I just learned about the 'Beast of Gevudan" last night and I was wondering what /an/'s opinions are of what it could have been?
Yes, it was real.
>"Between 1764 and 1767, a mysterious creature known as the Beast of Gévaudan terrorized southern France, killing over 100 people and injuring many more, causing widespread panic and a royal hunt led by King Louis XV. Eyewitnesses described a massive, calf-sized wolf-like creature with red fur, dark stripes, and a long tail, often viewed as a werewolf or exotic animal."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beast_of_G%C3%A9vaudan