The Gallinipper

By Crusader1307

 In what could easily be seen as 19th Century ''Urban Legend'' – The Tale of The ''Gallinipper'' (a name created by North Carolina Residents) could fit well. But several portions of The ''Myth'' are somewhat odd and may prove that such a Cryptid may have or still does – exist. As far back as The Tuscaroan and Cherokee Native American Tribes cite as ancient History, The ''Ro-Tay-Yo'' or ''Mosquito Man'' have existed. Living around the East Seaboard of The United States (in particular The Carolina Coasts), this Creature was said to have been 4-feet long, with somewhat ''Human-like'' qualities. The Beast was noted for, much as it's smaller insect Cousin – draining blood from animals as it's food. But The Ro-Tay-To could easily drain a full sized Cow within seconds, leaving an empty husk in it's place!. When The Species chose to attack and feed on Humans, it was too much for The tribes. Although it took many ''Centuries'' to eradicate The Creatures, it was accomplished. But even The Native Americans were never quite sure if they ''got all of them!''

Flash forward to the mid-1850s and the small (and now non-existent) Township of Averasboro (North Carolina). Noted for it's Taverns and Pubs frequented by Travelers, One such – wrote of His experiences in His personal Journal'' The Traveler stated that in such a Tavern, He noted a ''strange skeleton'' was seen hanging from the ceiling. The ''remains'' looked like a ''cross between a small Man and a Mosquito'' (to include the very long and sharp Proboscis or ''feeding tube'' used by the insect to drain it's preys blood). When asked, locals told The Traveler of the ''Tale'' of The ''Skeeter Man''. In time, the so-called ''remains'' vanished (as did the entire Town, which simply died out in 1865). Largely held as ''Legend'' and ''Joke'', it should be noted in the 1950 and 1960s – several dozen dead Cattle were reported by Farmers in The Region. Occurring over a 2 month period, The Police ''waved it off'' as ''Predators''. The cause of Death?.......all animals were ''drained of blood''.