Chupacabra-like creature actually hairless raccoon

Photos: Click here to see photos of the hairless raccoonTwo weeks ago, this hairless creature found by Mark Cothern hit airwaves and spread like wildfire to news organizations across the world. Cothern says, "It's kind of exploded, and everybody's on Facebook, exchanging pictures. It's pretty interesting."The chupacabra has never been verified, but it's definitely mystified

Photos: Click here to see photos of the hairless raccoonTwo weeks ago, this hairless creature found by Mark Cothern hit airwaves and spread like wildfire to news organizations across the world. Cothern says, "It's kind of exploded, and everybody's on Facebook, exchanging pictures. It's pretty interesting."The chupacabra has never been verified, but it's definitely mystified millions with sightings in texas, new mexico and now here. Cothern says, "It is no doubt a hideous creature. There's just no way around it. It's not very attractive and without that fur... that fur absent, it gives it a whole new appearance as to what it is."But the origin of our mystery animal is now revealed thanks to biologists at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wildlife biologist Steve Dobey says, "The anatomical features of it, the skeletal features, the general appearances, particularly in this instance the paws, it gives it away. That it is in fact a raccoon."The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife have seen this strange creature before. In 2007, this animal was caged while it was still living and brought to their attention. The similarities are obvious. But state fish and wildlife biologists are still very interested in studying this animal for an entirely different reason.Dobey says, "Not to determine the species. We know it's a raccoon, But to determine what the cause of this is. It's likely some form of obvious hair loss."It's not mange, which has been the case with chupacabra sightings in the west that have mainly been coyotes with mange. But here in the east, these hairless creatures, which are growing in numbers, are the mystery. It is similar to alopecia in humans or another skin disorder. A biologist went up Monday afternoon to collect skin samples to further their studies on the animal and they did it in the nick of time. Because of all the worldwide attention, Mark Cothern is taking the animal to a taxidermist to mount it.Cothern says, "It's kind of been fun, actually. It's a little mystery in your day." Biologists say there are many reasons a raccoon might lose its hair or be born without it, including disease, shock or a genetic disorder. (Source: CNN)/>

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