THE SUN — AUGUST 16, 1891
THE DRAGONS OF FRESNO ♢ Winged Monsters that Devour Fowls with Three Snaps of Their Jaws ♢ From the St. Louis Republic
A number of persons living in the of vicinity of Redleey, Fresno county, Cal., all reputable citizens, too, swear that they have seen and hunted two dragons with wings fifteen feet long, bodies without covering of hair or feathers, head broad, bills long and wide, eyes not less than four inches in diameter, and with feet like those of an alligator somewhat, though more circular in form. They have five toes on each foot, with a strong claw on each, and its track is eleven inches wide and nine-teen inches long. These strange creatures were first seen southeast of Selma on the night of July 11, and their peculiar cries and the rushing of their mammoth wings were heard as late as 10 o’clock, when all became still. The dragons were last heard that night crying in the direction of King’s River.
Two nights later A. X. Simmon’s poultry yard was visited by the monsters, many of the hens being bitten in two and left partly devoured. Those who examined the dead chickens say the teeth marks on them resemble those made by a very large dog. On July 19 a carriage loaded with picnickers was returning from a picnic at Clark’s bridge, and in the clear moonlight saw the monsters plainly circling in the air and heard the rush of their pinions, snapping of their jaws, and fearful cries overhead. On Monday, July 21, Harvey Lemon and Major Henry Haight, who live just
