Do werewolves really exist? Very good question, but first we must define just what a werewolf is.
We all know about the werewolf myths, stories about people who turn into evil wolf-like monsters under the light of the full moon to eat the flesh of humans, and who only can be defeated by silver. Okay, now you can forget everything that Hollywood has taught you.
Real werewolves, or weres for short (or more correcty, spiritual therianthropes) have very little in common with the myth we know all too well. Spiritual therianthropes are individuals who feel a deep connection with one or more animals, or sees aspects of animals manifest in his/her behavior and personality. Many therianthropes believe that an animal spirit is an integeral aspect of their being. Many also experience mental shifts, in which their personality takes on aspects of an animal, to a point that it is readily recognized by the outside world. Some see their animal aspects as a balance to their human selves, teaching them their place in the natural world, and so, many are environmenally- oriented. Still others simply know they have a connection to an animal, even if it doesn't seem to manifest behaviorally. A rare few individuals claim to be physical therianthropes, beings that have the ability to physically change form, yet no proof has ever been brought forward. Finally, not all therianthropes feel a connection with wolves; There are werefoxes, werebears, werecats, and so on.
As you can see, beyond very basic definitions, it is very difficult to define just what a therianthrope is, as each therianthrope expresses this aspect of himself/herself differently, hence the saying: "Ask ten werewolves what it means to be a werewolf, and you'll get eleven different answers." In fact, some therianthropes are appalled at any attempt to define what they are or otherwise limit the range of acceptable feelings, for when you "define something.. you automatically apply limits to it."
In answering this question, we've also answered our original question: Yes, real werewolves DO exist.
Author: Autumn Fox
More: You can find more in-depth information at her website.