Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-11-30
WHAT is Irq
Strange Animal at Large Which Has
Terrorixed a Neighborhood.
ZION the Jaekson IA Nelrs.

A Strange Animal at Large which Has
TerrOrixed NeighborhOod.
From the Jackson tGa.) Sers.
For some time past persons coming to
this town from westerly direction have
reported seeing a strange animal, but
just what it is no one has been able to
determine. 1t has been variously de-
scribed and discussed, until many people
| only travel through the section of country
west of here with fear and trepidation.
The unknown animal is said by some to
be as large as a mule, and when pursued
or disturbed utters piercing scream like
unto that of the whistle of q steam engine.
The beast readily takes TO water, swims
with marvellous rapidity, and at intervals,
where the water is deep enough, dives be-
meath the waves out of sight and remains
under for quite a time. The reports as to
the appearance of the beast differ very
much. One gentleman who claims he
saw it at close range says it had a shaggy
coating OF hair, large head, and ran
with great speed. Another account states
that while the animal sped through the
water with amazing swlttness, when IL
came to the shoals it's gait changed to a
tumbling lOcomotion, similar to the pro-
gress of a seal.
Mr.. Beauregard Heath, who lives near
waliga river recently, was suddenly star
tied to see q strange monster shooting
through the water, snOrting and blowing
in manner that was appalling. The
water where the creature was first seen
by Mr.. Heath was deep, but Immediately
on ahead was quite stretch OF shoals,
where the water was shallow. When the
animal reached this portion of the river
so great had its momentum grown that
Of vFu
ter, landing with splash on its
side. Then began its tumbling, pitch
ing gait. Though it was most
awkward motion, its speed was far
greater than an ordinary fast walk. In
less time than it takes to tell ii, the am
phibious animal was over the shoals, and
with shriIl cry, disappeared in the
deeper water beyond. When some 90 feet
from where IL shot under the water. IL
rose again, with a savage puff, and shak-
ing the water from its huge head, went
careening on its way. A bend in the
stream, hid 1t from Mr.. Heath's gaze. In
conversation, Mr.. Heath said it was as
large as good sized mule. and weighed
he should judge, 800 or 700 pounds.
Other reputable gentlemen have seen it,
and all are unanimous IN saying they
never saw anything which even resem-
bled it. None, however, took the
time to study Its looks carefully, for when
it presented an appearance they had ur-
gent business in other quarters. A
darkey seen it last week while cut hunt
ing. He was in the woods sneaking on a
squirrel to get shot, when, turning at
the cracking of branch, he saw behind
him an animal, which he said looked like
a lion, hear and monkey.
Having no desire to post himself up
in natural history-being no naturalist,
and not caring TO find out to what beast
family the uncanny thing actually be-
longed, he took walk. AS soon as he
got the proper use of his limbs, be fairly
flew through the wOods-OVer stumps,
through briars, across gullies, until be
struck the dirt road, and was at home.
A NeloS reporter asked the negro about
the circumstances yesterday. and further
asked him to describe the animals looks.
"Fo' God, boss, | nebber stopped to
'xamin' hit closely. Jest as ] wuz maxi
in up my mind to look at hit, hit showed
hits teeth, and left in hurry"
Mr.. o. F. Williams, who came into
town yesterday, when crossing the Tow
aliga river, saw strange looking object
swimming the river some distance away
from him. He could not determine what
1t was, having never seen anything re-
sembling 1t. On his way TO town he met
Mr.. Willis Evans, accompanied by
several other parties, who stated
to him that they were going in
quest of the unknown beast which had
been terrorizing the people along the
T0walIga river. Mr.. Williams then re-
called to mind the strange creature he
had seen swimming the river, and he
spoke to the party about it. Breathlessly
they informed him that that was what
they were in quest of, and leaving him
they hurried on towards the river. The
result of their hunt VIII be anxiously
looked for, and it is TO be hoped that hey
will be successful.
What sort OF beast it is no one can
even conjecture. 1t is possible that it is
some animal which has escaped from a
strolling menagerie, and though a
stranger in a strange land, has managed
to live and thrive. The NeUs Will keep
its readers posted, and If the unknown
creature is captured our readers Will be
'ully apDrised of the event, together with
the most minute particulars pertaining
thereto.