Back to Events
Cryptid

Champ (Lake Champlain Monster)

Samuel de Champlain may have seen it first. The 1977 Mansi photograph shows something unexplained. Over 300 sightings documented. Protected by law in both Vermont and New York.

1609 - Present
Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York, USA
300+ witnesses

Champ is America’s most famous lake monster.

First Sighting

1609 possibly:

  • Samuel de Champlain
  • French explorer
  • Described creature
  • Or large fish
  • Debate continues

The Mansi Photo

1977 image:

  • Sandra Mansi
  • Family photo
  • Creature visible
  • Analyzed extensively
  • Never debunked

Sightings

Over 300 reported:

  • Local residents
  • Tourists
  • Police officers
  • All consistent
  • Serpentine shape

Unusual status:

  • Vermont passed law
  • New York followed
  • Protected species
  • Though unproven
  • Symbolic gesture

Description

Witness accounts:

  • 15-30 feet long
  • Long neck
  • Small head
  • Dark colored
  • Humped back

Investigation

Research continues:

  • Sonar searches
  • Video evidence
  • Dennis Hall studies
  • Echolocation recorded
  • Inconclusive results

Sources