By Tim Binnall
A series of images purportedly showing a nightmarish creature lurking in a Sri Lankan national park have been debunked by officials in the country. The bizarre pictures, one of which can be seen below, were reportedly shared on social media in late March by an individual who claimed that the hairless dog-like animal with spikes along its back was a beast known as the 'Chikibilla.' The post went on to assert that the eerie creature, which somewhat resembles the chupacabra, "was thought to be extinct," but recently appeared again "after 103 years in Yala National Park."
Undoubtedly due to the incredible clarity of the pictures, they quickly went viral on social media in Sri Lanka with many people marveling at the monstrosity seen in the images. However, those fearful of encountering the creature can rest easy as an official with the Yala National Park informed the AFP last week that "no such thing has been reported" at the site. Additionally, two scientists contacted by the news agency indicated that the tale of the Chikibilla is a complete fabrication.
"There is no animal called 'Chikibilla' in Sri Lanka," zoologist Kanishka Ukuwela said, "I doubt there is such an animal in the world either." This assessment was echoed by environmental scientist Ruchira Somaweera, who declared that "this is an absolute myth with no truth whatsoever." In fact, the Chikibilla appears to have been the brainchild of the individual who posted the photos, which are now believed to be a digital creation, back in Mach as it is not even a part of the country's cryptozoological lore. The curious 'creature' case is a testament to the increasing difficulty in discerning the veracity of images found online with AI and other technology being able to produce some truly fantastic fake scenes.