Ahuitzotl
This is a being that inhabits rivers and deep lakes. It is a belief originating in Central America. The Ahuitzotl has the appearance of a short-haired black dog with monkey hands and pointed ears. It also has a tail that resembles a human hand.
It is a dangerous being that lures its victims by extending its hand from the bottom of the water, pretending to ask for help or imitating the cry of a child. Then, when someone comes to the aid of the supposed drowning victim, the Ahuitzotl seizes the unfortunate person and drags them to the depths. The beast would devour their eyes, teeth, and nails.
Despite the malevolence of the Ahuitzotl, it is attributed the role of servant of Tlaloc, god of rain. Therefore, even when it kills its victims, they are considered blessed souls.
Its flying version is known as Atotolin and is also called the “aquatic coyote”; it is said to appear only during the feast of Santiago. In this variant, it is described as a long-necked bird with a sharp beak, grey feathers on its body and white feathers on its chest. Its claws, which are shaped like a human hand, are what it uses to drown its victims in the rivers and lakes where it appears.