What has been killing cattle in Dharmapuri, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu? Local villagers think blood-sucking vampires are to blame.

Terrified residents believe they could be next. They are staying indoors after sunset and taking precautions against vampire attack.

Police say the vampire attacks are a hoax. They say bootleggers have spread rumors and killed cattle to keep people from their operations.

Authorities are offering US$2,000 for evidence of vampires.