Louisiana is no stranger to spooky stories, that’s for sure. Stories of ghostly apparitions, haunted plantations, and unexplained occurrences are pretty par for the course when you have a state with as much history as Louisiana. But there’s one spooky story that you may not be aware of that’ll send chills down your spine.

The Atchafalaya Swamp is the largest swamp in the country, and quite possibly one of the most beautiful areas in Louisiana.
David Jonze/Fickr
But according to Cajun folklore, there’s a creature lurking in the swamps that’ll give you the creeps.
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The Rougarou (aso known as the Loup-garou) is described as having a human body with the head of a wolf, glowing red eyes with razor sharp teeth.
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It lurks in the swamps, waiting for its next victim.
Sterling Schmidt/Flickr

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There are a few various versions of this mythical beast and how it attacks.
Zach Frailey/Flickr
One version claims that the beast will antagonize its victims to attack it.
Muadiv/Flickr
Once the first drop of blood is drawn, the rougarou will transform back into its human form, telling the victim who they really are. If they tell anyone about this encounter within a year, they will become a Rougarou themselves. Think you could keep a secret for that long?
Another variation is meant to instill obedience in children
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Parents used the story of the Rougarou to keep their kids out of the swamps and bayous, telling them that the Rougarou would snatch up those that disobeyed their parents and ventured out into the swamps on their own.
And yet another version is meant to keep Catholics in line.
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Legend has it that if you didn’t follow the rules of Lent for seven years in a row, you would turn into a Rougarou.
But why are there so many versions of the Rougarou?
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The short answer is oral tradition. The legend of the Rougaou goes back hundreds of years, originating in France. When French settlers came to Louisiana, the story came with them. Like the childhood game of telephone, the story morphs over the years as it gets passed down from generation to generation.

Were you told the story of the Rougarou as a child? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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