Lycanthropy Around the World
While lycanthropy usually refers to the werewolf, it can define the characteristics of taking on other forms depending on a regions local lore and the animals common to the area. These animals are usually in the form of a canine or feline variety; the dog, fox, coyote, wolf, lion, tiger, jaguar, leopard, panther, and so on. However it can also refer to the bear, deer, or even the rabbit.
Lycanthropy in North America
Natives of North America believed in the skin-walker. These were usually powerful men or shaman taking on an animal form, usually a bear or coyote. The Wendigo is a popular lore of the Algonquians. The Cajuns have the Rougarou. More modern lore from the Midwest tells of the Beast of Bray Road.
Lycanthropy in South America
The kanaima is another were-cat type beast that man can become to poison the blood of his intended victims, usually in the service of an evil sorceror. European descendants believe the seventh child either all sons or all daughters will become a lycanthrope in the form of a horse or goat or wolf. There are also variants that involve the pig or dolphin.
Lycanthropy in Europe
In Europe, the main form of lycanthropy is the wolf. Some other forms are the bear, in the north and the dog in Greece. Romanian lore especially follows the man beast that is usually wolf-like. This includes the pricolici werewolf, demons, strigoii vampires, and ghosts. There is also the moroii which refers to the living variant instead of the undead strigoii.
Lycanthropy in Africa
In Africa, the animal forms of lycanthropy are usually a form of cat like the lion or leopard. Other tales of human/animal hybrid include other beats in the region to include the crocodile, the elephant, the hyena or jackal.
Lycanthropy in the South Pacific
South Pacific lore involves people changing into sharks. Tales of children lost at sea or adopted by sharks, and becoming part shark or shark-like. They are usually not fierce creatures in these tales.