Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1912-08-30
SNAKE RIVER PETE
TELLS Of ANIMAL
THE ENORMOUS AMPHIBIAN AT
HOME ON LAND OR
WATER.
From Twin Falls News

4 number of stories, the truth OF
which is impossible to verify, have
reached Twin Falls recently of the
doings of an unusual and mysteri-
Gus animal which is said to make
its, home along the Snake river. The
animal is reported to have made
its appearance both above and be-
low the falls, and those who claim
to know the most about it are di-
vided in their opinions as to wheth-
er it is fish or animal or a cOmDin-
alton of both. Numerous Sunday
picnickers have come across tracks
Of the thing, and one or two be-
lieve that they have actually seen
it. According TO these the animal
is between 20 and 40 feet long and
travels at an Incredible rate of
speed through the sage brush in
the river bottoms and even climbs
the cliffs to the fields above. 1t
also swims rapidly, dives about and
plays in the water like a whale,
emitting a peculiar whistling sound
not unlike the exhaust of the loco
motive.
Some Of the stories have not been
taken seriously and it was not until
last week that a really authentic
account of the strange visitor has
been obtained. Last Sunday Snake
River" Pete, one Of the best known
placer-miners along the river, and
widely acquainted among the old
timmers Of the country. came in to
make his weekly purchases Of grub
and supplies. and was Immediately
asked for any information he might
have as TO the stories which were
going the rounds. Pete listened at
tentively and then finally admitted
that not only had he known Of the
existence Of the weird animal along
the river for some time, but that
its actions and habits had for sew
eral months been a source Of never
ending interest to him.
Scatters BouIders Like Pebbles.
Pete talked freely of the extra
ordinary amphibian, which he de-
clared to be equally at home on
land or in the water. He first saw
it one evening not far from Pillar
Falls, preparatory to closing his
days labors. His attention was at
first attracted by the huge ripples
cast upon the shore by the monster
at his play. Looking closer he was
able to get a good view of the beast
which as soon as it saw Pete leaped
clear of the water with a horrible
growl and made off down the can
yon, scattering the rocks and bould.
ers out of its path like pebbles in
its flight.
According to Pete, the sight was
disquieting, as the huge
body seemed capable of more than
mere play, and the strength that
it exhibited was enormous. 1t was
fully 60 feet long, with a head like
a shark, small eyes and a pair of
small horns. 1t had fins which re-
sembled wings, and six short legs.
He noticed that as it ran the wings
moved rapidly.
He next saw it one mmOrning
about a week later as he climbed
a path that leads to the tip of a
cliff Reaching the top. his first
glance was confronted with an
astounding sight. There within
60 feet of where he stood was the
great beast leaping about and dis
playing the most remarkable agil-
ity, catching jack rabbits almost at
will and biting off and devouring
the heads at an incredible rate of
speed.
Dives From Top OF Cliff.
Pete decided to go home. The
animal came to the edge of the
cliff and watched him as he de-
,ended but did not offer TO give
chase. When nearing the cabin he /
turned just in time to see the huge
make a dive from the top
Of the cliff clear in the river, fully /
200 feet below. The noise of the I
splash echoed through the can
yon like thunder.
game of ploitics?
Later in the day Pete admitted /
o a little group of admirers that
70 r,,rrncol,- nnnitlnd Tho hest faa-