April 1765

Late spring snow in the land of the Beast

The Beast butchered several children during Holy Week, the days leading up to Easter. A total of six perished in April, out of 17 attacks. The d’Ennevals hunted, but with no results, stymied by hail and snow. And this month, for the first time, the Beast was seen in the company of another animal.

A large hunt involving 20 communities was held April 21, a surprisingly (to district administrator Lafont) similar strategy to that of Duhamel. The result: a sword-armed teenager chanced upon the Beast, but it ran off as he shouted for help. A wolf-stalk on the 23rd disbanded after the Beast was seen elsewhere. A small she-wolf was then killed. The month ended with more inclement weather and another hunt made up of participants from 56 parishes. Again, it was a nonsuccess.