Cryptid Vault
Cuero

Cuero

Also known as: El Cuero, Hide, Hueke-Hueke

It lies flat on the water like a discarded cowhide, until something steps on it.

First Reported

Pre-colonial Mapuche tradition

Origin Area

Patagonian lakes, Chile and Argentina

Size

6-12 feet across

Temperament

Ambush predator

Status

Unverified

Eyewitness reportsHigh DangerSouth AmericaLake

The Lore

El Cuero is a predatory creature from Chilean and Argentine Patagonia that resembles a flattened cowhide floating on the surface of lakes. When an animal or person wades in, the creature wraps around its prey and drags it under. Mapuche traditions describe it with clawed edges and eyes on stalks. It has been reported in multiple Patagonian lakes, most notably Lago Lacar.

Body Type

Aquatic

Folklore Origin

Indigenous traditionRegional folklore

Similar Real Animals

Giant freshwater stingrayManta ray