Hidebehinds are large Semi-Aquatic Cephalopods native to Temperate woodlands of North America. They are arboreal hunters, related to giant Octopuses, Using trees to hide them from their prey.
Description
Hidebehind's typically have a length that stretches from 6-7.5ft and They weigh on average 110lbs (though they can grow much larger if they have enough food). The Creature's color changes between various shades of brown, black, and grey to blend in with its surroundings using its chromatophores. its eyes also face forwards like most predators and reflect dark light causing them to shine, and create moments when you can briefly see something in the dark woods.
Ecology
Spending most of their time at the bottom of Rivers, Ponds, and other body's of freshwater, they use these places to breed, sleep and eat their prey, they also gather much of their smaller prey here. When big prey is needed however, the hidebehind will resort to its signature hunting style. The Hidebehind will use its sense of taste to locate prey, once they have they will Silently stalk their prey, by making quick Movements using hyper tense muscles, they dash from tree to tree, slowly getting closer. Once in range the Hidebehind will use its tentacles to grab the Preys head and Snap or crush the neck or skull. Afterwards the Creature will return to the water or Waters edge and Devour the kill.
Conservation
While incredibly dangerous the hidebehind has seen a severe drop in population due to Human Progress, The Destruction of woodlands, pollution of their waterways, and the loss of prey has caused these Creatures to fall from an estimated 2-3k across the continent to less then 200, the remaining one's are highly monitored by M.Y.T.H.O.S in places like Skinwalker Ranch. Though knowing how these Creatures behave, Maybe its for the best they stay away from Us.