As someone who grew up in the Highlands of Scotland, the story of the Loch Ness Monster (also known as “Nessie”) is very familiar to me.  However, Nessie does not appear to be one a kind; in fact, there have been many reported sightings of other phantom lake animals over the years across the globe.  Here’s a run-down of some of the best known secret lake-dwelling creatures.

Nessie is arguably one of the most famous lake monsters, given that she has had a film made about her (Loch Ness, released in 1996 and starring Ted Danson).  Nessie was first brought to our attention as far back as 1933 and there have been many sightings since then, including some fuzzy photographs and dubious sonar readings.  The most famous photograph of Nessie is known as the “Surgeon’s Photograph” and was taken in 1934.  Showing Nessie’s head and neck, it has come to be the recognised image of Nessie – despite the fact that the photograph was proven to be fake in 1994.

Wattie is the lesser-known inhabitant of Loch Watten, also in Scotland. The first sighting of Wattie was reported to be 10 years before the first sighting of Nessie and was reported by Colonel Arthur Trimble.  While out for a relaxing walk around the loch, Colonel Trimble noticed a dark and looming shape appear on the surface of the water.  He described the shape as having a neck and huge flat head. He also reported slit eyes and an immense body, visible beneath the water surface.  He described the body as being at least 6m wide.  Little else is known about Wattie and very little is written about it.

Across the pond, we come to Bessie: the monster of Lake Erie in North America.  First sighted in 1817, the number of reported sightings have intensified in the last 30 or so years.  Bessie is described as being “snake-like”, 1ft in diameter and at least 30ft long.  If you can capture Bessie in a humane manner, you’d be eligible for a $100,000 reward.

In Utah, we find the Bear Lake Monster which is said to inhabit the waters of Bear Lake.  Described by some as being similar to a walrus and others as being similar to a “larger than average” carp, sightings of the Bear Lake Monster first began in the 19th century.

North America’s Lake Champlain is said to be home to a lake monster known as Champ. Described as being similar to a “gigantic water serpent”, there have been over 300 sightings of Champ since the original sighting in 1609.  Champ has become a revenue-generating attraction in the area.

Ontario in Canada is home to Igopogo who is reported to inhabit Lake Simcoe.  Igopogo has an appearance unlike most other lake monsters, with a head described as being “canine-like” and a total body length of around 12ft.  Most Igopogo sightings took place around the 1970s and there have been few since then.

Also in Canada we find the Turtle Lake Monster.  Said to inhabit the Turtle Lake, the Turtle Lake Monster was first sighted back in pre-settlement days. Described as anything from 3 to 9 metres in length, descriptions of its head vary from being like that of a dog, a pig or even a seahorse.

In Norway, we find Selma, who is said to live in Lake Seljordsvatnet.  Reports of Selma sightings date back to the 18th Century and she is said to look similar to a giant eel, with a body length of 8-10 metres.

Over in Russia, the waters of Lake Brosno are said to be inhabited by the Brosno Dragon.  First reported as early as the 13th Century, it is said to resemble a dragon or dinosaur.  Some believe the Brosno Dragon to simply be a mutant beaver.

Mamlambo is a South African lake monster, originating from the Mzintlava River.  Local residents claim that the monster has the neck of a snake, the torso of a horse and the lower body of a fish.  Mamlambo is said to be attracted to lightening and tends to appear more frequently during storms.

Hub 17/30 of 30 hubs in 30 days challenge