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Champ - Lake Champlain Monster
Samuel de Champlain may have seen it in 1609. Since then, over 600 reported sightings of a serpentine creature in the lake. The famous 'Mansi photograph' of 1977 remains controversial but compelling.
1609 - Present
Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York, United States
600+ witnesses
Champ is North America’s version of the Loch Ness Monster.
Early History
According to historical records:
First reported sighting:
- Samuel de Champlain in 1609
- Described strange creature
- Native Americans had legends
- Called it “Tatoskok”
- Long history of sightings
The Lake
Lake Champlain:
- 120 miles long
- Up to 400 feet deep
- Borders Vermont and New York
- Extends into Canada
- Could hide large creature
The Mansi Photograph
In 1977:
- Sandra Mansi photographed creature
- Shows head and neck above water
- Analyzed by experts
- Never definitively debunked
- Most famous Champ evidence
Sighting Pattern
Over 600 reports describe:
- Serpentine body
- Long neck
- Small head
- Dark colored
- Multiple humps
Legal Protection
Remarkably:
- Vermont passed resolution protecting Champ
- New York did the same
- Officially “protected” creature
- Tourism significance
- Scientific curiosity
Scientific Interest
Researchers note:
- Lake has deep, cold zones
- Could support large animal
- Acoustic recordings made
- Sonar contacts reported
- Unexplained echolocation detected