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Excerpt from:
The Fauna of the Uncharted North: Second Edition
Published 1881

For more than a century, reports originating from the northern forests of North America have described encounters with a large, bipedal predator of uncertain classification. Frontiersmen and miners alike have referred to the creature as the "Wendigo," "Forest Devil," and "Man-Eating Deer."

Such s have historically been dismissed within academic circles as the product of superstition or misidentification of known ursine or cervid species. The consistency of certain details across independent reports, however, has long posed difficulty for such explanations.

The recent discovery of a partial carcass, alongside preserved environmental disturbances, now permits a more rigorous anatomical examination. Although no living specimen has been observed in captivity, the available material is sufficient to establish the existence of a distinct mammalian species.

It must be emphasized that all conclusions herein remain tentative, and that the scarcity of complete specimens precludes definitive placement within any existing family without reservation.

The following figures present the available evidence in anatomical sequence.

Figure 1(a):
The specimen stands approximately eight feet five inches in height at the crown of the skull, with the antlers increasing the total height to a staggering nine feet six inches. The body is enveloped in a dense black pelage of exceptional thickness. Beneath this lies a remarkably developed musculature; however, the underlying anatomy is discussed separately in Figure 2.

Most conspicuous is the cranial structure, bearing a striking resemblance to the weathered skull of a large cervid. It is this characteristic that has undoubtedly given rise to the popular designation of "Wendigo." The native peoples of Algonquian tradition, however, consistently reject any equivalence between the creature and the supernatural being of the same name, maintaining that they are altogether separate beings.

Though the head invites immediate comparison with the family Cervidae, examination of the recovered remains suggests this similarity is one of convergence. Several authorities instead propose a tentative affinity with the extinct family Entelodontidae, citing similarities in cranial and mandibular architecture.

Figure 1(b):
Viewed posteriorly, the specimen displays an unexpectedly anthropoid body plan. The proportions of the torso, shoulders, pelvis, and buttocks more closely resemble that of a large bipedal primate than any known ungulate, despite the presence of cloven hooves and unmistakably non-primate cranial anatomy. This unusual combination of characteristics has proven a considerable obstacle to classification within academia.

Figure 2:
Dissection reveals an exceptionally dense musculature, most pronounced throughout the neck, shoulders, thorax, and abdomen. This development likely s for the species' proposed extraordinary strength and may explain its considerable metabolic demands and frequently reported voracious appetite. The increased muscle mass would also contribute significantly to heat production, a valuable adaptation for survival within the frigid tundras, boreal swamps, and northern forests that compose its native range.

The forelimbs present an unusual anatomy. Each hand possesses five digits terminating in keratinous claws measuring approximately six inches in length. The first digit is fully opposable, providing a level of dexterity unknown among ungulates and rivaled only by the higher primates.

Figure 3:
Examination of the cranial section reveals that the apparent skull-like exterior does not constitute an exoskeletal structure, but rather a dense external casing surrounding a secondary internal cranium. The outer structure appears to serve as a protective encasement, shielding the underlying sensory organs.

The eyes are deeply recessed within the cranial cavity, possessing a fully melanized sclera surrounding a red iris and pupil. The nasal ages are similarly concealed, extending inward through the cranial casing rather than presenting as exposed facial structures.

The auditory system is of particular interest. Though no external ears are present, lateral openings within the cranial structure lead directly into enlarged ear canals measuring approximately two inches in diameter. It is theorized that these openings may funnel and amplify sound, potentially granting exceptional auditory sensitivity; however, this remains unconfirmed without a living specimen.

Figure 4:
The lateral cranial view reveals a highly specialized oral structure. The elongated tongue is ed by powerful musculature, while the dentition presents an unusual arrangement: numerous molars occupy the rear of the jaw, while the incisors are incorporated into the external cranial casing rather than exposed traditionally.

The antlers are another feature strongly resembling the family Cervidae. Their purpose is unknown, with possible functions including sexual display, intimidation, or intraspecific combat. However, their true role remains speculative.

The combination of highly unusual anatomy has led academic authorities to propose the new genus and species: Anthropophagus odiosus.
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https://archiveofourown.org/works/50818183/chapters/128378275