Those dimensions are ridiculous. I'd say cross-check the date of that article with paleontology history. Maybe pterosaurs were newly discovered and made headlines back East or in Europe. Perhaps this story capitalized on it. Something like that, or maybe a popular exhibit at a museum of the day inspired this story.
A trail goes two ways and looks different in each direction - There is no such thing as a timid woodland creature - Whatever does not kill you leaves you a survivor - Jesus is NOT a bad word - MSB