"During the 1200's when gargoyles first appeared in Europe, the Roman Catholic Church was actively converting people of other faiths to Christianity. Since most people were not literate, images were very important in communicating ideas and telling the stories of the faith. Many of the religious images that non-Christians were accustomed to were of pagan origin and were of animals or mixtures of animals and humans. Integrating familiar images on churches and cathedrals was thought to encourage the populace to accept the new religion and ease the transition from the old ways and old beliefs."
No, not syncretism- This was the ancient practice of the adaptation of local rituals and symbols- very much like the Christmas Tree or Easter Eggs- to the Great Commission. This happens to this day in Africa, Asia, and South America. To call this syncretism is worst than absurd. It show a misunderstanding of historical practices.
Taking in-depth instruction in a curriculum of studies that spans these subjects would illuminate the mind rather than quick quotes from Wikipedia. Indeed, there are several other nterpretations of gargoyles as part of the artifacts on medieval Cathedral construction.