Pseudoequus nasiretinaculi
A gregarious animal, about the size of an under-nourished pony. Formerly existed in herds in the Sierra foot—hills, but not reported for many years. Probably extinct by now.
Extremely active and fast. The skin is leathery, giving complete protection against sharp rocks and thorns, while the flipper-like legs are much over-developed affording a half-bounding, half—flying gait. The outstanding peculiarity is the rope-like beak and the marvelous deftness with which it is manipulated. Jack-rabbits are frequently run down and lassoed, as is now and then an unwary logger.
There exists a Digger Indian legend that these creatures were the spirits of the old Spanish ranchers of the early days.
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