The Beast of Bladenboro
Posted by: Nick Redfern on June 10th, 2015
“On January 6, 1954, the Lumberton, North Carolina, Robesonian newspaper published a sensational article titled Vampire Strikes At Woman; Police Chief Warns Parents. It began in startling style: ‘Worried parents kept a close eye on their children today as a strange ‘vampire’ beast continued to roam the countryside.’
“Indeed, sightings and killings had been going on since late December and plunged the good folk of the small town of Bladenboro, North Carolina into states of fear and outrage. Although many eye-witnesses described the animal as looking like a black leopard, there were some who said it was more akin to a sleek-looking bear. Adding to the confusion, the tracks of the creature were said to be dog-like, rather than feline in appearance.”
Those are the opening paragraphs to a new Mysterious Universe article from me.
About Nick Redfern
Punk music fan, Tennents Super and Carlsberg Special Brew beer fan, horror film fan, chocolate fan, like to wear black clothes, like to stay up late. Work as a writer.
Loved this story as a kid, but I’m afraid this one is a bit more of a tall tale. Interviewed some of the original people from the time of the “incidents.” They still hold an annual event last I heard. Still… A good story.