Is there any myth, folklore or cryptic that was inspired due to wild animals ?

I found out that the chupacabra may have been inspired by a coyote with mange.

Sea serpents were just whales flashing their third leg.

Some owl demons were invented because somebody saw a creepy looking owl.

The french werewolf was just an escaped hyena.

All the while, I'm wondering to myself how some Japanese Yokai were invented.

Did someone see a weird frog and invent the Kappa ?

Who first thought up the krasheau ?

Do you guys know anything ?