Forgotten Bestiary: Drekavac

The Drekavac is common in Bosnia, Western Siberia, Sumadija, Kosovo, and other surrounding areas. While this beast is hardly ever seen, its eerie howl can carry great distances and has aroused much speculation and folklore. Many people that live in areas inhabited by these strange creatures believe that the howl foretells death and famine. This theory most likely stemmed from the myriad slaughtered and partially devoured livestock in places where these creatures reside. While theories of the howl foretelling death and famine have been established, it is more likely just a hungry Drekavac announcing that it has chosen a certain farm as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

One of the most peculiar aspects of the Drekavac (and the primary reason why it is so rarely seen) is that it will remain invisible to anyone who has not already seen one. Therefore, the only possible way to catch sight of a real Drekavac is to have had a dream about one prior to the actual encounter. As a result, physical descriptions of the Drekavac vary greatly from person to person. Many claim to have seen one but truly never have, whereas others only think they have seen one; however, the only version of the Drekavac with any consistency reveals it as a creature with canine features, possessing large powerful hind legs and, occasionally, a set of small wings.

To add to the shroud of mystery surrounding this creature, the Drekavac is nocturnal, and any light can easily burn its sensitive skin. Combined with its shy nature around humans, it is not surprising that a clear description of the creature is near impossible to obtain.