Goat Sucking

It's a tough call which Halloween costumes will be most popular this year. Democratic kids will likely dress up as pedophilic Republican Mark Foley, the children of Republicans will emulate Michael Moore, and Minutemen will dress their kids as illegal immigrants. And while immigrants may be scary, they're not the creepiest cross-border threat. Not by far. Not when we have chupacabra.

Not even the dirtiest, most violent undocumented worker can compare to a bloodsucking, spiny-ridged, bat-winged beast. The chupacabra, or goatsucker, has been blamed for numerous attacks on livestock and pets since the early '90s. Animals are generally found drained of blood via puncture wounds in the neck. People speculate that chupacabra is the pet of visiting aliens, the product of U.S. genetic engineering, or has been with us for eons (remaining undetected due to chameleon-like camouflage abilities).

This Halloween, the Discovery Science Center aims to quench people's fears through a greater understanding of chupacabra.Their annual "Spooky Science" exhibit focuses on the mythical beastie and other real-life sanguivores (animals that live off blood). Guests can also determine their blood type and even donate blood to a Red Cross donor mobile. We have the center's assurance no blood will be diverted to any sanguivorous potluck dinners.

The Legend of Chupacabra at Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 542-2823. Fri., Oct. 20-Sun., Nov. 5. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $12.95; children and seniors, $9.95; ages 2 and under, free.