Argentina Sends 'X-files' Team to Probe Animal Deaths

June 20, 2002

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina is sending its own X-Files scientists to probe strange deaths of farm animals found dissected, mutilated and drained of blood on remote Pampa plains, killings some have blamed on aliens.

At least 70 animals were reported killed in recent weeks, some with their genitals and tongues pulled out with surgical precision surrounded by charred grass with no signs of blood stains. One horse's hoof had a circle drawn into it.

"It's very strange... We are sending a team of technicians to take samples and perform the necessary studies to see if we can find a scientific explanation for this," said a spokesman for the animal health inspection service Senasa, which is sending veterinarians to perform autopsies.

In the massively popular TV series The X-Files, FBI scientists probed unusual and paranormal cases, often strange deaths involving bodies mutilated by suspected aliens.

Frightened farmers in the far-flung plains of Argentina said there have been no signs that the animals had been attacked by the likes of wild boars - and were quick to highlight that the meat of the animals had been untouched in a land where hunger is widespread and cattle theft is growing.

Some inhabitants in La Pampa province said they saw bright lights in the night sky near one site of mutilations.

"I'd have to say I side with the paranormals on this one. It has to be something from beyond the Earth," said Felipe, a farmer north of the capital Santa Rosa.

"The way the entrails were removed through a burn-like incision in the cow's rear-end is very strange," he said.

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