How to Kill a Werewolf

The werewolf, or Lycanthrope, is a form of shapeshifter that turns specifically into a wolf. According to some storylines, like that of "True Blood," werewolves that are born are the only ones that can turn fully into wolves, while those that are bitten will remain a half-man, half-beast when they change (like Benicio Del Toro in the 2010 remake of "The Wolfman"). Originally werewolves only changed into their wolf form on a full moon, like Oz in the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" television series. But lately it seems they can change anytime they want, like Alcide Herveaux in "True Blood". Of course it takes a lot of energy for the wolf to change when the full moon isn't shining bright.

Both Oz and Alcide are friendly werewolves, ones you wouldn't want to kill. Just like the Quileute tribe of shapeshifter/werewolves from the "Twilight" series, there are many friendly groups of these creatures. But they aren't all friendly. Those unfriendly werewolves are the ones you need to watch out for and be ready to kill, like the Baptist Reverend in "Silver Bullet", a movie based on Stephen King's novel "Cycle of the Werewolf." This particular werewolf killed anyone that came into his path.

So, how do you kill a werewolf?

Well, the most commonly known way to kill a werewolf is with silver bullets. Most movies portray that it needs to be a silver bullet to the heart, while some like "Blood & Chocolate,'" believe silver bullets kill werewolves no matter where it hits them. In "Underworld" silver bullets didn't kill the werewolves, not right away anyway- they were, however, unable to heal from the wound. Your best bet, if a silver bullet is your weapon, is to aim for the heart, in my opinion.

The werewolves in "Blood & Chocolate" could also be killed by fire. I would think, again, you would want to stay some distance away from them. What big teeth they have!? Try shooting a flaming arrow at them from a distance. The kid in "Silver Bullet" shot the reverend in the eye with an arrow- which didn't kill him, it only made him angrier! Use silver arrow tips and aim for the heart or head, would be my suggestion if an arrow was your choice of weapon. Make your first shot count, because if you miss, or hit the wrong spot, you're likely to not get a second shot in.

Werewolves heal somewhat quickly, think Wolverine from "The X-Men". So you definitely need to do something dramatic in order to kill them or they'll just heal up and kill you. Be a survivor!