Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: 18th and 19th Century

Geographic Range: Coastal regions, Japan

Diet: Human blood

Nure-onna, found in coastal waters of Japan, is a supernatural creature with the body of a snake and the head of a woman. Her serpentine body can reach up to 30 meters in length and her hair is perpetually wet, giving her the name "wet woman." She often tricks sailors and fishermen into thinking she is drowning, only to attack and drink their blood.

In some tales, Nure-onna is depicted with arms, carrying a small bundle thought to be a false baby. She tricks people into taking the bundle, which then turns into a heavy stone, weighing the victim down so they cannot escape before she strikes.

Our field agents have yet to confirm whether both behaviors are true, but we advise caution when rescuing drowning individuals off the coast of Japan or accepting babies from strangers. While being a good Samaritan is commendable, if you notice anything slithering in the water, it’s probably safer to let nature take its course.