I. Introduction
Skinwalkers are a legend among many Native American tribes, believed to be powerful shape-shifting witches or sorcerers. They are said to inhabit the forests and deserts of the southwestern United States and can take on the form of any animal they choose. The mere thought of encountering a skinwalker can be enough to instill fear in anyone, but there are ways to tell if one is near. In this article, we’ll explore the signs to look for and precautions you can take to protect yourself.
II. Look for Unusual Animal Behavior
Animals can be sensitive to the presence of skinwalkers, so take note if you see any erratic behavior. For example, if your normally calm dog suddenly becomes agitated and starts barking or growling for no apparent reason, it could be a sign that a skinwalker is nearby. Another sign to look for is animals running away from an area for no apparent reason.
Real-life stories abound of unusual animal behavior hinting at the presence of skinwalkers. A man in New Mexico reported that his horses became so agitated one night that they charged through a fence, resulting in several injuries. Some experts suggest that skinwalkers have the ability to control the behavior of wild animals, such as deer or wolves, making them act unnaturally.
III. Listen for Strange Noises at Night
Just as animals can exhibit unusual behavior in the presence of skinwalkers, some people have reported hearing strange noises at night, especially if they live near or in a forest. You might hear footsteps outside your window, muffled voices, or even the sound of someone tapping on your walls or roof. If you hear such noises, it’s a good idea to investigate, but be cautious.
There are many stories of unexplainable noises associated with skinwalkers, such as a woman in Arizona who reported hearing a voice that sounded like her husband’s, even though he was away on a business trip. When she looked outside, she saw a dark figure running away from her house.
IV. Look for Signs of Footprints or Claw Marks
If you’re out hiking in a forest or desert and see unusual footprints or claw marks, they could be a sign that a skinwalker is nearby. Skinwalkers are said to leave behind tracks that are larger than normal and appear to be made by an animal with an uneven gait.
There are many stories of unusual footprints and claw marks associated with skinwalkers. For example, a family in Utah reported that they woke up one morning to find large prints leading up to and around their house. The prints were much too big to belong to a human or animal they were familiar with.
V. Pay Attention to Sudden Changes in the Weather
Some people believe that skinwalkers have the ability to manipulate the weather, causing sudden thunderstorms, tornadoes, or even droughts. If you notice sudden changes in the weather that cannot be explained by natural causes, it could be a sign that a skinwalker is nearby.
Real-life accounts of weather changes associated with skinwalker activity are prevalent in the southwestern United States. There are stories of dry, dusty plains suddenly becoming swamped by heavy rainfall, and bright, sunny days giving way to sudden, violent thunderstorms.
VI. Observe Any Unusual Smells
If you start smelling strange odors that you can’t explain, it could be a sign that a skinwalker is nearby. Some people describe the smell as something burning, while others say it’s more like decaying flesh. Whatever the smell, it’s usually intense and overwhelming.
There are many stories of strange smells associated with skinwalkers. One man in Arizona reported that he smelled a strong, pungent odor while driving on a deserted road. Suddenly, his car radio stopped working, and he saw a dark figure running away from the car.
VII. Watch for Any Sudden or Unusual Movements
Another sign that a skinwalker is nearby is sudden or unexplained movements. You might see something darting across your field of vision, or you might notice an object moving on its own without any apparent explanation.
There are many stories of mysterious movements associated with skinwalker activity. For example, a woman in New Mexico reported that she saw a dog-like creature in her yard, and when she tried to follow it, it suddenly disappeared. She also reported seeing objects in her house move around on their own.
VIII. Pay Attention to Any Feelings of Unease or Anxiety
Perhaps the most telling sign that a skinwalker is nearby is the feeling of unease or anxiety that you might experience. It’s hard to describe, but many people report feeling a deep sense of foreboding, as if something terrible is about to happen.
There are many stories of people feeling uneasy or anxious when a skinwalker is near. One woman in Utah reported feeling as if she was being watched from outside her window, even though there was nothing there. Others have reported feeling a sense of dread when walking through certain areas of the forest or desert.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, while encountering a skinwalker may seem scary, it’s possible to identify when one is near. Look for unusual animal behavior, listen for strange noises at night, and watch for signs of footprints or claw marks. Pay attention to sudden changes in the weather, observe any unusual smells, and watch for sudden or unusual movements. Finally, it’s important to trust your instincts – if you feel uneasy, it’s best to trust that feeling and remove yourself from the situation.
While there’s no surefire way to protect yourself from skinwalker activity, taking precautions such as carrying protective charms or talismans can offer some peace of mind. Remember that respecting the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it is key to avoiding unwanted encounters with skinwalkers.
