Vampire

Vampires are mythical or folkloric creatures said to subsist on human and/or animal blood (hematophagy), often having unnatural powers, heightened bodily functions, and/or the ability to transform. Some cultures have myths of non-human vampires, such as demons or animals like bats, dogs, and spiders. Vampires are often described as having a variety of additional powers and character traits, extremely variable in different traditions, and are a frequent subject of folklore, cinema, and contemporary fiction.

Contemporary belief in vampires

Belief in vampires still persists across the globe.

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During late 2002 and early 2003, hysteria about alleged attacks of vampires swept through the African country of Malawi. Mobs stoned one individual to death and attacked at least four others, including Governor Eric Chiwaya, due to a belief that the government was colluding with vampires.{{ref|BBCMalawiVampires}}

Related Topics:
2002 - 2003 - Hysteria - Africa - Malawi - Eric Chiwaya

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In Romania, several relatives of Toma Petre dug up his body, tore out his heart, burned the organ and drank its ashes in water in February of 2004, thinking that he had become a vampire.{{ref|RomanianVampireSlaying}}

Related Topics:
Romania - February - 2004

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In January 2005, it was reported that an attacker had bitten a number of people in Birmingham, England, fuelling concerns about a vampire roaming the streets. However, local police stated that no such crimes had been reported to them, and this case appears to be an urban legend.{{ref|RealityBites}}

Related Topics:
January - 2005 - Birmingham - England - Police - Crime - Urban legend

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In the modern folklore of Latin America, the chupacabra (goat-sucker) is a vampiric creature that feeds upon domesticated animals. Some attacks were reported around the mid-1990's.

Related Topics:
Latin America - Chupacabra - Domesticated animal

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