What kind of animal is the "water monkey" in the Jianghu?

There are two possibilities for scientific explanation: one possibility is that the "water monkey" is an otter, and the other possibility is that the "water monkey" is another mysterious creature that has not been discovered by human beings.

"Water monkeys", that is, "water ghosts", generally live in water, sometimes go ashore, and are more common in wild water sources such as ponds and reservoirs. The water monkey is excellent in water, and its limbs are weak after ten minutes out of water. In the water, the water monkey is several times stronger than human beings, so once it is held in the water, its life will be in danger.

Otter: The scientific name Lutra lutra (Linnai, 1758) belongs to the genus Otter. Otter has a long body, short kiss, slightly round eyes, small ears, short limbs, brown back and grayish brown abdomen. Otters are secretive by nature, and like to live in steep banks, shallow banks and nearby rivers, lakes and swamps with few aquatic plants and lush trees, and live a hidden cave life.

However, the legendary water monkey has its more mysterious characteristics. Obviously, these characteristics cannot be explained by otters. Otters can only attack smaller creatures. So some people think that this is a mysterious creature that has not yet been discovered.

Extended data:

Legend about "water monkey":

First, Guangdong water monkey:

In the older generation, we often hear about the water monkey, a mysterious animal that lives in rivers. From their descriptions, we know that the water monkey is a humanoid underwater animal, covered with hair. It is characterized by long and red hair and red buttocks. It is monkey-shaped, a bit like a child.

Guangdong people say that the scientific name of this underwater creature is Feng Shui Monkey. They feed on fish, but they also like to suck blood. Just like mosquitoes, they suck the blood of other creatures, including humans, for some physiological needs.

In Maoming, Huazhou, Chaoshan and other places in Guangdong, it is said that many people were killed by this water monkey and then sucked human blood from their heels. It is said that water monkeys have infinite power underwater, but they have no power at all on land. Its biggest feature is that it can emit a strange chemical substance, which can confuse people and make them fall into the water and become their prey. Some people in society use this chemical to confuse people and cheat money.

Second, Hunan water monkey:

In our hometown of Hunan, water monkeys are also called drowning ghosts. But no one has seen it. This is the story of the water ghost. I heard it from my uncle, who experienced it personally when he was a soldier in the north.

There was a mountain village next to the station at that time, and there was a pool in the mountain village. It is said that there are water monkeys in the pond. People often see them in the trees by the pool. When someone comes, they will splash into the water and disappear.

At that time, it was about to promote the elimination of feudal superstition, so the army sent a company and ten pumps to set off together. After a day of pumping, the pool was drained, but nothing was found.

So he asked dozens of soldiers to search and finally caught a monster in the mud. It is said that he really looks like a monkey, with great strength and squeaking, so he finally had to be handcuffed with chains. It was a sensation at that time, but I don't know what happened afterwards.

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