======Leucrottas======
=====Creature Information=====
  * **[[Ministry of Magic]] Classification:** Unknown
  * **Native To:** Unknown
  * **Appearance:** A large, moose-like creature with the head of a lion and a wide mouth.
  * **Distinguishing Features:** The ability to perfectly mimic human speech to lure its prey.
=====Description and Behavior=====
The Leucrotta is a highly dangerous magical beast, primarily known for its unique and deceptive hunting method. It possesses a body resembling a large stag or moose, but its head is that of a lion, featuring an unusually wide mouth filled with sharp teeth.
Its most notable and terrifying ability is its vocal mimicry. A Leucrotta can imitate the sound of a human in distress, calling out for help to lure unsuspecting witches, wizards, or [[Muggles]] into its vicinity. Once the victim is close, the creature attacks. Due to this predatory nature and cunning, it is considered extremely dangerous.
=====Appearances in the Wizarding World=====
The only known appearance of a Leucrotta within the wizarding world is in a challenge found within the grounds of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. In this encounter, the creature patrols a hedge maze, using its mimicked human voice—crying phrases such as "Is anyone there?" and "Help me!"—to disorient and attract its quarry (video game).
=====Etymology and Mythology=====
The name and concept of the Leucrotta are derived directly from real-world legends, first described by the Roman author Pliny the Elder in his work //Natural History//. The mythological Leucrotta (or Crocotta) was said to be an animal from Ethiopia or India. While descriptions vary, it was often depicted as a hybrid creature, reputedly the size of a donkey, with the hindquarters of a stag, the chest and neck of a lion, and the head of a badger. Its most famous trait, which was carried over into the wizarding world, was its ability to imitate the human voice.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
Leucrottas are not mentioned in any of the seven original *Harry Potter* novels, nor do they appear in the //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]// textbook. Their only appearance in the franchise is in the **[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]] (video game)**, where they serve as antagonists in one of the challenges. Their inclusion is unique to this piece of supplementary material.