subject: Learn about the Salawa a creature of cryptozoology [print this page] Learn about the Salawa a creature of cryptozoology
This cryptid is seen in Egypt specifically in the regions of Sohag and Luxor. This creature is described by locals as an animal that is similar to a dog or wolf. Sal'awa is a mysterious creature that is believed to frequent sugar cane farms which is extensive in the area.
The Sal'awa is described as a canine-like creature that can stand as high as five feet. It has a large tail, striped fur and pointed ears which are also oversized. Shahba Hamzeh Shaker is a local farmer who has seen the sal'awa. He describes it as a creature "bigger than a donkey, smaller than a camel" with long neck and tail. It is believed that the creature has good sense if hearing and can easily blend in the environment despite of its size. This mysterious sal'awa hunts lizards and mammals to eat. According to some locals, it even hunts humans.
Also called Al-salaawa by the Egyptian natives, the canine creature has been pointed as the one responsible for various vicious killings reported in the area. The most popular Sal'awa rage was in 1996 where a pack of these canines attacked livestock and some persons too. In that same incident, some locals were able to kill a sal'awa.
The most recent encounter noted in an interview was last October 2009 where it was reported that a 7 year old boy was attacked by the fierce animal. The mother of the child claims that she was able to protect her child by distracting the creature she cannot describe as a dog or a wolf. The woman got a dog to protect her family from the scary beast.
Because of these, many Egyptians and tourists as well are scared of this creature. And honestly, these people cannot be blamed by some skeptics for they were the ones who have real-life experiences with this animal.
Sal'awa is also associated with Egyptian mythology through the Set animal. The powerful Egyptian god of darkness and chaos, Seth is believed to have a Set animal. The popular Set animal dates back to ancient times where it is known to bring violence and suffering. This is even included in hieroglyphs. This animal is described as a creature with squared ears, downward snout and a canine body with forked tail. The similarity in descriptions of the Set animal and the sal'awa establishes the connection between the two.
Egyptians have a Sal'awa Information Centre located in Armant which gives more information about this creature. It has photographs and other sources on the sal'awa.
There is a website that describes the Sal'awa and numerous other creatures of Cryptozoology in detail, this website is called: Unknown Creatures and it may be found at this url: http://www.unknown-creatures.com
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