The Werewolf is the most universal form of animal possession- although the wer(man)-tiger and other fierce prowling animal possession exists-- and is a human transformed into a wolf. One common belief is that the person who wants to be a Werewolf must climb into a wolfskin. During the night he hunts as a wolf, during the day he rests and hides his skin. While wolves usually travel in packs, the Werewolf is a loner. Unlike a normal wolf who avoids humans, the Werewolf will attack any human he comes across. Pointed ears, hair on palms, large claws, paws, eyebrows that are connected over the bridge of the nose, or hair between the shoulder blades are common Werewolf features. They are not seen as entirely wolf. Robet Burton in "The Anatomy of Melancholy," describes the affliction as Lycanthropia, wolf-madness,when "men run howling about graves and fields at night and will not be persuaded but that they are wolves." He reports that they usually have hollow eyes and dry, pale, and scrabby legs.

The best time for the transformation is said to be during the full moon. Wearing a wolfskin, drinking water from the puddle of a wolf's footprint, or the ingestion of magic potions are the principle means of becoming a Werewolf. Some people transform themselves by choice, other's are transformed into Werewolves because of spells or hides that have been placed on them. Sometimes the transformation happens suddenly, or erratically, with no explanation, much to the dismay of the victim, who finds himself suddenly a Werewolf for short periods of time. Often those who do not wish to become a Werewolf have time to warn others of their transformation so as to avoid the inevitable.

A sliver bullet is the only way to kill a Werewolf, and after it is shot it's head must be cut off and burned, the ashes scattered in the wind. If a Werewolf is killed in his human shape, he will revert to animal shape at death. But the task is dangerous, for being bitten by a Werewolf will turn any human into a Werewolf. The sign of the cross will advert attack by a Werewolf, and holy water is also effective. A pitchfork can be used to strike a vulnerable spot between the eyebrows and allow time for escape, and special gray stones are said to keep the species at a distance. Voluntary Werewolves are able to become human again when a special formula is uttered. However, if the human who knows the formula dies, the Werewolf is doomed to remain one.