Matching 50 mythical creatures with each of the 50 states
!['The champion of the people', 1784. Charles James Fox attacking a many-headed monster, raising the Sword of Justice above his head. Behind him are his supporters, English, Irish and Indians. (Photo by Guildhall Library & Art Gallery/Heritage Images/Getty Images) 'The champion of the people', 1784. Charles James Fox attacking a many-headed monster, raising the Sword of Justice above his head. Behind him are his supporters, English, Irish and Indians. (Photo by Guildhall Library & Art Gallery/Heritage Images/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f360f3f1850d634e524260b038c9b579e3ec1e6e4a6b47324fa0c3d416e19e6a.jpg)
New Mexico: Chupacabra
There have been many stories of the chupacabra, and plenty of those stories come out of the southwestern states. And some of those legends are in New Mexico. But really, there have been chupacabra stories in a few different states, but this time it just feels like this monster belongs here.
Often described as a prowling creature with long talons, fangs and blood-red eyes, there are some who say the chupacabra has wings, while others describe it as having sharp spines along its back. However, one thing that seems to remain consistent is that it has a reptilian look to its body. Still, there are other legends where the chupacabra looks more like a wild dog with patches of fur and foam dripping from its mouth.
No matter what the chupacabra looks like, this creature is known for its appreciation of sheep (as in it really like to eat them, or at least drain their blood). In fact, the sheep are not the only creature this monster enjoys feasting on, and it is said that they leave a trail of bodies in their wake.
And while I hate to sic the chupacabra on the people of New Mexico, it just feels like this is where this creature would be roaming the land. Bring on the red eyes and reptilian countenance, or maybe not because this creature doesn’t sound friendly at all.