The Willamulka Brute a.k.a. "The Kadina Wherwolf"

The Willamulka Brute A.K.A. The Kadina Wherwolf

 The Yorke Peninsula in 1919 saw a loss of sheep happen in such a way, and in such a short time, that it drew similarities to the Tantanoola Tiger sheep killings 30 something years earlier.

For more than 9 months, sheep would be found slaughtered in

fields near Kadina. Farmers described the beast as being "wolf like, but immense in size". 
The beast was described in Sydney’s “The World’s News” on 19 June 1943 published article, "There Are Queer Creatures in This Australia" by V. Molesworth as the “Kadina Wehrwolf”

 Wolf like howls and shrieks would fill the night air, and in the morning, a farmer or two would find some of his sheep torn to pieces – this led to a reward of 10 pounds being offered to capture the beast, which was described in rural circles as “big enough to devour a child”.

 Farmers and hunters began to lay in wait for the beast, hoping to be the one who bagged it. The beast was heard, but never seen, until 21 days later Mr D Tully witnessed the beast.

 Mr Tully had set out to cover watering holes, drinking troughs and dams in his local area. With him a pack of stag hounds and greyhounds, he spotted the wolf, and set his dogs after it, but they flatly refused to chase the beast, being overcome with fear.

 Next he saw it whilst he was riding his horse. He chased the beast and got within 30 years of it, before its odour overcome his horse, which reared back and bolted from the wolf.

 Mr Tully was not one to give up, and set a number of rabbit traps about his farm. He found the beast, foot in trap near a fence and approached it as it snarled and gnashed in his direction. Mr Tully raised his shotgun, and blasted the beast in the mouth. Thinking he had killed the beast, he moved towards it, only to have it raise up and lunge at him again – this time he fired his barrels right down its throat – killing it.

 The “Kadina Wehrwolf” was no more. The beast weighed 30+ KG’s and measured 1.3 meters long from nose to tail. The animal stood at 68cms tall. It was remarked at how strong its chest and neck were. The head was described as being as wide and short pricked ears. The beasts coat was brindle coloured with coarse medium hair, with lines of that alternated black and tan on the rump and forelegs

 The Animal was female, and a small litter of its pups were found near a railway culvert, drowned by flood waters they couldn’t escape from. Mr Tully kept the hide of the beast, and had intentions to take it to the Adelaide Museum, whether or not this was done, has not been confirmed.