The creature is described in many ways in different accounts, but there are a few commonalites.
Anatomy and Physiology:
It is a significant size, often reported to be 5-6ft tall at the shoulder and 9-10 ft tall when standing. It is frequently described as covered in feathers that resemble fur. They are quadrupeds, with a tail as long as their body, suggesting speed despite their large size. The colors vary from tan to brown to black, but all describe the supposed face of the creature as pale, and many claim it resembles a skull. They have no prominent nose but rather a cavity. Their teeth are described as sharp and curved.
(An Artist's rendition of the Blackwood Beast. Based on the Photograph.)
Behavior:
Stalker:
Many people report a feeling of something watching them- often accompanied by reports of looming, pale faces with reflective eyes in the dark. Unfortunately, this often preludes an attack from the creature. Interestingly, many also report that they are frequently left alone after an attack by the beast. But the feeling of something watching them never goes away. In some cases, this proves to be detrimental to person(s) as they often feel sick after the attack, whether due to blood loss or some other factor, and they are not seen again; only evidence of their existence remains. Disturbingly, in these cases, it is not only one person who gets attacked (typical of attacks from predators as they will often target only one prey - either wholly alone or the weakest of the pack) but will often come back for another person if there is still one, which shows planning and cunning on the creature's part, suggesting a sort of intelligence. We do not know if the beast consumes the people afterward or if it is a sort of, sport for them.
Territorial:
This behavior coincides with the previous behavior, yet counteracts it. Other accounts of the creature suggest this. People often do not hear the creature until it is too late. Still, in some cases, the creature will be rather loud and, rather than staying hidden, will expose itself partially, exhibiting extremely aggressive behavior. In some recorded cases, it can be seen standing on its back limbs- a show of how giant these creatures are. However, despite the aggressive behavior, if someone finds themselves in this situation, they are more likely to survive than if the creature displays stalking tendencies. In some accounts, the person(s) often are chased by the creature up to a certain point. Then, the creature will stop and wait a while before turning back. We do not know for sure, but the fact that this behavior is only displayed sometimes suggests a period in which the creature must have a territory, likely due to the propagation of offspring, suggesting a certain level of parenting. However, this behavior has never been seen, nor have any children of the species have ever been spotted.
Solitude:
In all cases, the creature is seen alone, never hunting in packs. We can assume that their mating behaviors resemble those of the bear or big cat. They will likely call out, release scents, and find a proper mate when the season comes. However, there is another possibility that they could mate for life or at least co-parent for some time, explaining the territoriality.
(Artist's rendition of the side-profile of the Blackwood Beast.)
Habitat:
They are most often spotted in the forests of northern America, making them even more elusive. However, they will occasionally wander out of the woods if there is something that peaked their interest.
Possible origins:
There are many theories on the origin of this creature. Here are a few of the most popular:
Prehistoric:
Some believe it is a creature not from this time but a surviving member of the dinosaur species that survived the meteor. People point out that its unusual biology, behavior, and place would make perfect sense in a prehistoric setting, mainly with dinosaurs, though some claim it evolved in the Ice Age, perhaps related to the "Short-faced " Bear.
(Arctodus or "Short-faced Bear" Skeleton, from La Brea Tar Pits)
Magic:
It is unknown if these creatures were well-known by native americans. But settlers had many field reports of many different then unknown animals. They spoke of various origins of the beast. Still, many of their legends, often similar to their homeland legends, often agreed they were products of witchcraft or monsters created by hell itself. Their legends spoke of witches, consumed by greed, cruelty, or revenge, inspiring them to work with evil spirits and demons. It is said that they would make monsters from the parts of animals, and in the case of the Blackwoods Beast, it is suspected they used parts of owls, bears, snakes, and, most disturbingly, humans. Or, in some variations, they would become the creatures themselves. They would then send these creatures after their enemies, who would be stalked and eventually killed, usually gruesomely.
Extraterrestrial:
Some believe that this creature came from outer space itself. Some think that they have high intelligence and are scoping and investigating Earth. Others believe they are animals that belonged to the aliens, perhaps a pet.
Misattributed accounts:
Others claim this Blackwood Beast is not extraordinary but very ordinary. A bear and an owl (most likely a barn owl) were probably seen at similar times, or just bears or wolves suffering from disorders like hyperadrenocorticism or hyperthyroidism. However, this does not account for their noises or other features, such as the fact that they are often seen with feathers, not fur, like bears or wolves.
(Left, Barn owl, right Black Bear.)