Cadborosaurus: The Pacific Sea Serpent

Cadborosaurus, affectionately known as “Caddy,” is a sea serpent reported primarily in the waters of the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska to California. Named after Cadboro Bay in British Columbia where early sightings occurred, this creature has been reported for nearly a century and represents one of North America’s most enduring marine cryptids.

Description

Physical Characteristics

Witnesses consistently described a horse-like or camel-like head, long, serpentine necks spanning 40 to 70 feet (estimates varied), a humped body or series of humps, flippers or fins, and a vertical undulation when swimming. Grayish-brown coloring was frequently reported, and some witnesses described a mane.

Swimming Behavior

Caddy reportedly moved with vertical undulations, unlike seals or whales, traveled at high speeds, created distinctive wake patterns, and sometimes raised its head high above the water. Reports indicated that it often traveled alone or in pairs.

Notable Sightings

The Naden Harbor Carcass (1937)

The most famous evidence involved a strange carcass found inside a sperm whale’s stomach at Naden Harbor whaling station in Queen Charlotte Islands. The carcass was photographed before being discarded and showed a horse-like head and long body. The photos have been analyzed extensively and have never been definitively identified.

Major Archie (1933)

An early documented sighting occurred when Major W.H. Langley, a barrister, reported seeing Caddy near Victoria, British Columbia. His credibility as a lawyer gave the sighting significant weight, and he described the classic horse-head and serpentine body.

The Kemp Family (1933)

Multiple witness encounters occurred when the Kemp family saw the creature in Cadboro Bay. They observed it for several minutes and their detailed description matched other reports, contributing to the establishment of the name “Cadborosaurus.”

Captain Paul Sowerby (1934)

An experienced ship captain, Captain Paul Sowerby, observed the creature near Vancouver Island and provided a detailed technical description, estimating its length at 60 feet.

San Francisco Bay (2009)

In 2009, fishermen captured video footage of an unknown creature in the bay. The video was analyzed but remained inconclusive, renewing interest in Caddy.

Scientific Interest

Dr. Paul LeBlond

Leading Cadborosaurus researcher, oceanographer Dr. Paul LeBlond, worked at the University of British Columbia, co-authored books on the subject, collected hundreds of reports, and applied scientific methodology, believing an unknown species may exist.

Taxonomic Proposal

Based on sighting patterns, the name “Cadborosaurus willsi” has been proposed, representing a potential new species of large marine animal. Classification as a type of living plesiosaur or an unknown mammal was considered, but this has not been officially recognized by science.

The Naden Harbor Analysis

Scientific examination of the 1937 photos produced conflicting interpretations, with some identifying it as a decomposed basking shark and others seeing an unknown species. The actual carcass was not preserved, and analysis continues to be debated.

Possible Explanations

Unknown Species

Proponents argue that the Pacific is poorly explored at depth, and new marine species are still discovered. Consistent descriptions suggest a real animal, and Caddy could be a surviving prehistoric species, or an undiscovered modern species.

Oarfish

Skeptics suggest sightings might be giant oarfish, which can reach 36 feet, possessing long, serpentine bodies and rarely seen at the surface. This could explain some reports.

Basking Sharks

Decomposing basking sharks could create “pseudoplesiosaur” carcasses, potentially explaining the Naden Harbor specimen and some beach strandings.

Elephant Seals

These animals can look unusual at the surface and have long necks (relatively), found in Pacific waters, and could be misidentified.

Logs and Debris

Some sightings might be floating logs, kelp formations, or debris creating illusions, accompanied by marine mammals with debris attached.

Geographic Distribution

Primary Range

Most sightings occur in British Columbia’s Inside Passage, Puget Sound, Washington, waters around Vancouver Island, San Francisco Bay area, and occasionally further north into Alaska.

Habitat

Caddy is reported in coastal waters, bays and inlets, near kelp forests, areas with rich marine life, both open water, and near shore.

Comparison to Other Sea Serpents

Global Sea Serpent Reports

Cadborosaurus joins a tradition of Loch Ness Monster (freshwater), Champ (Lake Champlain), Morgawr (Cornwall, UK), and various Scandinavian sea serpents.

Unique Aspects

Caddy is distinctive for its horse-like head (many serpents described differently), its consistent geographic range, photographic evidence (the Naden Harbor photos), and ongoing sightings into the modern era.

Cultural Impact

Indigenous Traditions

First Nations peoples have traditions of sea creatures, and some may relate to Caddy. Cultural knowledge predates Western sightings and adds depth to the legend.

Tourism

Cadborosaurus has become part of Pacific Northwest identity, subject of tourism interest, featured in local media, and a beloved regional cryptid.

Recent Sightings

21st Century Reports

Sightings continue in 2009 San Francisco Bay video, various British Columbia reports, Washington State sightings, Alaska observations, and the creature remains actively reported.

Technology Impact

Modern technology offers better cameras and phones, more documentation potential, and video analysis capabilities, yet no definitive proof has been obtained.

Conclusion

Cadborosaurus has been seen in Pacific waters for nearly a century. Hundreds of witnesses, including ship captains, scientists, and everyday people, have reported a horse-headed serpent swimming off the coast.

Whether Caddy is a surviving prehistoric marine reptile, an unknown species of modern animal, a series of misidentifications, a persistent legend with no physical basis, or something science hasn’t yet explained, the sightings continue. The Pacific keeps her secrets in her cold, deep waters. And somewhere between California and Alaska, witnesses still report seeing something strange – something long and serpentine with a head like a horse, moving through the kelp forests and open waters of the Pacific coast.

Caddy, the friendly serpent of Cadboro Bay, swims on through the realm of cryptozoology, neither proven nor disproven, waiting for the evidence that will finally reveal what she truly is.

Sources

• Wikipedia search: “Cadborosaurus: The Pacific Sea Serpent”
• Internet Archive — Cryptozoology texts — Digitised cryptozoology literature
• Chronicling America — Historic US newspapers (1690–1963)
• British Newspaper Archive — UK press archive