 Corpses thought to be vampires were generally described as having a healthier appearance than expected , plump and showing little or no signs of decomposition . In some cases , when suspected graves were opened , villagers even described the corpse as having fresh blood from a victim all over its face . Evidence that a vampire was active in a given locality included death of cattle , sheep , relatives or neighbours . Folkloric vampires could also make their presence felt by engaging in minor poltergeist @-@ like activity , such as hurling stones on roofs or moving household objects , and pressing on people in their sleep . 
