In September 1765, François Antoine, Louis XV's arquebusier, shot down a massive wolf. For the royal authorities, the matter was closed: the Beast of Gévaudan was dead.

Yet, a few months later, the attacks resumed.

Using burial records, contemporary correspondence, and the writings of the parish priest of Lorcières, this investigation reconstructs the second phase of the affair, when Gévaudan found itself alone facing a predator the kingdom believed it had eliminated.

Was the wolf killed by François Antoine truly the Beast? Did another animal take its place? And what does the creature finally killed by Jean Chastel in 1767 reveal?

In this new episode of Dossier 13, we revisit the facts, testimonies, and unanswered questions of a story that was thought to be over.

The historical facts presented are sourced. The 18th-century scenes and portraits are visual reconstructions.

Main sources:
https://francearchives.gouv.fr/facomponent...
https://lozere.fr/node/741
https://shs.cairn.info/article/RBNF_056_00...

Which hypothesis seems most credible to you: a case of mistaken identity, several animals, or a still-unknown creature?

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