Anomaly-1

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**Anomaly-1** *is currently being written, so please do not list the page for deletion, unless it hasn't seen change in one week. It is encouraged to help write it!*

**Name:** Tree Hugger

**Anomaly Hazard Rank:** Perilous

**Type:** Fauna

**Knowledge Level:** Fulfilling

**Special Advisories:** Do not approach if seen

Approach Hazard

## Description

Anomaly 1, commonly known as Tree Huggers, are shadow-like creatures, with many long, black tentacles. When stalking prey, they have white, slit-like eyes, but when they're in attacking mode, their eyes turn to a dark red and they sometimes become larger in size. They are commonly found in forests around southeast United States, and only leave forests when they're ready to attack. Their bodies do not secrete blood, and it takes quite a lot to kill one.

## Behavior & Effects

Tree Huggers are usually found in large packs, some packs as little as 3, and some as large as 15. They hide behind trees, holding on to them with small, hand-like appendages, and have their tentacles laid out around them. They wait like this for many hours, sometimes even days, until they find prey to eat. Once they've located a prey, they will stalk the prey, usually following it around until the prey notices, but when this occurs, it's usually too late for the prey to do anything. Although they stalk prey, sometimes, presumably when they are in starvation, they immediately attack any prey that they detect. When they attack prey, the entire pack, or a couple members of the pack will go into attacking mode. When they do this, they become larger in size, and they eyes become a dark red. Their tentacles also begin to flail around, and they develop what seems to be a mouth, which is also a dark red. They move towards their prey very quickly and make roaring noises. Once they've captured their prey, they will strangle it with their tentacles and, in some instances, rip the limbs of the prey. Once their prey is dead, they will exit attacking mode and use their limbs to eat through their mouths.

It takes a lot to kill a Tree Hugger, and it is advised to run away as quick as possible instead of attempting to kill it. Tree Huggers do have a lifespan, which is estimated to be approximately 80 years. They do not secrete blood, including when they're seemingly injured, but when they die, their entire body dissolves into a black substance, which is absorbed by the ground below it very quickly. This substance is still being investigated to determine its chemical composition and properties.

Tree Huggers also seems to communicate with high frequencies that the human ear is unable to detect or hear. Although forest-dwelling animals are also unable to hear their frequencies, dogs are able to pick them up and will respond to the frequencies, either by barking or cowering away. Their language is still being recorded and sorted to understand its meaning. A hierarchy has been observed, and it seems leader of packs are usually the oldest.

Due to Tree Hugger's aggressive behavior, it is advised not to approach them, as it most likely will lead to serious injury or death. If spotted, it is best to run as fast as possible in the other direction, although Tree Huggers are not outrun-able. Due to this, entering a quick form of transport to escape is the best way to survive an encounter. Hiding somewhere safe is another way to survive an encounter, though is less safe than escaping with a vehicle.

## Discovery of Anomaly

Tree Huggers were first discovered on March 5th, 1964, when Scout Team Alpha One was traveling in a vehicle in Apalachicola National Forest (link to a location?) and spotted black, long limbs protruding from the forest next to the path they were driving on. They stopped and looked into the forest and saw many white eyes staring back at them. They quickly took a picture, which is seen above, and drove away. They reported back to base and advised their supervisors on their way back. The Tree Huggers did not follow them, but this is considered a close encounter. They began documentation, and documentation still continues till this day. Much has been learned since the first encounter of Tree Huggers.

## KAFP Procedures

In order for the public not to encounter Tree Huggers, they have been cut off from other states and sent into Apalachicola National Forest, although a few other national parks within southeast United States contain them as well. Certain paths in Apalachicola National Forest have been cut off due to supposed endangered wildlife, but in reality, these paths lead to regions which are designated for Tree Huggers. Barbed wire fencing has also been put around these regions. Surveillance in the forest is constant, and any detected intruders require an immediate notification of Protection Squad Hugger to be sent in to stop the intruders, and also protect them from harm. In order to also keep Tree Huggers anonymous to the public, the park has been divided into regions where photography is strictly forbidden.

If KAFP procedures are broken, Protection Squad Hugger should be sent in to evaluate the situation. Any intruders should be arrested and interrogated immediately, especially to determine the motives of the intruders, and to determine if they are a part of any enemy or nemesis organizations. If the intruders are uncooperative or refuse to be arrested, they should be subdued and/or arrested by force. Trespassers are permitted to be killed if they fight back. Trespassing charges should be held against uncooperative intruders, as well as hefty fines. The intruders should also have their equipment confiscated, and any photographs or videos should be deleted or confiscated.

If an attack occurs, the main priority should be to protect trespassers and either escape from the Tree Huggers or kill the Tree Huggers. The intruders should be given Memory Suppressants and released later under trespassing fines. If the trespasser is injured or killed, it should be stated that an animal attacked them. Any injuries sustained to Protection Squad Hugger should be tended to and a temporary, or dependent on the extent of the injury, permanent replacement should be made. Any deaths sustained to Protection Squad Hugger should warrant an immediate investigation by Investigative Services. A replacement should be made as well. If an SOS alert is detected, nearby squads and teams should be notified and sent to aid the squad. The deceased should be respectively given a fully paid funeral.

When undergoing testing, Anomaly 1 should be contained in a Standard Containment Cell with a Rank 4 keycard requirement.