Today, beavers do not often strike terror in those that see them－but they used to. Long ago, giant species of beavers roamed North America; however, all of these species have gone extinct, except for one－Fangmalia, the most aggressive of the giant beavers.

Fangmalia is the Monongahela riverbank's only cryptid mammal, and arguably its most dangerous creature. Unlike the Monongy, who prefer attacking wounded, lone passersby, Fangmalias attack anything and everything they encounter. Weighing between 135 and 250 lbs, the beasts are not stealthy once moving, but are as strong as a bear, able to run almost 40 mph, and can stay underwater for 20 minutes before needing to surface. Additionally, their reddish-brown fur provides excellent camouflage within their muddy environments.

Similar to an American Beaver, the animals have flat, paddle-like tails, large, webbed feet, and sharp claws for digging, defending, and displays of dominance. Though their sight is poor on land, a membrane that covers their eye allows the beaver to see exceptionally well while underwater; the creature’s nostrils and ears also seal when swimming. Unlike other mammals, Fangmalias do not hibernate. Under their thick, rough, gray hide, a large layer of fat insulates the beast from cold weather and water; extra fat is stored in its tail for winter scarcity. Its double coat and moisture-wicking fur also aides in temperature control. Like other beavers, Fangmalias secrete castoreum from glands located near the genitals; this oily, musky, yellow substance is groomed throughout the fur, giving the hair its water resistance.

Most giant beavers were thought to have been eradicated as climates warmed after the Ice Age; surviving species were speculated to have been over-hunted for their fur during European colonization, as well as targeted as pests. However, sightings of this rare creature have been rumored since human occupation and still occur today.

Fangmalias are said to have a fatty, beefy flavor; its meat, however, is easily contaminated by its large castor gland.

Behavior, Development, and Reproduction

Unlike others of its kind, Fangmalias are diurnal (most activity takes place during the daytime). On warm, summer days, they can be found sunning themselves near their lodges or working nearby.

Fangmalian dams are much larger than an average beaver’s, accommodating the beast’s size comfortably; they are built with sticks, logs, thin/medium trees, rocks, and grass plastered to the structure with mud. Within, there are two exits leading to the water below, 1 - 3 above-ground platforms (for sunning and drying off), an air hole on the roof, and connections to burrows in the bank. Fangmalias sleep in their burrows at night or on the riverbank if a lodge is in progress. These homes are built across streams, generating large ponds; upkeep or construction typically occurs in the fall.

One would think that these environmental alterations would be harmful to the ecosystem, but they are not. Dams reduce soil erosion, flooding, and provide homes for other animals. Though the artificial ponds are attractive to other species and can be beneficial, the location harbors great danger as well, for Fangmalias eat anything nearby. In the past, lodges were not only built to draw in prey and bring comfort, but to act as a haven from predators; yet, this utility has been lost as most of the beaver’s enemies have gone extinct. The only animals that dare hunt Fangmalia are bears and other large, carnivorous cryptids.

Fangmalias will eat small/medium trees, saplings, branches, and aquatic vegetation; they will attempt to attack any creature that enters its territory－usually birds, fish, and small mammals, like squirrels. When a potential, living meal is spotted on land, Fangmalia will screech loudly and shrilly before making a beeline for the prey. Small targets are often trampled and slain with a bite to the head. In response to larger prey, the beast headbutts its victim, knocking it down; while prone, the beaver uses its front teeth to deliver a killing blow. In a bird-like fashion, it picks the flesh from a carcass, swallowing it in large chunks. As the mammal eats, it frequently emits air through its nose, which sounds like a high-pitched whistle. Fangmalian territories are littered with half-eaten trees and picked-over corpses, allowing travelers to easily spot such dangerous regions.

Fangmalias mate in monogamous pairs, often bonding with the first non-familial individual of the opposite sex. Breeding occurs in the winter, when the pair is less active, spending most of their time inside of their lodge; after 150 - 160 days, a litter of 2 - 5 kits are born. Once they have been weaned, the young follow and mimic their parents: attempting to hunt, chew down trees, and work on the dam. Kits leave the nest after four years, reaching maturity at five (females) or six (males) years of age. Fangmalias’ live for approximately twelve years.