Kudlak

The Kudlak is a creature from Croatian myth. They are born with a caul, which would either result in Kudlak or a Krsnik. They are a form of living vampire that preys on humans in the area. They are thought to have the ability to shapeshift and often takes the form of pigs, oxen, or horses, typically with a black coloration. They are also believed to fly on night winds and use magic. With magic they can magically learn secrets, cause illness, and kill whenever possible. It is often believed every community would have one Kudlak and one Krsnik. Though classified as a living vampire, they can rise from the dead to become an even more dangerous creature. They can be prevented from rising if the tendons behind their knees are cut before burial, which makes sure they can’t walk again.

Citations:

Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.