Espita Residents Dismiss Huay Pek Rumors as Misidentified Dog, but Legend Endures

Espita, Yucatán — Residents of the Xpope neighborhood in Espita have downplayed recent rumors circulating on social media about the appearance of a mythical creature known as the uay pek, saying the viral image at the center of the claims most likely shows a dog suffering from mange.

Neighbors told local reporters that the supposed sighting appears to be an unfounded rumor, possibly fueled by the desire to generate online engagement and controversy. While some residents acknowledged that the story has caused unease, they stressed that the community remains calm.

“The area is peaceful,” said resident William A., who explained that unusual nighttime noises attributed by some to supernatural activity can be easily explained by the presence of stray dogs. He noted that during mating season, packs of dogs often howl, bark, and fight loudly, sounds that can be misinterpreted—especially at night.

Other residents echoed that view. María Uc and Raúl Chan suggested the individual who shared the image may have done so to gain followers or attention on digital platforms. Nidia Pech Cab added that the photo circulating online appears to show a dog with mange, but poor lighting and camera angles give it an eerie appearance.

Despite widespread skepticism, fear persists among some residents, with several saying they are reluctant to go out after dark. Xpope neighbors called on authorities to clarify the situation to prevent misinformation and unnecessary alarm.

At the same time, residents like Luis Fernando Uicab Loría emphasized the cultural role of such stories, noting that legends like the Huay Pek were historically used to keep children and young people from wandering the streets at night.

About the Huay Pek legend

The Huay Pek—also spelled uay pek or waay pek—is part of traditional Maya folklore from the Yucatán Peninsula. The name roughly translates to “dog sorcerer” and refers to a human believed to possess the spiritual ability to transform into a large black dog, often associated with nocturnal activity. In Maya belief systems, such waay beings were not always evil; some were thought to protect communities or carry out spiritual work.

Today, stories of the Huay Pek remain part of oral tradition across rural Yucatán, occasionally resurfacing during unusual events or viral social media moments—blending myth, culture, and modern life in ways that still resonate with many communities.