When Sgt. Rosemary Moninger with Hood County's Animal Control stumbled up a dog-like creature bearing it's teeth, she thought she had come face-to-face with a Chupacabra.

"We have heard stories about that for years and that's what we thought it was."

Because the animal was aggressive, a Hood County Deputy shot it. Sgt. Moninger then drove it to the Texas A&M Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Sharman Hoppes understands why Moninger was so frightened by the way the creature's appearance.

"I do think they look scary in the dark and from a distance. They don't have any hair, and because of that, you can see their teeth better. When light shines into it's eyes at night, they do appear to grow. "

Chupacabra sightings have been reported all over the U.S. and Mexico. The word "Chupacabra" translates to "goat sucker" in Spanish. There have been reports of sightings dating as far back as the 1950's. But Dr. Sharman Hoppes isn't convinced.

"In my mind, it doesn't exist."

Dr. Hoppes says she's received more than 30 phone calls and emails from people who believe they've seen a Chupacabra, but they all turn out to be coyotes or dogs with mange. As for Sgt. Moninger's findings, Dr. Hoppes conducted a necropsy and plans on sending it's DNA in for testing, but, for now, she's calling it a coyote.