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Cryptid

Champ Lake Monster

Since at least 1819, witnesses have reported a large serpentine creature in Lake Champlain. The 1977 Mansi photograph shows something large breaking the surface. Both Vermont and New York have passed laws protecting 'Champ.'

July 5, 1819
Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York, USA
600+ witnesses

America’s Loch Ness

Lake Champlain, straddling Vermont and New York, has been home to reported sightings of a large aquatic creature since at least 1819. Known as “Champ,” the creature is protected by law in both states and has been photographed.

The Lake

Lake Champlain:

  • 125 miles long
  • 400 feet deep
  • Vermont/New York border
  • Ancient lake
  • Prime habitat

Early Reports

Historical sightings:

  • Native American legends
  • Samuel de Champlain 1609?
  • 1819 newspaper report
  • Continuous since
  • Centuries of accounts

The Creature

Descriptions:

  • Long neck
  • Horse-like head
  • 20-40 feet long
  • Serpentine body
  • Humps visible

The Mansi Photo

July 5, 1977:

  • Sandra Mansi
  • Photographed creature
  • Shows head and neck
  • Breaking surface
  • Most famous evidence

Photo Analysis

Examination found:

  • Not obvious fake
  • Something large
  • Unknown identity
  • Debated
  • Never disproven

Sonar Evidence

Dennis Hall research:

  • Sonar contacts
  • Large objects
  • Moving targets
  • Underwater presence
  • Scientific approach

Both states acted:

  • Vermont resolution
  • New York resolution
  • Champ protected
  • Cannot be harassed
  • Official recognition

Modern Sightings

Continue regularly:

  • Hundreds of reports
  • Each decade
  • Boat encounters
  • Shore sightings
  • Ongoing phenomenon

Famous Encounters

Notable cases:

  • Port Henry 1870s
  • SS Montcalm passengers
  • Multiple witness events
  • Ferry sightings
  • Well-documented

The Body

Discovery 2015:

  • Large carcass found
  • Initially excitement
  • Likely sturgeon
  • Champ remains elusive
  • False alarm

Scientific Interest

Some researchers:

  • Take seriously
  • Population possible
  • Deep lake
  • Adequate food
  • Plausible habitat

Skeptical Views

Critics suggest:

  • Lake sturgeon
  • Floating logs
  • Wave patterns
  • Misidentification
  • No proof

Tourism Impact

Champ brings:

  • Visitors
  • Merchandise
  • Festival
  • Economic benefit
  • Regional identity

Significance

Longest-running American lake monster case with photographic evidence and legal protection.

Legacy

Champ represents the possibility that unknown large creatures exist in North American lakes, with a sighting record spanning over 200 years.

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