What is "tailypo"

Tailypo is a frightening ravenous cat-like creature of North American folklore, particularly in Appalachia. Alternate names include: Taileybones, Tailbones, Taily Po, Tally Po, Taileypo, Tailey Po and Tailipoe(sies). Most often (and especially in older adaptations) the Tailypo legends are simply titled "Tailypo."