MYSTERY ANIMAL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 2672, 29 December 1928, Page 2

MYSTERY ANIMAL.

so: LIKE BROWN BEAR, WITH LONG YELLOW TAIL. NEW GUINEA DISCOVERY. A zoological discovery by a New Guinea prospector named Mackreth in the mountains above Edie, confirms the report made two years ago by R. M. Glasson of the existence of a large carnivorous animal, probably a marsupial. Glasson saw tracks like those made by a child's foot, but with only three toes. He followed and shot the animal which was about two feet six inches in height to the shoulder. The dentition was carnivorous, with canine teeth. The animal was dark brown and had a bear-like appearance. It had a long, prehensible yellow tail. Mackreth and his native "boys" came on a specimen, which attacked viciously before it was -killed. The colouring was much the same as that mentioned by Glasson, and the animal was as large as a tree kangaroo. Mackreth says that the animal probably preys on tree kangaroos and opossums. He photographed the body and kept the skin.. Other prospectors say they have seen the animal, which inhabits the upper mountains. Another discovery is that of the bones of a large extinct animal.. They were found when sluicing and are being kept for classification.