CALIFORNIAN DRAGON OF SORTS?

In 1882, when a train was traveling through Dos Palms (California) they reported seeing a bizarre reptilian beast.  It was a 30' snake with small wings near its head and it dragged its tail on the ground.  The train cut off part of the beast's tail and the infuriated creature gave chase.  Those on board were probably not a little scared and some opened fire on it, but the pursuing animal did not catch up with its quarry.