Cadborosaurus Sea Serpent

Cadborosaurus—affectionately called “Caddy”—has been seen over 300 times in the waters around Vancouver Island since 1933. With a horse-like head and serpentine body, this sea creature even produced a possible carcass in 1937. The Pacific has its own monster.

The Name

Origin: The name “Cadborosaurus” originated from Cadboro Bay, located on Vancouver Island. The first modern sighting of this creature is attributed to the early 1930s, and the creature was formally designated as “Cadborosaurus willsi,” which has become its scientific name.

The Location

Sightings of the Cadborosaurus have been reported across a wide area of the Pacific. It has been observed in Vancouver Island, along the British Columbia coast, in Puget Sound, and within various other regions of the Pacific Northwest. Multiple locations have been associated with the creature’s appearances, reflecting its broad range of sightings.

Physical Description

Witness accounts consistently describe the Cadborosaurus as possessing a distinctive physical form. Reports detail a horse-like head, a remarkably long neck, and a serpentine body, often accompanied by flippers. Estimations suggest the creature’s length typically ranges from 40 to 70 feet.

The Head

A particularly striking feature of the Cadborosaurus is its equine appearance, characterized by large eyes and a long snout. Occasionally, witnesses reported the presence of a mane, further contributing to the creature’s unusual and memorable form.

Early Sightings

The 1930s witnessed a significant wave of reports concerning the Cadborosaurus. Multiple sightings were recorded in the Vancouver area, and these reports consistently presented a similar description of the creature. The phenomenon garnered considerable media attention, effectively establishing the Cadborosaurus as a recognized local legend.

The 1937 Carcass

The discovery of a substantial carcass in 1937 provided the most significant physical evidence to date. The carcass was recovered from Naden Harbour, and remarkably, it was found inside the stomach of a whale. The remains were photographed, but unfortunately, the carcass was subsequently lost.

The Photos

Photographs of the 1937 carcass are a central element in the story of the Cadborosaurus. These images depict a long, serpentine body and what appears to be a head, captured within the context of the whale’s internal anatomy. However, the photographs remain controversial and have never been fully explained, fueling speculation and debate.

What Happened to It

The fate of the 1937 carcass remains a frustrating mystery. It is believed to have been discarded, and as a result, no preserved specimen exists. Despite the photographs’ existence, the creature’s whereabouts are currently unknown, perpetuating the enigma surrounding its existence.

Scientific Interest

The Cadborosaurus has attracted considerable attention within the scientific community. Researchers such as Dr. Paul LeBlond and Dr. Ed Bousfield have dedicated significant effort to studying the phenomenon, publishing a detailed paper that considers the creature a legitimate subject for cryptid research.

The Classification

Based on the accumulated sightings and photographic evidence, a scientific proposal has been made to classify the Cadborosaurus as a new species, designated “Cadborosaurus willsi.” This classification is rooted in the creature’s physical characteristics and the documented evidence surrounding its appearances, placing it within the field of cryptozoology.

Sighting Count

Over 300 reported sightings of the Cadborosaurus have been documented since 1933. These sightings typically involve multiple witnesses and occur across various locations within the Pacific Northwest. The ongoing nature of these reports indicates the continued existence of this enigmatic creature.

Modern Encounters

The Cadborosaurus continues to be reported today, and efforts to capture evidence of its existence are ongoing. Individuals have attempted to record video footage, and sonar contacts have occasionally been detected, suggesting that the phenomenon remains active.

Possible Identities

Despite the extensive evidence, the true nature of the Cadborosaurus remains uncertain. Several hypotheses have been proposed, including the possibility that it represents an unknown species, a surviving prehistoric creature, a giant oarfish, or a basking shark – however, none of these explanations fully account for all observed characteristics.

Indigenous Knowledge

Local First Nations communities had long known of the creature, referring to it as “Hiachuckaluck.” This name reflects an ancient tradition and a deep respect for the animal. A long history of encountering and acknowledging the Cadborosaurus exists within Indigenous lore.

Kelly Nash Video

In 1995, a video recording of approximately ten minutes’ duration emerged, depicting a serpentine creature in Alaskan waters. The footage was subsequently analyzed, adding another layer of intrigue to the Cadborosaurus story and further fueling speculation.

The Whale Connection

The discovery of the 1937 carcass within a whale’s stomach has proven to be a crucial element in understanding the Cadborosaurus. The whale is believed to have preyed upon the creature, digesting it over time, resulting in its eventual loss to the depths.

Significance

The Cadborosaurus’s documented 300+ sightings, coupled with photographic evidence and sustained scientific interest, highlights the ocean’s potential to harbor extraordinary and yet-undiscovered creatures.

Legacy

The story of Cadborosaurus serves as a powerful reminder that the ocean holds secrets, evidenced by the creature’s over 300 reported sightings, its physical remains pulled dead from a whale’s stomach, its documented photographs, and its enduring mystery. Caddy continues to swim the Pacific, and the search for this enigmatic creature remains an ongoing endeavor.

Sources

• Wikipedia search: “Cadborosaurus Sea Serpent”
• Internet Archive — Cryptozoology texts — Digitised cryptozoology literature