Water Monsters Around the World

Once of the most controversial topics in the field of cryptozoology is the existence of water monsters. From the Loch Ness Monster of Scotland to the Bunyips of Australia, legends of water monsters seem to be present in most of the world. Where is a cryptozoologist to start? I have put together a list of creatures and the bodies of water that they inhabit. This list is open for anyone who wishes to learn more about the elusive water monsters but it is only an identifier. If you want details, you will have to research the creature on your own time.

Obviously, the most famous water monster known to man is the creature that resides in Loch Ness, a lake in Scotland. The Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, is thought by some to be a relative of prehistoric reptiles of the sea. There have been many pictures taken of this beast, thousands of sightings, and even a sonar scope of the lake which revealed some big things moving around in Loch Ness. However, to this date, there is no physical evidence that the Loch Ness monster exists.

In Africa, particularly the Republic of Congo, it is said that a beast known as Mokele Mbembe makes it's home in the rivers. Mokele Mbembe literally means; "one who stops the flow of rivers". It is said to be about the size of an elephant and resemble one the dinosaurs of prehistoric times.

Another beast of Africa is the Lukwata, a serpent said to be one hundred feet long. It is found in Lake Victoria in the country of Kenya.

Vermont is the home of the famous Lake Champlain. The lake is said to be home to a serpent similar to the Loch Ness Monster. The serpent has been dubbed "Champ" and is considered to be America's most famous water monster. Today, it is an ongoing source of tourism in Vermont.

Lake Powell and Utah Lake are said to be home to creatures that resemble giant beavers. It is interesting to note that fossils of large, beaver like rodents have been found in Utah.

Utah is also home to the Bear Lake Monster of Bear Lake. It is said to resemble an enormous walrus or seal.

Goose Creek Lagoon in South Carolina is said to be home to a giant salamander, much like the three foot salamander of Japan.

Raystown Lake of Pennsylvania is home to a large creature called the Raystown Ray. It said to be a peaceful animal, mostly vegetarian in nature. A specialist once described it as being similar to a manatee.

Crescent Lake in Canada is said to be home to a species of abnormally large eels. The locals have dubbed these eels; Cressies. An interesting thing to note is that eels in Loch Ness commonly grow to be ten feet or more in length.

Lake Erie houses many mysteries, perhaps none so mysterious as the South Bay Bessie. Bessie is said to be a water monster, similar to the one in Loch Ness, that grows to 30-50 feet in length.

Water serpents in Lake Superior have been spotted on occasion.

Massachusetts' lakes are claimed to be home to various giant amphibians and reptiles, such as frogs and snakes.

Indiana's Fulk's Lake was once the home of a fifteen foot snapping turtle known as the Beast of Busco. However, the locals call the creature Oscar.

Payette Lake in Idaho has a serpent that has been dubbed Sharlie, or Slimy Jim.

California has a variety of water monsters including Tessie, giant salamanders, and crocodile-like creatures.

Thetis Lake in British Columbia is said to have a strange creature lurking in it's waters. The Thetis Lake Monster is said to look like a cross between a man and a fish, much like the gill man from the Hollywood flick; "Creature From The Black Lagoon".

This is only a small percentage of the water monsters living in this world. If you are interested in finding out more, there are hundreds of websites dedicated specifically to water monsters. Happy hunting, and good luck.