The White Snapper

On a cloudless night, when the moon is full and naughty children go to bed, they might hear a noise from the plains. _{snap snap snap} It begins as a distance whisper. Just a strange sound carrier on the wind. But over time it becomes louder, and louder, and louder, and closer. snap snap snap A dark shadow appears in the window, a shadow bigger than two man. It appears as a kangaroo wearing an alligator hat. Its a massive Bonesnapper. snap snap snap The window quietly opens, and a white arm comes out from the dark. If you sit perfectly still it wont see you and move on. But if you jump out of bed and begin to panic you get snatched by the claws of the beast. SNAP With one powerful pull the creature rips off your lower jaw. You try to scream but you have no mouth left. The white Bonesnapper puts you back in your room, leaving you to live your life without a jaw.

Summary

Some parents tell a story about a white bonesnapper before bedtime to make their children behave at night. It tells the tale of an albino bonesnapper coming to town at the death of night. It goes around stealing the jaws of naughty children who don't quietly stay in bed.

Historical Basis

Most of the story is based on natural phenomenon. During drought season the skies in Astronasia are cloudless and bonesnapper matting season begins. Bonesnappers are known to build their nests out of jawbones, and young males sometimes come into contact with local communities as they try to catch an impressive feast to impress a female bonesnapper. Of course their monstrous appearance doesn't help which makes them perfect boogieman for children to make them behave.

Variations & Mutation

Some communities might change out the white Bonesnapper for another albino creature that is native to their area. In Alba for example the story talks about a white dire wolf instead. Other communities use the same story to teach a different virtue such as the importance of studying or why to respect nature.

Related Species