Vanamanushas

In 1965, the Indian village of Talah Malkoti in the district of Chamoli was invaded by the vanamanushas, the "wicked wild men" from the hills, strange apelike creatures that have become increasingly bolder over the years. Chamoli, which lies in the lower reaches of the western Himalayan range, is a mountainous region with heavy forests. For generations, for hundreds of years, the villagers have waged a series of skirmishes with the mysterious wild men. Efforts by the authorities to track the creatures down have always proved futile.

The native population of the Chamoli district describe the vanamanushas as very hairy and well-built, with arms so long that they touch their knees when they stand erect. The villagers complain that the creatures raid their crops and haunt the jungles near their communities. Although unable to speak, on occasion the vanamanushas approach the villagers, making gestures indicating they want food. There have also been many complaints of the monsters carrying off women during their midnight attacks.

Sources: Norman, Eric. The Abominable Snowmen. New York: Award Books, 1969.