'Chupacabra' Shot, Frozen

POLK CITY, Fla. - Chupacabra mania hits a fever pitch after a hunter bags what he says is the blood-sucking beast of Mexican folk lore.

Hot on the heels of the Bridgeport, Texas "chupacabra" comes another strange tale in Polk County, Fla.

The Fusell family claims to have shot the mythical creature on their 2,500-acre property around Christmas.

The animal is mostly hairless, has a long snout and long fingers on its paws. It was reportedly in a tree and was accompanied by another creature, which ran off when shots were fired.

The Fussells have since frozen the slain animal.

"I seriously believe it might be a chupacabra," said Paul Fussell. "But you can't say until you have some proof."

Florida Fish and Wildlife biologists say the animal is a rare breed of dog called a Peruvian Inca Orchid.

However, the Bridgeport "chupacabra" was identifed as a hairless raccoon.

See Also:

• Dead 'Chupacabra' Lives On
  
• Expert Identifies 'Chupacabra'
  
• 'Chupacabra' Found on Golf Course