Detecting a Vampire

Detecting a Vampire

Clues to the presence of the undead, particularly to large infestations of the creatures.

At the Grave or Cemetery

Finger-size holes
Disturbed earth
Constant mists
Disturbed coffins
Moved or fallen crosses
Broken or fallen crosses
Footprints leading from grave
No birds singing
Dogs barking (or refusing to enter cemetery)
Geese screaming when near a suspected grave
Horses shying from grave
Groaning sounds heard from under the earth

Signs on a Corpse or in a Coffin

Open eyes
Ruddy complexion
Fangs
Bloated body
New nails or long hair
Long, talon-like nails
Flexible limbs
Lack of decomposition
Blood around the mouth; or in the coffin or tomb
Overly protective caretaker
Sense of impending doom about the corpse
Other similar corpse nearby
White liver (when examined)
Open mouth

Signs in Possible Victims

Sleeplessness
Nightmares
Anemia
Bite marks, usually on neck*
Exhaustion
Nervousness or irritability
Sleepwalking
Difficulty in breathing
No appetite
Weight loss
Aversion to garlic
Strange dental growths
Photosensitivity

*NOTE: Not all victims are bitten on the neck, as some vampires feed from the feet, between the breasts, over the heart, from the nipple, or between the eyes. Also, not all vampires need blood.

Suspected Vampire's Appearance or Habits

Fangs
Red eyes
Long nails
Paleness
Reluctance to enter house without invitation
Hairy palms
Aversion to bright lights
No appetite
Never seen during the day hours (not always true with some species)
Possesses remarkable strength
Has quiet footsteps
Possesses knowlegde about botany, with a large collection of soil in a house or in a vicinity
Resides in an abode deemed evil by others
Strange clothing habits
Evidences enormous sexual appeal
People who know him/ her frequently die
Rarely, if ever, duscusses religion
Really bad breath

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