Chupacabra or coyote in Clovis?

CLOVIS, Calif. (FOX26) — A Clovis man recently took to Nextdoor for answers regarding an animal he caught on video.

He says this animal has been terrorizing his chickens and he doesn’t know what it is.

Some people in the comment section on Nextdoor are saying it’s the mythical creature, Chupacabra.

What is it exactly?

Is it the blood-sucking creature that preys on small animals?

Answer: No, it’s a small coyote with Mange.

According to Wildlife Care of Southern California, coyotes with Mange are generally able to fight Mange with healthy immune systems.

[RELATED]Dog becomes laundry day casualty: Rescued from dryer vent, back to sniffing out trouble

"These are parasitic mites, little bugs that will reside on the host animal and over time cause it to lose fur through bites and whatnot," said Peter Tira, a Public Information Officer for The California Department of Fish and Wildlife. "An infection breaks out, and it creates a very unpleasant and unsightly looking animal but also stressful."

California Department of Fish and Wildlife said this particular coyote looks like it has a compromised immune system and has severe mange all over its body.

CDFW asks people not to approach wild animals like this.

"We want to keep wild animals wild," said Tira. "We don't want them to become comfortable around people, around our neighborhoods, because that's where they come into conflict."

One local animal rescue said they plan on capturing this coyote.

"I'm hoping to help this animal from suffering and monitor the progress before I release the animal to make sure the treatment is working and that it doesn't need another treatment and to educate others that it is possible to treat and keep them alive," said Krystle Woodward the Founder of Pinky Paws Search and Rescue.

Woodward said her non-profit has captured and treated other animals with mange before.

"I believe every animal has a chance to live and should not be suffering like that," she said.

Mites generally live off their host for about two weeks before dying off.

CDFW said the Central Valley has a problem with mange in coyotes.

Anyone who spots a coyote with Mange should stay away from it if possible and report it to Fresno, California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (559) 243-4005.