Tripodero: Fearsome Critter

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Another fearsome critter from the California wilderness, the Tipodero is said to inhabit the chaparral (sparsely wooded scrubland) that spreads sporadically across the state.

This strange creature is said to be outfitted with collapsable legs, that fold up or expand like a telescope. The extendable legs, along with the long snout of the Tipodero, assist in the hunting of small animals and birds that inhabit the scrubland. The hunting method of the Tipodero is as bizarre as his legs; legend states that the Tipodero produces and keeps little clay pellets in its left cheek. When it spots a target, the Tipodero adjusts its legs to the perfect height and takes aim, launching the clay pellet at its soon to be meal. The Tripodero is said to have near perfect aim, hardly ever missing its targets.

After successfully knocking out its victim with the tiny clay ball, the Tipodero then contracts his telescopic legs. He rushes his now stout body over to the lifeless creature, and devours it slowly, bones and all.