THE RUMTIFUSEL

The Rumtifusel lures its victims with one of the oldest tricks known, appealing to the greed and curiosity of its prey. Since it is a slow-moving creature, it must rely on cunning rather than speed. This beast is large, strong, and ferocious, with a pelt that is thick, fine, and richly colored, much like mink fur. Its body is peculiarly flattened, giving it a shape that allows it to lie pressed close against a stump or draped around the base of a tree near a logging road. In this position, it bears a striking resemblance to a luxurious fur coat or robe carelessly left behind. Naturally, anyone passing by would step closer for a better look.

That is when the Rumtifusel strikes. With astonishing speed it flings its broad, blanket-like body outward, wrapping itself around the unsuspecting victim. Along its underside are countless tiny sucking pores, which immediately fasten to flesh and begin their grisly work. Within moments, the unfortunate creature is drained, leaving behind only bare bones.

Though some scientists insist that the little clumps of fur often found beside old stumps are nothing more than owl pellets, do not believe them. Those tufts of fabric are all that remain of some unlucky traveler’s clothing after the Rumtifusel has fed.