A pensioner says that she came face-to-face with a ‘half human-half ape’ mythical creature three times.
Mabel Santillán claims the beast lives in the mountains and pops down to munch on her fruit trees and vegetables.
The 81-year-old complained: “He doesn’t even ask for permission.”
Mabel believes the creature is a Mapinguari, known locally as an Ucumar, a jungle-dwelling monster in South American folklore that is similar to Bigfoot.
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According to local media, there have been 33 sightings of the mythical creature in the last decade.
OAP Mabel said the ape-like monster lives near her home in the rural town of San José de Metán, deep in northern Argentina.
She recently appeared on the YouTube channel ‘Ucumar Metan’ to reveal that she was visited by the beast on three separate occasions.
She said: “He always goes down to the foot of the mountain to come here because he takes our harvest.
“Then he leaves, he doesn’t ask for permission.”
Mabel also said that the Mapinguari likes to eat the fruits on the trees surrounding her property.
She claimed: “He looks like a tall person with lots of hair, half man and half ape with black eyes and dark brown hair.”
The elderly woman also described the beast as having “very large hands and feet” and a “narrow forehead”.
As well as being very strong, the creature is also agile and can easily climb the tallest trees, she said.
After encountering the Mapinguari for the first time, Mabel stated: “My husband grabbed my hand and took me back to the house, shooting his gun.
“My heart was beating so fast.”
However, she said she is “no longer afraid” after coming face-to-face with the monster on two other occasions.
One local commented: “I believed that lady, without a doubt.”
Samuel said: “The lady’s story is completely coherent. She did not contradict herself in a single word. Her memory is incredible.”
Hugo wrote: “I love these stories and tales of Argentina, its mythological beings and legends.”
Anita remarked: “Thank you for sharing this about the Ucumar, how brave you have to be to live there.”
Cristian commented: “Spend the night in that area because you are bound to see it.”
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