What is the scientific name of the extinct dire wolf that once roamed

How to scan a sea monster

Chapter 1

Unmasking the Kraken with giant squids and deep-sea scans

Chapter 2

Decoding the Chupacabra through ice age DNA and desert predators

Chapter 3

Yokai under the CT scanner with VTubers and fossil folklore

Ch 2 · Decoding the Chupacabra through ice age DNA and desert predators
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Meaning 'goat-sucker,' the chupacabra is legendary for draining livestock of blood.

Oct 2

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Sarcoptic mange turns wild coyotes hairless, creating the eerie look of the mythical chupacabra

streetspirit A hairless coyote stands on desert gravel near saguaro cacti in Tucson, Arizona

Sep 25

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Molecular mapping proves that mysterious desert monsters are actually native coyotes.

streetspirit Scientists match a mysterious creature's unique biological code to a wildlife database.

Sep 25

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Fun Fact

Chupacabra Origins: Before DNA decoded it as a desert predator, this legendary livestock stalker first came to life on the tropical island of Puerto Rico in the mid-1990s.

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Sep 25

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suaz Chupacabra DNA

We sequenced the DNA of the mythical beast, It's just a mangy coyote searching for a feast.

Sep 24

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suaz DNA sequencing reveals the genetic reality of mange in wild canines.

Sep 24

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Prehistoric predators of the Southwest

suaz Paleontologists compare modern cryptid sightings to the fossilized remains of ice age predators that once roamed Mexico.

Sep 24

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Fun Fact

Mange recovery: With proper medical treatment, wild canines suffering from severe sarcoptic mange can make a full recovery and regrow all their lost fur.

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Sep 24

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The genetics of mange

suaz Smithsonian geneticists analyze DNA to prove how a microscopic parasite transforms ordinary wild canids into mythical monsters.

Sep 24

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Glossary
chupacabra (noun)
A legendary creature rumored to inhabit parts of the Americas, known for attacking and draining the blood of livestock. Smithsonian paleontologists and Twitch streamers analyzed prehistoric canine DNA to trace the legendary desert beast's genetic origin.
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Sep 24

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Quiz

What microscopic parasite causes the severe hair loss and skin thickening associated with Chupacabra sightings?

Sep 24

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Gossip

Which cryptid has the best name?

Sep 24

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Decoding the Chupacabra through ice age DNA and desert predators
BETA

suaz Match ice age DNA with desert predators to discover the real biology behind the Chupacabra.

Sep 24

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suaz Fossil collections reveal the history of prehistoric Southwestern dire wolves

Sep 24

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Quiz

Which island in the Caribbean was the birthplace of the Chupacabra legend?

Sep 24

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suaz Historians trace the origin and spread of the Chupacabra legend.

Sep 24

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Quiz

What is the scientific name of the extinct dire wolf that once roamed North America?

Sep 24

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Quiz

In what year did the first reported Chupacabra sightings begin in Puerto Rico?

Sep 24

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Quiz

What tool do Smithsonian geneticists use to confirm that alleged monster specimens are actually native coyotes?

Sep 24

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Quiz

What biological reflex causes a frightened mammal to raise the hair or skin along its spine?

Sep 24