The Parandrus or Tarandrus, is a creature first featured in classical literature of Rome in the book De Natura Animalium and was later found in medieval bestiaries.Much like a chameleon it was able to camouflage itself by changing the colors of its coat. It would do this to evade predatory animals and hunters.
Appearance[]
The Parandrus is said to be able to conceal itself by altering its physical appearance so that it can blend in with its surroundings. It is colored like a bear, but is the size of an ox and has long hair. It has the head of a stag with branching horns, and has cloven hoofs.
Pliny The Elder[]
In Natural History, Book 8, 52, Pliny mentions a beast from Sythia called Tarandrus that can change color.