Detecting a Vampire

Clues to the presence of the undead, particularly to large infestations of the creatures.

At the Grave or Cemetery

• Finger-size holes
• Disturbed earth
• Constant mists
• Disturbed coffins
• Moved or fallen crosses
• Broken or fallen crosses
• Footprints leading from grave
• No birds singing
• Dogs barking (or refusing to enter cemetery)
• Geese screaming when near a suspected grave
• Horses shying from grave
• Groaning sounds heard from under the earth

Signs on a Corpse or in a Coffin

• Open eyes
• Ruddy complexion
• Fangs
• Bloated body
• New nails or long hair
• Long, talon-like nails
• Flexible limbs
• Lack of decomposition
• Blood around the mouth; or in the coffin or tomb
• Overly protective caretaker
• Sense of impending doom about the corpse
• Other similar corpse nearby
• White liver (when examined)
• Open mouth

Signs in Possible Victims

• Sleeplessness
• Nightmares
• Anemia
• Bite marks, usually on neck*
• Exhaustion
• Nervousness or irritability
• Sleepwalking
• Difficulty in breathing
• No appetite
• Weight loss
• Aversion to garlic
• Strange dental growths
• Photosensitivity

*NOTE: Not all victims are bitten on the neck, as some vampires feed from the feet, between the breasts, over the heart, from the nipple, or between the eyes. Also, not all vampires need blood.

Suspected Vampire's Appearance or Habits

• Fangs
• Red eyes
• Long nails
• Paleness
• Reluctance to enter house without invitation
• Hairy palms
• Aversion to bright lights
• No appetite
• Never seen during the day hours (not always true with some species)
• Possesses remarkable strength
• Has quiet footsteps
• Possesses knowlegde about botany, with a large collection of soil in a house or in a vicinity
• Resides in an abode deemed evil by others
• Strange clothing habits
• Evidences enormous sexual appeal
• People who know him/ her frequently die
• Rarely, if ever, duscusses religion
• Really bad breath