soul to finally rest in peace. Revenants are known as 'lesser zombies' due to their nature of mainly spreading diseases and terrorizing the living rather than feeding on them. Though they do consume mostly human blood, the Revenant usually chooses their prey due to an act of revenge or a memorable response (which is unlike zombies whom just consume anything alive). Though they are considered to be zombies, they're mainly similar toward vampires in their primal behavior and strategies on hunting. Revenants don't share any spacial abilities with vampires such as their speed and strength but, they do share the thirst for human or animal blood. Revenants can infect people by their saliva, or their decaying body, which, like the zombie virus or the Black Death; can quickly take over an entire town or city. The only way to kill a Revenant is by chopping off the head, stabbing it in the heart, and setting the corpse on fire to prevent further decomposing.    

Revenants and zombies (pictured above) are actually quite different. The Revenat, if you havn't known; 'slumbers' during the day as a lifeless corpse while as for the zombie, it wonders endlessly for food. Unlike vampires though, Revenants are immune to sunlight which gives their 'sleeping' bodies extra protection except for the decaying flesh which can spread numerous diseases including the Revenant Virus.

The Inferno Spider: The Spider Truly from Hell

Hell, like any other ecosystem, is vastly filled with different species including the most common demons and devils. Whenever anybody thinks of the word, people generally think of a place where human souls are punished due to their sinfulness and they're right. Hell is an afterlife where the souls of humans go if they breaks certain rules such as murdering another or being an atheist (according to Christianity) to pay for their misdeeds. The Inferno Spider is an arachnid native only to this particular afterlife but, has the ability to travel into the mortal world by catching rides on incoming demons or demonic spirits. In Hell, the Inferno Spider can reach to about eight feet in diameter by adulthood while in our world they can reach up to the size of a tarantula. They can create complex webs that are known to burn the flesh of anything living, except for demons. Inferno Spiders, on both 'dimensions', are solitary hunters who target the weak as a food source. They are ambush predators and tend to use magma-like venom to paralyze their prey. For demons, this venom can easily paralyze them for enough time to allow the large arachnid to feed, however for humans, the venom tends to turn their veins into liquid lava which kills them if untreated. Anti-venom is possible if frozen or froze to the point of become injectable only for human use. Demons on the other hand, can become immune after the paralyzing effects wear off.

Inferno Spiders, like said above, are solitary animals until mating season. During mating season, both males and females fall into a strange, ritualistic  dance once in courtship. This dance can happen from hours to days until their mating ritual is over. Unlike most animals whom lay either eggs or have live birth, both the male and female explode after colliding with each other at the end. After the fiery explosion, eggs and sperm generate young Inferno Spiders within a few seconds creating instant birth. Predators, such as  fire elemental Salamanders, wait until the explosion to feed. In the mortal world, this is a dangerous deal after mating season has began which can result in some body's home to burn down. Like said in the first paragraph, Inferno Spiders catch rides from demons or evil spirits into our world to either obtain prey or create a new breeding population. The only way to get rid of Inferno Spiders is by exorcisms made for their species or are eaten by a fire elemental such as the Salamander mentioned above.

Inferno Spider (shown above) infestations can cause serious problems in our world and must be dealt with before mating begins unless, you don't mind having your house burn to the ground. The two common ways on knowning there is one around is by a sulfuric smell or strange burning from air vents, walls, or unusual places throughout the house.  

The Rock Nest Monster: Exclusive Testudines

A species of Testudine (tortoises and turtles), the Rock Nest Monster is the most exclusive creature ever to roam America. Like its name, this exclusive creature lays porcelain-like eggs which are predator proof and cannot be x-rayed. Rock Nest Monsters are unknown to Monstrologists due to their mysterious nature. No evidence, except for their eggs, have ever proven the creature's behavioral patterns. Due to some evidence and theories, Monstrologists believe that the Rock Nest Monster is an aquatic herbivore and mainly spends its time submerged underwater. Mainly found around the Eno River of North Carolina, evidence had shown that this creature has been found in most of the southern states. Nesting, the largest piece of evidence, shows about twenty eggs surrounded by arranged rocks. The eggs are left to the elements, same as Testudines, and range from mottled brown to light green in color. Its known that the Rock Nest Monster reuses the same rock pile to lay its eggs, making this  a possible means of competition during mating season(s). There is evidence to support that this creature also has a distant cousin living in France called the Rock Less Monster, which is too a mysterious creature.

Above: a photograph of a Rock Nest Monster's nesting site with eggs.

The Suwannee Penguin: Modern Day Cousin of the Extinct Palaeeudyptines

Palaeeudyptines were once the largest species of penguins ever to have existed until extinction took hold of these amazing creatures. Afterwards, the family was lost forever until in 1948, at Florida's Clearwater Beach; strange foot prints were found in the sand. The prints were a mystery until, later that year, a large bird was sighted waddling alongside the beach. This mystery bird stood taller than any human (approx. fifteen feet tall from a distance) and looked similar in appearance toward a penguin. The Suwannee Penguin (named after the same river in Florida) is a modern day cousin of the giant penguins of the far Pacific. These creatures are only found off the coast of North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico. They're also known to travel inland up large river systems into swamps, marshes, bogs, and even the everglades to mate and lay a single egg. Though they look frightening due to their size, Suwannee Penguins are harmless toward humans and tend to be shy toward them. They'll only attack if somebody frightens or threatens them. Their food sources is a wide variety from fish to aquatic mammals (muskrats) to the fearsome alligator. Predators vary depending on the carnivore's size such as giant alligators or the thought-to-be-extinct Megalodon. Hunting, trapping, and poaching of this rare bird is illegal thanks to the Suwannee Penguin Protection Act (passed in the southern states in the 1950's by Floridian Monstrologists) to help protect this endangered creature from human contact. Also, as a safety measure, Monstrologists created the cover-up called the 'Giant Penguin Hoax' to keep humans from chasing these giant birds just in case the act is dropped (which it had done in the 60's until the early 90's).

The Palaeeudyptines (such as the Kairuku Penguin, shown above) were mainly found in areas such as New Zealand, Antarctica, and even Australia. The Suwannee Penguins are only found in the United States/Mexico and don't enjoy the cold like their modern day cousins.  

The Horses of Diomedes: Man-Eating Horses of the Black Sea

Diomedes' Horses are one of the world's most dangerous Equidaes (horses, donkeys, and zebras) due to their unnatural behavior to consume flesh from either animals or humans who come into contact. First originated in Southern countries nearby the Black Sea starting at Romania throughout Northern Turkey, the horses were accidentally brought to Greece by merchants trying to sell the horses to farmers. Unfortunately, a few escaped and created a small population within the country. In appearance, the horses vary between sexes with colors ranging from white to black. Males, smaller, are less aggressive and are omnivorous while the females, larger, are more aggressive and are carnivorous. Diomedes' Horses (unlike domestic and wild horses) have sharp, jagged teeth used for ripping food from their victims except for males, which have only K-9s and grinding teeth due to their omnivorous lifestyle. In the wild, females are usually in charge of a herd and are violent toward each other during mating season in which gender roles switch (males are picked by the females instead of the opposite of other animals). Domestication is still possible, but remember to always have in mind that even though females tend to be less aggressive in captivity, they still have a carnivore's thirst for blood.

Diomedes' Horses (shown above) were once part of the twelve labors of Hercules in which he binded their mouths shut with chains. This method is still used today whenever someone wants to 'break-in' the horses for domestication.

The Bandersnatch: The Frumious Monster

The Bandersnatch is a species of large, carnivorous mammals that are only found in a few regions of Europe which mainly includes the United Kingdom and Germany. In appearance, the Bandersnatch looks something like between a bulldog and a "monster". With its bulldog-like face with rows of razor sharp teeth, the Bandersnatch can quickly rip apart prey without even breaking a sweat. Like a shark, the Bandersnatch can lose and regrow teeth without even noticing. The creature is lightly greyed in color and has black spots all over its body. The Bandersnatch is covered with long hair with a long, furry tail. Bandersnatches are both incredibly strong and unnaturally fast which gives the creature an upper edge while hunting down large prey. The Bandersnatch even has an extended neck which allows the creature, while running, to grab hold onto its prey (mainly deer or boar) without having to tackle its victim. The Bandersnatch produces a foul odor from its body which would repel any predators from attacking it and can automatically "turn off" the odor while hunting. They live throughout the winter thanks to their long fur and can survive without food for almost a week if they successfully kill a large enough prey (like for example a dragon). Bandersnatches are naturally aggressive toward other animals/humans in the wild but, in captivity; they can become the most loyal of friends and are totally harmless toward their masters. Hunting a Bandersnatch takes dedication, patience, and intelligence with a few hints of craziness.

The Bandersnatch (shown above) is one of the world's most dangerous and exclusive creatures on the planet.

The Strong Toad: Chile’s Invulnerable Toad

The Strong Toad is a very unique species of magical amphibians that are only native to Chile. In appearance, the creature looks like a normal horned toad except for a turtle-like shell on its back. The Strong Toad has the power of invulnerability, which allows the creature to withstand most harm and can actually glow-in-the-dark thanks to its unnatural skin. Strangely, one may think that the invulnerability is the creature's main defense mechanism. In reality, the Strong Toad's eyes actually have the ability to hypnotize any other life form away or toward the creature. Humans and predators are usually repelled but, insects or small mammals like mice are attracted toward the animal. Staring down either a predator or prey allows the Strong Toad to wisely choose which animal can get close enough to it, and if all else fails; the invulnerability protects the animal from any potential harm. Strong Toads are known to be great pets (only by choosing their owners) and are known to be great "guard dogs" due to their abilities. Though if a person ever wanted to kill a Strong Toad, fire is the most effective away due to the creature's amphibious nature but, just remember to burn it thoroughly until its reduced to cinders. Strong Toads are generally harmless but, are very picky on what or who they want to meet.

Over a century, Monstrologists have argued if the Strong Toad (illustrated above) is actually related to amphibians or reptiles. Until only recently, it has been confirmed that the animal is actually an amphibian thanks to recent technology.

The Dōmo-kōmo: The Japanese Species of Ettin

The Dōmo-kōmo is a human sized species of Ettin (two headed Giants) that live around Japanese towns or cities in the forest filled mountains. Rarely appearing in urban areas, the Dōmo-kōmo will only travel into populated areas if their prey sources are running low or if an environmental threat is currently occurring. Unlike most species of Giant, the  Dōmo-kōmo is carnivorous and will consume humans if a chance arrives. Humans, though not their normal meal, can fall victim with this very intelligent creature. Intelligence varies amongst individuals and will determine if the creature is a threat or harmless. Rodents, birds, other small mammals, most reptiles, and children can be easily killed by a large enough specimen (ranging between 7.5 to 8 feet tall). The Dōmo-kōmo are known to use either brute strength or murderous tools such as knives or axes to successfully kill their prey. Like Ettins, each head controls one set of the body: the left head controls the left side and the same with the right. Usually the right head is more of a leader for the left head to follow but, the Dōmo-kōmo differs because most individuals seem to be equally the same giving this species a greater edge on survival. Killing a Dōmo-kōmo varies but, killing at least one of the heads will either stun the creature or will cause the remaining head to control the entire body which would cause the creature to tire quicker.

The Dōmo-kōmo (illustrated above) were once to believed to be Oni (Japanese "Demon" Ogres) which later turned out to be related to Ettins, which are only found in isolated areas in Europe.

The Howler Wasp: Deadly but, Practical

An 'aberration' is a strange beast that had adapted to any environment in a more bizarre and different way then other creatures. The Howler Wasp is an example of what an aberration is and considered to be one of the dangerous. Half-primate; half-insect, the Howler Wasp is an social animal and are known to hunt in swarms. Being extremely aggressive and hostile to other creatures, the Howler Wasp is a monster that shouldn't be encountered (including the most experienced). They're known to live in large nests that are made with any surrounding materials such as dry leaves, rocks, trash, and even the bones/skin from their victims. The Howler Wasp is part of a 'hive mind' community, which mainly means that the queen of the nest controls all of the workers which surround her making them mere clones of different sexes. The Queen Howler Wasp is much larger than all the workers and is about the size of a small pick-up truck. The drones (or workers) can grow up to the size of a medium sized dog. Life spans for the workers can only last up to six months but, the Queen can last for years.  Howler Wasps are carnivorous and will hunt down any living organism that happens to come into contact of their nest. Usually, a single Howler Wasp will travel up to ten miles to search for a large source of food.

On the attack, the Howler Wasp's venom can easily paralyze a human within seconds, leaving them defenseless against other attacks. Howler Wasps either attack with their stingers, the scythe-like arms, or their powerful jaws with sharp teeth. If a Howler Wasp is wounded, the creature indistinctly sprays their attacker with a pheromone which signal others to attack. Water is the only way to wash away the pheromones. There are only a few of natural enemies of the Howler Wasp which mainly includes giant species of arachnids. They're known to survive in almost any habitat except for in extreme cold temperatures. Howler Wasps are mainly found in warm climates such as rain forests, temperate forests, and even deserts (mainly in the Middle East). The best method on killing a Howler Wasp colony is the use of fire or quickly exterminate the Queen.

Once a Howler Wasp's nest (shown above) grows too large, experienced exterminators must be called in before the colony gets too large to contain for both human, animal, and even environmental safety.  

The Forest Ghoul: Hiding in the Canopy

The Forest Ghoul is a species of ghoul that lives in the canopy of remote North American forests throughout the country. This species is mainly nocturnal and will hide out of view during the daytime hours. In appearance, the Forest Ghoul is slender and more equipped for climbing tall trees with their long, bony hands with sharp claws used for digging into the bark to successfully get a grip. Unlike the common Ghoul (that are known to shape-shift and are mainly found in graveyards eating the dead), the Forest Ghoul hunts for prey ranging from small rodents to deer on the ground at night. Humans aren't their favorite prey but, they will attack if threatened. Forest Ghouls are quite shy creatures but, can be dangerous if somebody threatens their homes (which are mainly inside trees). Unlike ghouls, this species doesn't have the ability to transform a human into their own species (see 'Ghoul Fever' in "Seven Common Diseases and Illnesses in the World of Monstrology") because the Forest Ghouls can reproduce sexually with their own members. Forest Ghoul infestations are possible and the most reasonable way to get rid of them is to cut off their food supply, in which the ghouls would simply move to another location. If your the violent type, exterminate them until they leave but, don't be surprise if they as well become violent with you. In reality, Forest Ghouls are quite harmless if left alone or are respected correctly.

This is a photograph (shown above) of a Forest Ghoul hunting on the ground for food. This is a rare photograph as well because next to being shy, they're exclusive creatures and are rarely seen.

The Ash Rat: An Ashwinder’s Favorite Snack

The element of fire is a destructive forced used by both humans and monsters to gain what they need to overcome challenges. Dragons use this element to kill predators,and humans, the dangerous of all monsters; use it to also exterminate any unwanted species. The Ash Rat is a species of fire-dwelling rodents that spread fires across forests, cities, and other environments that cause harm to societies and communities. Like the mythical Salamander, the Ash Rat nourishes off of the element of fire and the heat they produce, depending on how much temperature the creature has gathered, can ignite anything combustible. In appearance, the Ash Rat can come in three main colors of black, gray, or brown (indicating the amount of flame the creature had absorbed with brown being the healthiest and black the opposite). Ash Rats have orange/red eyes with yellow-colored, over-sized front teeth. Though these features can be visible, the rest of the body cannot due to the creature's ability to exude a cloud of sooty smoke from its body allowing the Ash Rat to hide in smoke from predators. The Ash Rat can reach up to two feet depending on how much heat is presented in their environment. Only a few predators are capable of consuming the Ash Rat such as predatory Salamanders, some species of dragons, and the Ashwinder, a species of snake that's born from magical flames. Like normal rats and snakes, the Ash Rat and the Ashwinder are mortal enemies. Humans must keep Ash Rat populations to a minimum due to their threat to human/animal safety. Cold is the only way to successfully kill an Ash Rat but, if the body is reintroduced to anything heat source, the rodent can be brought back to life.

The Ash Rat (shown above) can become pets if kept in fireproof cages but, is only recommended for the highly experienced due to their molten lava-like bites which they can inflict on their owners.

The Owlbear: Doesn’t Give a ‘Hoot’

The Owlbear is a weird hybrid creature that's a cross between an owl and a bear. They're only found in remote northwestern forests alongside the Rockies of the United States into Canada. Being carnivorous, the Owlbear will eat anything that happens to cross its path. Reaching up between eight to ten feet in height, the Owlbear can easily overpower any creature it runs into. Their beak and large claw-like talons create heavy damage to whoever disturbs this ferocious creature. The Owlbear only live in large caves, which causes constant struggles with other North American cave-dwelling creatures such as bears and the Giant North American Drop Bear, with their lifelong mates. Mating starts out in the earlier years of an Owlbear's life and after choosing one, they'll stay with each other until one/both dies. Owlbear behavior mainly focuses around aggression and ferocity toward different species but, to other members of the same genus, the Owlbear is friendlier and more social. Hybridization is possible with other Owlbear species alongside with domestication (which is only supported for the most experienced). Owlbear hunting is prohibited in both Canada and North America due to low populations.

There are six main species of Owlbears: the Common (shown above - featured article), the Arctic, the Winged, the Winterclaw, the Pygmy and the Greater alongside with thirty-six different hybrids that are possible if in captivity.

The Peruvian Vipertooth: Bacterial Bite or Truly Venomous?

The Peruvian Vipertooth is a species of dragon that can grow up to fifteen feet in length and only lives in the eastern and northeastern part of Peru. In appearance, the Vipertooth has copper colored skin with a black ridge-markings and short horns upon its head. This species of dragon with hunt for livestock such as goats and cows but, has the taste for human flesh whenever opportunity arrives upon the creature. This species of dragon cannot breathe fire but, makes up with range attacks for stealthy ambushes as this dragon can conceal itself from sight. The Peruvian Vipertooth are known to repopulate very quickly during mating seasons in the summer and must be controlled by exterminating  before human deaths begin to increase. Vipertooth blood, similar to most dragons, is highly poisonous and must be taken care of before it effects the environment and public health.

Monstrologists have argued over the past couple centuries that the Vipertooth has more of a bacterial bite rather than having venom glands linked to fangs. In most Vipertooth attacks, infections are known to happen if a lucky victim escapes the clutches of this species but, afterwards the person dies from an unknown reason. In some attacks, people begin to bloat or flesh begins to be eaten away from an unknown toxin that dissolves most of the body's organs. Dead Vipertooth carcasses don't allow us to simply gain this answer due to its poisonous blood and the fumes that exit the body as it decay that have been proven to be deadly. Thankfully, back in the year of 1999, the answer turned out that the Vipertooth has a mixture of the two due to its age. Young dragons of this species process the venom glands to help the creature protect itself or to hunt while the adults tend to use deadly bacterial saliva to mainly finish off the prey item. Another study also shows that young Peruvian Vipertooth Dragons are more likely to hunt humans due to their agile speed and strength in which the adults mainly focus hunting livestock for easier meals.

The Peruvian Vipertooth (shown above) is a deadly species of dragon and must be respected at all costs. Hunting these dragons are illegal during the other seasons other than summer in which many Monster Hunters, Slayers, and Monstrologists gather to reduce the population for public safety.
  

The Hoot Pecker: Fighting for Survival

The Hoot Pecker is an avian species that's a mixture between an owl and a woodpecker. Once found throughout the entire United States, the Hoot Pecker is only found in the state of Michigan due to urbanization and hunting. The Hoot Pecker, like the woodpecker, are known to eat insects and uses their pointed beak to drill into tree bark for their prey. Only being twelve inches tall, the Hoot Pecker is small enough to evade capture from larger predators such as eagles, hawks, and even owls. The Hoot Pecker emits a owl-like hooting to attracting mates, scaring off most terrestrial/avian predators, and for communication amongst others of its own kind. Though they do have talons, which they do use to hunt large insects such as grasshoppers or mice, are only for fighting off predators or rivals. The Hoot Pecker only sleeps thirty minutes each day due to its busy lifestyle in which they patrol local Michigan forests for insects and other pests. This is why humans like having Hoot Peckers around for getting rid of annoying pests. Different programs were created to help the Hoot Pecker gain a comeback throughout the United States.

Hoot Peckers are in a constant struggle with competition with woodpeckers for the same food source (shown above) and man-made construction. Though thankfully preserves and programs were created in different states including Michigan for the creature's comeback but, it is still unsure if the Hoot Pecker would return to its original roots of becoming common throughout the United States.

The Werecrow: Silhouettes in the Moonlight

The Werecrow (a.k.a. 'Wereravens' in northern regions) is the second of only two Were-Beasts that can naturally fly. The venom of the Werecrow is low and is stored in the tip of beak. Their venom will only effect the deathly ill, elderly, and young children. The Werecrow, similar to the Werebat, is also a rarity in nature. Turning into humanoid crows during the full moon, the transformation results in the person becoming a large humanoid bird with dark black feathers. With their natural color, the Werecrow is a stealthy predator with only the full moon giving the creature away with its silhouette. Silver, like all Were-Beasts, is the only way to kill a Werecrow. They only consume dying or dead flesh from bodies ranging from the smallest animal to the largest herbivore. Personality traits result in which region the Werecrow (or 'Wereraven') is found. Normally, 'Wereravens' are more friendly and less aggressive to humans than the ones in the southern regions.

Silhouettes in the moonlight are usually Werecrows searching for prey. They're known to attack humans and other creatures if they threaten the Were-Beast in anyway or whenever decaying flesh isn't around.

The Werebat: The Were-Beast of the Nighttime Skies

The Werebat is a rarity in nature. Related to the many species in the Were-Beast family, the Werebat is one of only two species that can naturally fly. The Werebat's venom is high and will effect anyone. It only consumes blood, like vampire bats, from humans, mammals, and subhumans. They're mortal enemies of vampires like werewolves due to competition for the same food source. The Werebat will only transform during a full moon which is a trait of Were-Beasts. Like bats, they use echolocation for hunting and will attack whenever a chance for food arrives. Silver is the only way to kill a Werebat which is apparently unknown to most hunters who use stakes thinking they're mutated vampires which always results in death. Holding still and controlling one's heart rate will cause a person to turn invisible to the creature. Interesting fact about Werebats are that they can actually see well in pitch dark environments such as deep caves with low lights. Bright lights can blind the bat while disorientating with extremely loud noises for easy escapes. Werebats naturally return to temperate forests or regions including dark caves each transformation.

Being an extremely rare Were-Beast, Werebat accounts are an handful including the famous Spring Heeled Jack cases that involved a juvenile Werebat.
   

The Kukuweaq: The Iceberg Sized Polar Bear (…with Ten Legs)

Imagine a gigantic polar bear the size of the same iceberg that sunk the Titanic but, with a total of ten legs. The Kukuweaq is a horrifying beast that lives in the barren ice lands of Alaska and some regions of Canada. Five legs on the right and five on the left, the Kukuweaq uses its many legs to successfully travel great distances through frozen terrain. The Kukuweaq's teeth are designed for biting and holding onto large prey such as whales who venture to close to the surface or Boar Whales, which are grey whale sized, aquatic boars that live in or around large chunks of icebergs. The Kukuweaq is a deadly predator and rarely any other creature will fight the Kukuweaq for food or as food. Being aquatic, the Kukuweaq can also swim great distances in search for large prey and stay submerged for about three to four hours. Being incredibly strong, they can break through the hardest of ice to contain prey on the surface such as seals, polar bears, and caribou.

Only living in dens, the Kukuweaq only uses the den for nursing areas for raising their young. The mother will either dig a den into the ice or steal a burrow from a Remorhaz (which is a twenty foot long insect that lives in barren snowy plains). Once there, the mother with stay with her young unless the need to feed or when they become old enough to defend for themselves. Mating happens year long whenever a female is in heat as well as the male in musk. Kukuweaq young are "easy" to kill but, the adults are almost impossible. Kukuweaq meat tastes like polar bear with more toughness and can sustain an entire Eskimo village for a couple of weeks. A special permit and permission from the government is needed for hunting a Kukuweaq.

Kukuweaq (shown above) are creatures that must be respected and avoided by anyone who enters frozen terrains. Like the Polar Bear, the Kukuweaq is endangered due to climate changes that effects the creature's lifestyle and enviroment.