The Beast of Gévaudan: The Monster That Terrorised France
The Beast of Gévaudan remains one of history's most chilling and enduring mysteries. Between 1764 and 1767, a wave of brutal attacks swept across the remote province of Gévaudan in southern France. Villagers described a terrifying beast unlike any animal they had ever seen. It was said to be enormous. Its fur was reddish-brown. Its tail was unusually long. Its jaws were powerful enough to kill with a single bite. By the time the attacks ended, more than 100 people had reportedly lost their lives. The mystery became so serious that King Louis XV sent professional hunters and soldiers to destroy the creature. Yet even today, historians continue to debate one question. What was the Beast of Gévaudan? The First Attack The first known victim was Jeanne Boulet, a 14-year-old girl who was killed in June 1764 while tending cattle near the village of Les Hubacs. Soon afterwards, more attacks followed. Most victims were: Shepherds. Farmers. Children. Young women. Unlike wolves, which usual...