Josh Rouse: 'Kansas Chupacabra' photos submitted in droves following last week's column

Twenty-two emails.

That’s the response I got from last week’s column, which included a Dog of the Year submission and photographs of an odd-looking creature nicknamed the “Kansas Chupacabra” by one reader.

Four of the emails were for Dog of the Year candidates — each of whom I will feature in future columns over the next few weeks — but the overwhelming majority of the emails focused on the “Chupacabra” part of the column.

Several included close-up photos of the odd-looking creature, including two great photographs from David Blackman, an educator and golf coach at Seaman High School.

“I have numerous pictures of this critter,” wrote Coleen Wenger, of Topeka. “According to Wildlife & Parks, it is a coyote with a severe case of sacroptic mange. Mange is caused by a specific species of mites which get severe enough to cause hair loss this severe. Typically more prevalent when coyote population is high in an area. Mites readily move from animal to animal in a higher population. Unfortunately, nothing can be done, and severe mange will eventually be fatal.”

A reader named Chletus submitted photos of the animal on Burnett’s Mound. Another reader sent a photograph taken at 9:55 a.m. July 18 of the creature at S.W. 3rd and Oakley. Mike Halfling, president of CAS Constructors, LLC, submitted a photograph from S.W. 35th and Fairlawn with the subject line “What is it.”

Some of the readers didn’t have photographs but sent me messages about the column.

“Was so interested in your article on Sunday,” wrote Connie Carson. “I, too, have seen this critter. I observed it just west of West Ridge Mall crossing 21st Street in front of me. It appeared to be coming from the weeds between Legends area and the Mall. It was not quite dusk about a month ago when I saw it. It was about the time that area was getting ready to close for the street repair. I would love to know of any further developments.”

Terry Diebolt on Aug. 11 added: “In case anyone is keeping track, spotted Topeka Chupacabra 8 a.m. this morning walking through our yard in Sherwood. 3800 block of Marion Lane. Looks like coyote, maybe hybrid. Looked healthy. I think it’s a she. Battery dead in my zoom camera so no photos. Neighbor says it was out there yesterday morning, too.”

Leonard Sanders even sent a video of the creature trotting alongside his car.

Whatever the critter is, it’s certainly caught the interest of a lot of residents in different places.

Send your Critter of the Year submissions to joshua.rouse@cjonline.com.