Iraqis Go on Alert as Mammoth Badgers Stalk City

Badgers have invaded Basra, Iraq, spurring fears of a man-eating monster on the loose in the port city. Despite Iraqi scientists' assurances that the creatures are not dangerous to humans, locals demonize the oversized carnivores and blame British troops for for unleashing them. The badgers "don't stalk humans and carry them back to their lair," a British officer tells AFP.

The badger "is the size of a dog but his head is like a monkey," says a farmer. Adding to the chupacabra-like legend, the rare indigenous animals are nocturnal. "I was sleeping at night when this strange animal hit me on my head," says a housewife. "My husband hurried to shoot it but it was as swift as a deer." (More Iraq stories.)