A partially skinned dead zebra was found washed up on the rocky shore of a northern California beach on Saturday, authorities said.
Photos of the surreal sight on San Simeon beach near Hearst Castle quickly circulated on social media and led to an investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff.
No foul play is suspected in the animal's death, though the skinning remains a mystery, officials said.
The animal was part of a herd that's often seen roaming the hillsides near Hearst Castle. It's believed the zebra died on the landmark property during some recent storms and was carried down to the shore by Pico Creek.
"We believe this was a natural death of a zebra that washed out to sea," Sgt. Tony Perry told the Daily News on Monday.
"The Hearst Ranch is the adjacent property, and Pico Creek has become recently swollen due to all the rain that has fallen."
The removal of large sections of the zebra's hide appeared to be something that took place after the animal's death, authorities said.
Hearst officials made no immediate request for an investigation into the skinning, according to KSBY.
The herd of zebras on the Hearst property is a remnant of the newspaper magnate's personal collection of exotic animals.
The zoo was disbanded in 1937, and most of the animals were sold off. The zebras were released to graze the grassy hillsides and found a way to thrive mostly on their own.
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