BioFortean Notes - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: BIOFORTEAN NOTES
Volume: 8
Editor: CHAD Arment
Publisher: COACHWHIP PUBLICATIONS
Location: Greenville, Ohio
Publication Year: 2023

This issue of BioFortean Notes, Volume 8, edited by Chad Arment and published by Coachwhip Publications, delves into a variety of unexplained natural phenomena, with a strong emphasis on bioluminescent organisms and related folklore. The publication compiles several articles, many authored by the editor himself, exploring documented scientific discoveries alongside historical accounts and anecdotal reports.

Contents

The issue features the following articles:

• BIOFORTEAN BIOLUMINESCENCE by Chad Arment
• A SURVEY OF WEST COAST ‘SEA SERPENT’ FOLKLORE by Chad Arment
• BIOFORTEAN MISCELLANY by Chad Arment
• THE KONGAMATO by Frank H. Melland, In Witch-Bound Africa (1923)

BioFortean Bioluminescence

This extensive article by Chad Arment explores various cases of luminous mystery animals and potentially undescribed species. The author notes that bioluminescence is more common in marine organisms than terrestrial ones, suggesting many undiscovered species likely exist. The article highlights several recent discoveries:

• Worms: A clade of free-swimming acrocirrid worms, genus *Swima*, produce luminous 'bombs' as a defense mechanism in the deep ocean (Osborn et al. 2009).
• Sponges: While historical reports of luminous sponges were often attributed to symbiotic organisms, recent research suggests some sponges possess their own bioluminescent systems, like *Suberites domuncula* using a firefly luciferase homolog. An undescribed sponge related to *Chondrocladia* and *Cladorhiza* also exhibits a coelenterazine-related system.
• Sipunculan Worms: The peanut worm, *Nephasoma pellucidum*, has been shown to be bioluminescent (Oliveira et al. 2021).
• Polycirrus Worms: An undescribed species from Japan emits violet light from its tentacles (Kanie et al. 2021).
• Sharks: In 2015, photophores were identified on the deep-sea velvet dogfish, *Zameus squamulosus*, confirming luminescence in the Somniosidae family, the third shark family known to include bioluminescent species, suggesting a common bioluminescent ancestor within the Squaliformes order.

The article also revisits historical accounts:

• William Beebe's Dive: The author mentions William Beebe's 1932 dive off Bermuda, where he claimed to have seen a new bioluminescent fish, *Bathysphaera intacta*. However, Otis Barton, who was present, later expressed skepticism in a 1986 interview, suggesting Beebe might have been "inventing."

More Luminous Spiders?

Arment discusses reports of luminous spiders:

• Burma and India: Paleontologist Barnum Brown reported a luminous spider in Burma (1925) and later a spider with luminescent spots on its abdomen in Assam, India (1926). The latter was observed to glow yellow, like a firefly, from its abdomen.
• Pennsylvania: A historical mention from Germantown, Pennsylvania, describes spiders found in stone walls that glowed like glow-worms. It was speculated they might have been feeding on fireflies and smearing their faces with luminous material, possibly as a hunting tactic.
• Colorado: Columnist Paul Carpenter recounted a story of large glowing spiders seen on a KC-135 tanker windshield over Colorado, which the pilot attributed to Saint Elmo's fire.

Glowing Geckos?

The article examines reports of luminous lizards:

• Trinidad Lizard: Ivan T. Sanderson's report of a glowing lizard from Trinidad has been explained as reflective ocellar scales (Shuker 2017).
• Rajasthan Gecko: A peculiar new Gecko species (*Cyrtodactylus madarensis*) was described by Sharma (1980) in Rajasthan, India, as shedding bright light from its body. However, it was later suggested by Dr. Indraneil Das that this might have been a common leopard gecko (*Eublepharis macularius*), and the glow could be due to mistaken observation or luminous bacterial infection.
• Kerala Gecko: A second description of a bioluminescent gecko, *Velicham thoovunna*, from Kerala, India, was noted, but the article was not in English, and the illustration was insufficient for diagnosis.

Bioluminescent Millipedes

This section details discoveries of glowing millipedes:

• Australia: A news article from 2022 reported that bushwalker Scott Kemp discovered glowing millipedes in the Illawarra bush, New South Wales, 18 years prior. These were later relocated by Kemp and David Finlay. Dr. Dennis Black suggested they might be spirobolid millipedes.
• California: Millipedes of the genus *Motyxia* (xystodesmids) are known to luminesce in California.
• Australo-Pacific Islands: Spirobolid millipedes have been known to luminesce from these regions since the 1930s. *Paraspirobolus lucifugus* is a tropical cosmopolitan species found in Taiwan, Okinawa, and Truk Island.
• New Caledonia: A rhinocricid millipede, *Dinematocricus sp.*, is also known to be bioluminescent.
• Nebraska: An old report from 1891 by L. Bruner described observing what appeared to be luminous myriapods near Omaha, Nebraska. These were described as moderately large, many-jointed affairs, yellowish-brown with narrow yellow lines on their segments, and produced a whitish light. The species was briefly described as *Fontaria luminosa* but is now considered a *nomen inquerinda* (a species of doubtful identity). Causey and Tiemann (1969) suggested these reports might have been based on beetle larvae, though a fragment of the type specimen was xystodesmid. The author suggests that further investigation in Nebraska might be worthwhile.

A Survey of West Coast ‘Sea Serpent’ Folklore

This article by Chad Arment explores folklore surrounding sea serpents along the West Coast of North America. It likely delves into historical accounts, eyewitness testimonies, and cultural interpretations of these mysterious marine creatures.

BioFortean Miscellany

This section, also by Chad Arment, appears to be a collection of various biofortean topics, potentially including other unexplained animal phenomena, cryptozoological reports, or related curiosities not covered in the more specific articles.

The Kongamato

This piece features an excerpt from Frank H. Melland's 1923 work, "In Witch-Bound Africa." The Kongamato is a legendary pterosaur-like creature reported in the folklore of the Batwa people of the Zambezi River basin. Melland's account is one of the earliest and most significant reports of this cryptid.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of the unexplained in the natural world, particularly focusing on bioluminescence and cryptozoology. The editor, Chad Arment, seems to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting scientific findings alongside historical accounts and folklore. The publication encourages readers to consider the possibility of undiscovered species and phenomena, while also grounding discussions in available evidence and research. The inclusion of detailed references suggests a commitment to providing a basis for further investigation and a scholarly approach to the subject matter.

This document appears to be a collection of articles and references related to cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena, primarily focusing on sea serpent folklore along the West Coast of North America. It also includes references to other topics like Bigfoot and marine bioluminescence. The content is presented as a series of articles, book reviews, and historical accounts, with a strong emphasis on cataloging sightings and discussing potential explanations.

Sea Serpent Folklore of the West Coast

The main article, "A Survey of West Coast ‘Sea Serpent' Folklore" by Chad Arment, provides a historical overview of sea serpent reports from Baja California to Alaska. Arment notes that while many accounts exist, hard evidence is scarce, and misidentification of known species and eyewitness errors likely play a part. He mentions well-known legendary creatures like 'Caddy' from British Columbia and the San Clemente sea monster from California. The article references numerous academic and popular works on the subject, including those by Oudemans, Heuvelmans, Shuker, Coleman, Huyghe, LeBlond, Bousfield, Bauer, Russell, Naish, Woodley, Paxton, and others. Arment discusses the academic perspective that modern 'sea serpents' might be related to marine mammals rather than fossil reptiles, and that unknown pinniped species are a possibility. He also touches upon the potential for new species discovery through technological advancements in marine exploration.

Historical Accounts and Misidentifications

The issue presents several historical accounts of alleged sea serpent sightings:

• 1849: Captain George Hope reported seeing a large marine animal in the Gulf of California resembling an alligator with a long neck and flippers.
• 1876: An account from the Los Angeles Herald describes a monster with an eel-like head emerging from the water and engaging in a fight with a whale.
• 1897: Another report from the Los Angeles Herald details a 25-foot long, gray creature with a hog-shaped snout and large eyes.
• 1909: Five fishermen off Long Beach, California, reported encountering a 40-foot sea serpent with a barrel-sized head that chased their boat.

The document also highlights instances where alleged sea serpent carcasses were identified as known animals:

• 1947: A creature found at Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, initially thought to be 'Caddy', was identified as a basking shark.
• 1941: The 'Sarah the Sea Hag' found on the coast was determined by biologists to be a shark.

Additionally, the text notes that wolf eels caught by fishermen on the West Coast were often mistaken for sea serpents, and oarfish, while often blamed for sightings, are unlikely to be relevant beyond beached specimens.

Other Cryptozoological Topics

The document also features information on other cryptozoological subjects:

• Bigfoot: A book titled "Far-Out, Shaggy, Funky Monsters: A What-it-is History of Bigfoot in the 1970s" by Daniel S. Green is presented, detailing Bigfoot's presence in North American culture during the 1970s.
• Marine Bioluminescence: Several scientific references are listed concerning bioluminescence in terrestrial animals of Japan, bioluminescence in a sipunculan worm, and deep-sea swimming worms with luminescent 'bombs'.
• Caribbean Monk Seals: A book on this topic is also advertised.

Editorial Stance and Methodology

The author, Chad Arment, expresses a preference for scientific description based on evidentiary support, preferably physical evidence, and is critical of rampant speculation. He notes the limited number of 'sea serpent' field investigators in North America but sees potential for evidence acquisition through modern technology. The article aims to survey published accounts, weeding out those lacking detail or suggesting sensationalism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the investigation of unexplained marine phenomena, particularly sea serpents, the critical analysis of anecdotal evidence, and the importance of distinguishing between folklore and scientific fact. The editorial stance leans towards a cautious, evidence-based approach to cryptozoology, acknowledging the possibility of unknown species while emphasizing the high probability of misidentification of known animals and the need for rigorous investigation. The document also promotes books and research related to these topics.

This document, a newspaper article from the Los Angeles Times dated June 4, 1956, titled "San Clemente Island's Sea Monster Hunted," details numerous eyewitness accounts of a mysterious, large marine creature.

The San Clemente Monster

The article focuses on the legend of the "San Clemente Monster," a creature first mentioned by writer Ralph Bandini in his 1919 book "Tight Lines." Bandini later provided more detailed descriptions, which aligned with accounts from other witnesses over the years. He described a "columnar neck and head" lifting about 10 feet, five to six feet thick, with coarse hair resembling seaweed. The most striking feature, according to Bandini, were its eyes, which were "huge, seemingly bulging, round—at least a foot in diameter."

Bandini acknowledged that some sea serpent sightings might be illusions, such as flocks of birds or floating debris, but insisted that "queer creatures have been seen upon the face of the sea." He highlighted the San Clemente Monster as a distinct entity about which little had been written, despite its immense size and monstrous nature. He noted that San Clemente Island, located about fifty miles south of Los Angeles Harbor, is sparsely populated, frequented mainly by fishermen, contributing to the creature's elusive reputation.

Bandini stated that the creature had been seen by twenty-five to thirty individuals, many of whom had reputations for veracity, over the preceding fifteen to twenty years. He attributed the lack of detailed reports to the creature's monstrous and incredible nature, which made witnesses reluctant to share their experiences for fear of disbelief. He mentioned that some intimate friends who had seen it were hesitant to discuss it, even with him. Interestingly, when he persuaded some friends to draw sketches of what they saw, these drawings, despite differences in artistic skill, depicted the same creature.

Rumors of a "huge, unnameable Thing" in the Clemente Channel had circulated around Avalon fifteen to twenty years prior to 1956, but these were shadowy and difficult to confirm. No one who claimed to have seen it would admit it, leading Bandini to believe their evasiveness was tantamount to admission.

Eyewitness Accounts

Captain George C. Farnsworth's Accounts:

Captain George C. Farnsworth recounted two significant encounters. The first occurred while fishing for tuna about ten miles off Catalina in the Clemente Channel. His boatman, Percy Neale, an old timer at Avalon, yelled to point out something huge, wet, and glistening lifting out of the sea. Farnsworth described the experience as skin-crawling and leaving him with a "queer, empty feeling."

His second and only close-up view was in September 1920, while fishing for marlin swordfish at San Clemente with the late Smith Warren. Near Mosquito Harbor, he saw something huge lifting out of the sea. He described it as a "great barrel shaped Thing, tapering toward the top and surmounted by a reptilian head strangely resembling those of huge, prehistoric creatures." It lifted about twenty feet, and its "widely spaced" eyes were "immense, at least a full foot in diameter, round, slightly bulging, and as dead looking as though they had seen all the death the world has suffered since its birth!" He noted the creature had "stiff, coarse hair, almost bristles," with a "reddish tinge." The bulk of the Thing was impossible to describe, but he believed he saw only the head and a section of the neck. The creature sank slowly and majestically without any disturbance to the water.

Farnsworth also mentioned speaking with N. B. Schofield, head of the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, who suggested the creature might be a sea elephant. However, Farnsworth, having seen many sea elephants, vehemently disagreed, stating the creature was "no more a sea elephant than I am."

Farnsworth emphasized the creature's shyness and stated that while he saw it from about three hundred yards, two other men had been closer. He believed he saw only a small portion of the beast, with a body potentially larger than any known creature. He concluded by reflecting on the profound and unsettling experience of looking into the eyes of such an ancient and unknown entity.

Other Accounts:

• Mr. Paparinsky and Captain George C. Farnsworth (circa 1920): While traveling to Clemente, they saw something resembling a boat with a sail, which vanished. Later, they saw it again off the east end of Catalina. Farnsworth described its eyes as 12 inches in diameter, more central than a fish's, and a "big mange of hair" about two feet long. He was within a hundred feet before it submerged. He stated it was no sea elephant.
• George C. Thomas III (circa 1924 or 1925): A member of the Tuna Club, Thomas, sailing with George Farnsworth, saw a "big black form, like the sail of a Japanese albacore boat" off the coast of Clemente. He identified it as the "Clemente Monster," which submerged when they approached to within three-quarters of a mile.
• J. A. Coxe (told to Ralph Bandini in 1936): Coxe described the creature as the "damndest Thing that man ever saw or ever dreamed of," having seen it multiple times, including a notable sighting with Farnsworth.
• Howard Wilson (~1927): Wilson and his mother saw the monster cruising off Laguna Beach for 15 minutes. He described it as "brownish, more like the color of a wet seal," with a "camel-like head and neck." He later compared it to a dinosaur. It had "large eyes, like dinner plates," and its neck extended about 10 feet above the sea.
• J. Charles Davis (noted by Fields, 1933): The consensus among those who had seen the creature was that it was "huge in size and has a great head covered with reddish, sorrel-like hair. It has enormous eyes that are like two plates. It has been scrutinized through powerful binoculars and all who have seen it stress its great size, big rolling eyes and red hair. It has a great bull neck that seems to rise right out of the body, high above the water and it rises and sinks mysteriously without sound or warning." Davis also noted that David Starr Jordan identified it as a sea elephant, a conclusion that those who had seen it found laughable.
• Meredith Quinn (1907-2008, seen between late 1920s and 1941): Quinn, crewing for Charlie Page, described seeing a "huge, reddish bulk lunging through the water, about thirty feet down" near Smugglers' Cove at San Clemente Island. He couldn't see the head or tail clearly but described it as a "huge thing going like hell!" He also dismissed the sea elephant identification, humorously stating, "If that was a sea elephant—then I'm a Martian!"

Santa Barbara Sighting (April 7, 1922):

A separate report from Cordova, Alaska, Daily Times, dated April 7, 1922, details a sighting off Santa Barbara, California. An outing party reported a "huge sea monster that appeared to be 70 feet in length" as "the ugliest creature ever seen." It played on the surface for several minutes before diving.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these accounts are the immense size of the creature, its distinctive and terrifying eyes, its reptilian or monstrous appearance, and its elusive, shy nature. The consistent descriptions across multiple independent witnesses, despite the inherent difficulty in proving such sightings, lend a degree of credibility to the phenomenon. The article implicitly adopts a stance of presenting these accounts seriously, allowing the witnesses' words to convey the wonder and fear associated with these encounters, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the common, yet rejected, sea elephant identification. The overall tone suggests a fascination with the possibility of unknown creatures inhabiting the deep sea, aligning with the broader field of cryptozoology.

This issue of UFO Universe, dated October 1989 (Volume 1, No. 1), focuses on the enduring mystery of "THE MYSTERY OF THE SEA SERPENTS". With a cover price of $3.50 and an ISSN of 0898-3770, the magazine explores numerous accounts of unidentified marine creatures sighted primarily along the California coast during the 1930s.

The Catalina Encounter

The issue opens with an account of a sailing race around Catalina Island where the narrator, while at the helm, spotted what he initially thought was a rock. Upon closer inspection, it revealed itself as a large, dark-colored creature with a big, round eye (6-9 inches in diameter) and a wrinkled hide. The creature sank slowly out of sight. Upon returning to the mainland, fishermen identified it as the legendary "San Clemente Sea Monster," a creature reportedly sighted over the years. The account is further corroborated by the owner of the yacht "The Blue Dolphin," who had heard similar stories from other fishermen.

Early 20th Century Sightings

The magazine then delves into a series of reported sightings from the 1930s. A notable incident occurred on March 6, 1934, near Bodega Bay, where a fisherman reported seeing a "long, mottled animal" with a long neck and a pointed fin, much larger than a seal. This creature was later nicknamed "Minnie O'Malley." Another report from the mouth of the Gualala River on March 14, 1934, described a large head, three feet across, resembling a fish, which was fired upon by a rifle.

Minnie O'Malley's Travels

The "Minnie O'Malley" sightings continued, with a report on April 6, 1934, from the crew of the C. D. Johnson III steamer, who claimed to have sighted the creature shortly after leaving San Diego. Their description varied slightly, with the crew insisting Minnie had a head like a crocodile, unlike the horse-like head reported by others. Later, on April 21, 1934, reports of a sea serpent in San Pedro Bay were attributed to a sea elephant. This animal was described as snaky, about 20 feet long, showing teeth, and undulating.

Varied Descriptions and Explanations

Further accounts include a sighting at Crissy Field in San Francisco on April 23, 1934, by Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Downie, who described a sea serpent with a horse-like head, 25 feet long, and three humps on its back, moving at approximately 40 miles per hour. Another angler, Benjamin Dake, reported an encounter near Tiburon and California City, describing a creature with a head like a hippopotamus, tapering to a slender neck and body, about 20 feet long. On September 30, 1934, Lieutenant Gene Roark of the Berkeley Fire Department reported a "horse-like" head emerging from the water, followed by a twenty-foot body.

The Sea Elephant Identification and Other Cases

By October 25, 1934, the "sea serpent" in Catalina Channel was officially identified as a bull sea-elephant, weighing around 10 tons, which was far from its usual habitat near the Galapagos Islands. The magazine also touches upon a series of "python-like" sightings in Contra Costa County in September 1934, which were later revealed to be a hoax involving rubber tubing and sawdust, manufactured by the Chamber of Commerce to counter actual reports and alleviate public fear. A peculiar report from March 30, 1935, describes a "three-headed sea serpent" sighted in San Pedro Channel, though the article suggests this might be a pinniped moving in synchrony with others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the persistent human fascination with the unknown in the ocean. The magazine presents a collection of eyewitness accounts, highlighting the varied descriptions of these mysterious creatures. While many sightings are eventually explained through misidentification of known animals like whales and sea elephants, or even hoaxes, the sheer volume and consistency of some reports, particularly those of "Minnie O'Malley," suggest a lingering enigma. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the evidence and accounts, allowing the reader to ponder the possibility of undiscovered marine life or the power of folklore and collective imagination.

This document compiles numerous reports and accounts of sea serpent sightings, primarily from the West Coast of the United States, with a focus on California and Oregon. The articles span a significant historical period, from 1888 to the early 2000s, presenting a collection of eyewitness testimonies, newspaper clippings, and anecdotal evidence.

San Pedro Sea Serpent

The issue begins with a detailed account of a phenomenon observed by Captain Williams and his men, who witnessed what they described as a three-headed creature in San Pedro. The creature was dark gray, two to three feet in diameter, and undulating like a snake. Although only about 15 feet of its body was visible, witnesses believed much more was submerged. The three heads moved in perfect coordination, and each side of the triple head had a large pectoral fin or flipper. This sighting is contrasted with a 'red-haired, laughing sea serpent' from Redondo, which was considered less impressive.

San Joaquin River Encounter

An article from the Stockton, California, Daily Evening Record, dated January 13, 1940, details an encounter in the San Joaquin River. College of the Pacific students Bob Cross and Jack Murphy reported seeing an enormous head, described as 'three feet in diameter and with ears like a horse,' crossing the river. They, along with bridge tender George Walker and his brother Jim, investigated. During the encounter, at least 100 feet of the monster became visible, and three shots were fired at it with a .22 caliber rifle.

Identified as Elephant Seals

Several reports suggest that some sea serpent sightings have been misidentified marine animals, particularly elephant seals. One account from Jackson, Alabama, dated March 23, 1949, discusses the 'Monterey Bay sea serpent' which was eventually identified as an elephant seal. This particular specimen was 17 1/2 feet long and washed up on the beach near Fort Ord.

Another report from San Pedro, California, dated June 9, 1953, mentions the 'San Clemente sea monster,' possibly an old sea elephant with a disfigured head. Harbor fishermen reportedly had seen a large sea elephant with barnacles and seaweed hanging from its body.

A subsequent report from Los Angeles, California, Times, June 4, 1956, revisits the San Clemente serpent. The crew of the fishing boat Endeavor, skippered by Sam Randazzo, encountered the creature two years prior. Randazzo described it as 'as big as a submarine' and fired two shots into it, noting that the bullets made a thud but the creature did not bleed.

Other Sightings and Speculations

Further accounts include a sighting in Marin County, California, where five witnesses observed a 100-foot-long sea serpent swimming toward a cliff. It was described as black with three humps and moved at approximately 45-50 mph. An eyewitness from Palo Verde Estates, California, reported seeing a 'plesiosaur'-like animal, 18 to 25 feet long with four flippers and a long tail, foraging in the water in the early 2000s.

In San Francisco, California, on February 5, 1985, twin brothers Bill and Bob Clark reported seeing a 'long, black tubular object' telescope about ten feet out of the water, which lunged at sea lions. They estimated its total length to be between sixty and one hundred feet.

Oregon Reports

The document also includes several reports from Oregon. An account from Albany, Oregon, dated October 18, 1888, describes a sea serpent seen by Captain Edgar Aver and his crew while passing the Umpqua River. It was estimated to be about eighty feet long and as big around as a barrel, with its head and about ten feet of its body elevated above the water.

Another report from Salem, Oregon, dated September 29, 1891, mentions excitement in St. Helens over a reported sea serpent with a head and neck shaped like a rattlesnake, moving at a rapid rate.

A Columbia River Monster sighting is detailed from a report in the San Francisco Call, October 19, 1896. Fisherman Dominick Bule reported seeing an immense living object in the Columbia River with a horse-like head, four tusks, and a body about twenty-five feet long. It roared and created large waves.

An editorial from Portland, Oregon, dated January 12, 1934, discusses the 'sea serpent of Otter Rock,' noting that it has been sighted for many years, with the first sighting attributed to an old Indian named Dope Spencer. Old residents were familiar with the story, and sightings continued into 1907 and recent years, with the creature swimming mostly underwater and creating dangerous swells.

Sea Serpent Battles and Strange Fish

An article from Medford, Oregon, February 15, 1934, reports a sea serpent seen in a 'bloody battle against sea lions' near Tillamook, Oregon. Two men described a sea serpent about 50 feet long, and the water was stained red, with a dead sea lion later found on the shore.

Another report from Astoria, Oregon, March 3, 1934, mentions a school of strange black fish or mammals, about 25 feet long with pig-like heads, observed by Captain H. Hones. These creatures were feeding on the surface.

Tales of a 40-foot sea serpent off the Columbia River mouth were reported from the lighthouse tender Rose, March 16, 1934. The crew of the Columbia River lightship reported seeing a strange sea monster.

Seal Rocks Encounter

An account from Albany, Oregon, June 28, 1935, describes a sea serpent seen from Seal Rocks. Witnesses described a dark brown object, 40 to 60 feet long, with a head three feet wide and five feet long, and a neck four feet wide. The sea lions present were frightened. The serpent reportedly played for half an hour and then moved south at about 100 miles per hour.

Popular Culture and Satire

The document concludes with a comic strip titled 'Our Boarding House' by Ahern, and a caption noting that after 1934, with increased media attention on the Loch Ness Monster and sea serpents, sea serpent imagery also increased in popular culture and political satire.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this compilation are the persistent reports of unidentified marine creatures, the challenges in identifying and documenting them, and the occasional explanations involving known marine life. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these accounts, presenting them as reported, and exploring various interpretations, from the sensational to the scientific. There is a clear interest in cryptozoology and the unexplained phenomena of the sea.

This issue, titled "SEA SERPENT CHAWS SNOOSE AND SNORTS," published by the Portland, Oregon, Journal on October 24, 1937, is a compilation of historical newspaper reports detailing numerous sea serpent sightings. The magazine's cover features two political cartoons, one satirizing a competitive navy race with sea serpents representing money, and another depicting a sea serpent emerging from Loch Ness, labeled 'The Sea Serpent of Loch Legality!' The content focuses on eyewitness accounts from various locations, primarily in the Pacific Northwest.

Sea Serpent Sightings and Reports

The issue presents a chronological collection of sea serpent encounters, drawing from multiple newspapers and dates:

Portland, Oregon, Journal, October 24, 1937

This lead article details an encounter on October 23, 1937, off Tillamook Rock, Oregon. Charles E. Graham, master of the trolling boat Viv, along with companions Lark Wheeldon and Day Simmons, reported seeing a creature mistaken for a snag or sea elephant. It was described as long, hairy, tan-colored, with the head of an overgrown horse, approximately 30 feet long and with a four-foot waist. The creature's body seemed to disappear in its wake. Graham noted its fan-like upper lip and a few snorts. Simmons saw a flipper, and the eyes were described as coal black, about two and a half inches in diameter. The head was estimated to be three feet across, and the upper lip over a foot wide. The crew of the pilchard seiner Alleta B also reportedly saw the monster and attempted to lasso it.

San Francisco, California, Examiner, April 16, 1939

This brief report from Astoria, Oregon, states that the sea serpent is back, referencing the 'Shades of Loch Lomond!' legend.

Portland, Oregon, Examiner, April 15, 1939

Chris Anderson of the halibut schooner Argo reported an encounter off the Columbia River mouth. He described a huge thing with eyes like chunks of glass, within 10 feet of his boat. The creature was calmly chewing on a 20-pound halibut. It had a head like a camel, rising about 10 feet above its body. Anderson stated, 'He could have sunk us with a nudge.' The creature eventually took a duck, and Anderson left the vicinity.

Klamath Falls, Oregon, News, September 7, 1939

Steamship line employees Robert O'Donnell and Vern Harms reported seeing a monster 40 miles off Tillamook Bay. It poked its head out of the water and watched their boat for 10 minutes.

Olympia, Washington, Olympian, August 8, 1940

Captain W. F. Eckert, a Tacoma skipper, reported a sighting between Neah Bay and Port Angeles. He described a creature he called 'Elsie,' about 30 feet long and six or seven feet across, nearly white with a head like a sea lion or seal, a body like a sperm whale, and a tail like a whale. It had light gray stripes along its body.

Eugene, Oregon, Guard, December 14, 1947

An editor's note references a letter from Ida Mae Shannon, recalling an article she wrote about 41 years prior (around 1906) concerning a serpent seen on Quarter Master Harbor. It was floating on the surface, causing a small wave, and was seen early in the morning by shore residents.

Tacoma, Washington, Daily Ledger, August 3, 1890

This report describes an event in Commencement Bay. A rowboat party, including Messrs. Halsted and Handford and the Misses Ouimette and Douglas, encountered an object about twenty-five feet long, moving with a wriggling, serpentine motion. They identified it as a sea serpent.

Spokane, Washington, Review, August 14, 1891

A sea serpent was reported in Puget Sound. Officers of the steamer Sehome saw a huge sea monster, thirty to forty feet long and about a foot thick, rounding Point Williams. H. B. Street, the quartermaster, described it as swimming rapidly, with a head that rose to the surface and about ten feet of its body visible. He noted it lashed the water with its tail and had a fin on its neck. The pilot, George W. Doney, confirmed the sighting.

San Francisco, California, Examiner, August 19, 1895

This article reports on a sea serpent sighting in Bellingham Bay, Washington, attested by reputable citizens. L. U. Stenger, Collector of Customs, along with Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Gourley and C. A. Forberg, described a fifty-foot long, dark-brown, slimy body twisting in the water. The head was submerged, but the body was cylindrical, about fourteen inches in diameter at its thickest, tapering to two inches near the tail, which had a cup-like nob. Stenger, initially skeptical of sea serpent tales, became convinced.

Bellingham, Washington, Herald Sun, February 20, 1910

Jack Brown, a resident of Anacortes, claimed a sea serpent followed the launch Falcon into port. He described it as a huge porpoise with an extraordinarily big mouth and three long knife-like fins. It rose out of the water like a whale and spouted. Brown compared its head to a Mississippi river catfish with alligator-like teeth. He estimated its scales were as big as pie tins and its eyes looked like poached eggs. The serpent stopped chasing the Falcon near Chuckanut Bay and dove out of sight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent reporting of sea serpent sightings in the Pacific Northwest, spanning nearly six decades. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts as credible, often citing reputable witnesses and newspaper sources. The inclusion of cartoons suggests a lighthearted yet intrigued approach to the subject matter. The magazine highlights the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding these alleged marine creatures, treating them as a recurring phenomenon in the region's waters.

This document is a collection of newspaper clippings and articles detailing numerous sea serpent and marine monster sightings, primarily from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, spanning from 1881 to 1947. The articles are presented as a compilation of historical reports, with the earliest dated December 24, 1888, and the most recent February 26, 1947. The primary focus is on eyewitness accounts, descriptions of the creatures, and the locations where they were observed.

Key Sightings and Reports

Seattle, Washington (March 9, 1922)

Under the headline "Sees Big Sea Serpent," the Daily Times of Seattle reports on Lieutenant Joseph E. Osborne's encounter near North Beach. Osborne, a fireman, described a sea serpent at least 100 feet long with a large, snake-like head reared high from the water. He observed it while fishing, noting the commotion among seagulls. His account is corroborated by another fireman, Ralph J. Sypher, who claimed to have seen a similar monster about two years prior in the same vicinity. Both firemen believed these sightings might be related to reports over the past decade on the North Pacific Coast and considered the possibility of organizing an expedition.

Bend, Oregon (March 17, 1934)

The Bend Bulletin reported on sightings near Chinook, Washington, of a creature identified as possibly 'Penda or its mate, Amy,' described as 'sea serpent socialites' from British Columbia. The undulating coils were seen near the Columbia River lightship and along the shores of Sand island jetty. O. J. Tofte, superintendent of San island jetty, and Will Weiler, a government inspector, observed the creature for about 20 minutes.

Olympia, Washington (June 3, 1938)

The Victoria, B. C., Times Colonist reported on two sea serpents discovered in Olympia, Washington, based on an account from Archie Reed. Reed described them as snake-like, with over 20 feet of their bodies visible. They were seen eating a mud shark, with their heads raised about three to four feet out of the water. Their bodies were estimated to be two to three feet in diameter. Reed approached them, and they fled, leaving their meal.

Madrona, Washington (February 26, 1947)

The Bellingham Herald reported on the 'Madrona sea-monster' in Lake Washington, which had made its third appearance in four days. Aquarium owner Ivar Haglund of Seattle told the United Press he witnessed a 'sudden turbulence' followed by a headless, tailless object surfacing. Mrs. Mary Barrie, a housewife, also reported seeing a 'dark, crinkly backed object' swimming. She estimated it to be about 100 feet long, with only the middle section visible. Haglund later offered $5,000 for the monster, dead or alive.

Lake Washington (March 2, 1947)

The Nevada State Journal reported that Ivar Haglund offered picture-proof of the 'Madrona sea-monster' in Lake Washington. Haglund stated the picture showed three fin-like humps and a long dark tail. He initially mistook it for mallard ducks but later saw it submerge.

Puget Sound (March 7, 1947)

The Dayton, Ohio, Herald reported on the 'Madrona sea monster' emerging from the U.S. government locks and swimming into Puget Sound. Ray Lichtenberger, owner of a nearby boat house, saw the creature, with the part above the surface estimated at 30 feet long, and a total length of 60 feet or more.

Puget Sound (March 9, 1947)

The Tulsa, Oklahoma, Daily World reported on photographer A. L. Thompson and Arlene Ray seeing the monster moving through Juan De Fuca straits. Thompson's boat was no match for its speed. The creature was estimated to be more than 30 feet long, possibly 60 feet.

Dungeness Spit (1961)

A report by Barrett (1989) describes 'The Thing' observed by a family on Dungeness Spit. Its body was described as 'a rich, deep brown with large reticulations of bright, burnt orange,' with a six-foot neck, three humps, and a long, floppy mane.

Nanaimo, British Columbia (August 24, 1940)

The Victoria, B. C., Times Colonist discussed the age of 'Cadborosaurus.' The report references an incident in the summer of 1881 when Frank J. Stannard, then 12 years old, and a party of six encountered a monster of 'unknown habits' while paddling a canoe off William Head. Stannard shot at it with a slingshot, and the creature dived into the water. This is believed to be one of the earliest encounters of white men with the 'monster.'

Victoria, B. C. (December 24, 1888)

The Victoria Daily Times reported on the annual sea serpent appearance, noting one seen by a vessel captain off Winpqua Bay, en route from Tacoma to San Francisco. It was described as about eighty feet long and as big around as a barrel, with its head and about ten feet of its body elevated above the water.

Victoria, B. C. (April 17, 1889)

The Victoria Daily Times reported on Capt. Rail's sighting near Nanaimo. He saw the tail of a sea serpent, estimated to be fully twenty-five feet long, lashing the water. The head was submerged.

Howe Sound (July 23, 1890)

The Vancouver, B. C., Weekly News Advertiser recounted an adventure of Mr. J. M. Stewart and companions. They observed a peculiar, deep black log, about 75 feet long, which sank when they rowed towards it. It reappeared, blew water at them, and lashed its tail, convincing them it was a sea serpent. It pursued their boat for about a mile.

Victoria, B. C. (January 13, 1897)

The Victoria Daily Times reported on a discussion at the Natural History Society meeting concerning a sea serpent sighting by Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Walker in June 1895, near the Queen Charlotte Islands. The animal, about 200 yards away, arched its back and lifted its head about five feet out of the water. It was described as having a small head, a body about a foot and a half in diameter, a tail like a dogfish, and was dark and at least 25 feet long. Mr. Ferguson produced a drawing of the creature.

Vancouver, B. C. (August 5, 1902)

The Vancouver, B. C., Province reported a sea serpent sighting by four reputable fishermen. About thirty feet of the creature was visible in the air for five minutes, about three hundred feet from their fishing boats. Mr. Alex. Easler described an object rising from the water that pulled itself thirty feet out and was almost straight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these articles is the persistent reporting of large, unidentified marine creatures, commonly referred to as 'sea serpents' or 'monsters.' The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these accounts, presenting them as news, and occasionally exploring the possibility of their reality or scientific investigation. There is a clear interest in the phenomenon, with multiple reports from different locations and time periods compiled. The articles often highlight the eyewitness nature of the accounts and the credibility of the observers, such as fishermen, boat captains, and law enforcement personnel. The collection suggests a long-standing public and media fascination with the possibility of large, unknown creatures inhabiting the seas and large lakes of the region.

This issue of "The Unexplained" magazine, dated October 1933, focuses on numerous reported sightings of sea serpents along the Pacific Coast of Canada. The publication compiles eyewitness accounts, newspaper clippings, and official reports spanning from 1903 to 1933, presenting a collection of evidence and speculation surrounding these mysterious marine creatures.

Early Sightings and Descriptions

The magazine begins with an account from fishermen in New England who described a large creature moving at right angles, leaving a distinct wake, and remaining visible in the air for several minutes. One fisherman, with thirty years of sea experience, stated he had never seen anything like it.

Bamfield Creek, British Columbia (1903)

Officers of the cable station at Bamfield Creek in Vancouver, B.C., sponsored a story about a sea serpent seen off the station, estimated to be forty to sixty feet long with a head like a horse. Cable operators had received similar accounts from local Indians, which were initially not credited. David Osborne, an official, reported that the serpent raised a large, horse-like head and swam into Barclay Sound. Mr. Godson of the cable staff initially saw it as a mass of seaweed before a head became visible, and noted it moved with the speed of a torpedo boat. An Indian was so frightened by the creature on April 10 that he abandoned his canoe and fled along the beach.

Skeena River, British Columbia (1908)

John G. Johnston, a timber-cruiser, reported sighting a sea serpent in the Skeena River. His account, published in the Victoria Daily Times on August 11, 1908, described the creature's head protruding nine or ten feet from the water, resembling a big seal. A boatload of cannery-hands reportedly saw a similar monster the following day, and officers of the vessel Vadso considered the story to be true.

Skidegate, British Columbia (1913)

Another report from the Victoria Daily Times on September 4, 1913, detailed sightings by officers of the G. T. P. steamer Prince Albert. Local Indians of Skidegate were alarmed by a peculiar fish or animal on their fishing grounds. The story told to the crew of the Prince Albert described a monster about 20 feet long and two to three feet in circumference that wrapped itself around an Indian canoe's oar. The natives were so frightened they released the oar. The next day, the monster reportedly took two hitches around another canoe, paralyzing the natives with fright. An old warrior used a hunting-knife to cut the serpent, causing it to release its grip and go overboard.

Later Sightings and Investigations

Queen Charlotte Islands (1925-1926)

An article from the Victoria B.C. Times Colonist on August 6, 1925, titled "Sea Serpent" Seen in B.C. Coast Waters, reported that the sea serpent had re-emerged. Settlers on Graham Island reported seeing a marine monster. John J. Van Valkenburg, who investigated the sightings, described the animal as moving with a slow, wriggling motion like a land snake. He estimated the body to be about fifteen to twenty inches in diameter and about 500 yards away. The head and about six or eight feet of the body were visible above the surface, and when it submerged, its body came up in a long spiral. The body was described as round, dark green, almost black on the back, and lighter towards the belly with splatches. The head was long with knobs that appeared to be eyes and nostrils. Mr. Babcock, Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries, was amazed by the visibility of the eyes and nostrils at 500 yards, suggesting enormous size. Wolf fish were considered as a possible but unlikely identification.

Later, on October 10, 1925, the Victoria B.C. Daily Times reported "SEA SERPENT TRACKED TO LAIR AT LAST." John P. Babcock was notified that Queen Charlotte Island Indians identified the sea serpents as huge eels living in large numbers. John J. Van Valkenburg, who had investigated the stories, learned from ancient Indians that they were accustomed to catching large eels. These eels, according to the Indians, lived in a dark, slimy cave. An ancient Indian brave reportedly battled and killed one of these eels, which was nearly forty feet long. Van Valkenburg described the eels as having a very large head, big nostrils, and sharp teeth. He announced plans for an expedition to find and kill an eel to solve the mystery.

Nanaimo, B.C. (1926)

An article from the Nanaimo B.C. Daily News on March 20, 1926, titled "SEA SERPENT IS NO MYTH IS CLAIM OF EYE WITNESS," featured Captain C. J. House of the Government Fishery Protection boat Cloyah. Captain House reported seeing a sea serpent that raised its head thirty feet above the water, appearing like a telephone pole with a wider head than body. The creature's body came up spirally like a snake. The head was estimated to be about eighteen inches wide and possibly two and a half feet long. The creature's appearance was described as greenish-gold as the sun shone through the clouds. The head had dark ridges and long pieces of thick skin resembling kelp. Mr. Van Valkenburg described the creature as being of enormous length, with a body like a snake, about two feet in diameter, and with large nostrils and knob-like eyes visible at 500 yards.

Victoria, B.C. (1933)

The Victoria B.C. Daily Times reported on October 5, 1933, that a giant sea-serpent, described as nearly eighty feet long and as wide as an automobile, was seen near Chatham Island. Five persons had viewed the creature on different occasions. Major W. H. Langley, a Victoria barrister, and his wife saw it on a Sunday, while Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Kemp and their son had seen it in August 1932. Mr. Kemp, a member of the provincial archives staff, had initially feared ridicule and remained silent about his sighting. However, after Major Langley's sighting and the agreement in descriptions, both yachtsmen concluded the sea serpent exists. Mrs. Kemp saw a commotion in the water. Mr. Kemp observed the monster slide about ten feet of its head and body onto a rock. He judged it to be about 300 or 400 paces away and noted its serrated back, resembling the cutting edge of a saw. Mr. Kemp described its head as oval-shaped. Major Langley described his experience on a sail with his wife, noting a loud noise, like a grunt and hiss. They saw a huge object about 80 to 100 feet off, described as being as big as the back of a large whale but entirely different. Its color was greenish-brown with markings. The creature broke water again later on the other side of P----- Reef, appearing similar but further away and moving fast. The only part seen was a huge portion of its back. Major Langley noted his past experience on a whaling ship and saw no similarity to whales.

Sketches and Visual Evidence

The magazine includes sketches of the sea serpent reported in North Coast Waters, attributed to Captain C. J. House, showing three distinct positions of the creature. Another sketch, labeled "CADDY," is attributed to F. W. Kemp, depicting a long, serpentine creature in the water.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the persistent reporting of sea serpent sightings along the Canadian Pacific Coast. The magazine presents these accounts as credible evidence, often citing multiple witnesses and official reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious consideration and documentation of these unexplained phenomena, aiming to compile evidence and explore potential explanations, ranging from unknown marine species to large eels. The inclusion of sketches and detailed descriptions suggests an effort to provide visual and factual support for the existence of these creatures.

This document compiles numerous newspaper reports from October 1933 detailing alleged sightings of sea serpents, primarily along the coast of British Columbia, Canada, and extending into Washington, USA. The reports span several weeks and feature various eyewitness accounts, some of which led to the coining of specific names for the creatures.

Key Sightings and Reports

"More People Tell of Seeing Serpent in Sea Near Here" (Victoria, B.C., Daily Times, October 6, 1933) This article begins with a report from W. B. Grant, who, about ten years prior, while fishing off the golf links point, observed a "huge head" emerge from the water approximately 60 yards away. He initially thought it might be a walrus but noted the absence of tusks and its excessive size. Grant estimated the head to be between two and thirty inches wide, with two eyes and whiskers, describing its general appearance as "very shaggy" and "brownish in color."

"Many to Look for Serpent" (Victoria, B.C., Daily Times, October 7, 1933) & "Sea Serpent Unreported" (Victoria, B.C., Daily Times, October 10, 1933) Following earlier reports, many locals took to the water hoping to catch a glimpse of the creature, but without success. Captain Arthur Slater of the Ss. Princess Charlotte reported seeing an "ugly head and what appeared to be fins" before it submerged during a recent storm near Discovery Island.

"Camel-Faced Sea Serpent Said Eel" (Olympia, Washington, Daily Olympian, October 17, 1933) This report, by Cleveland Williams, discusses the prevailing theory among fishermen that the creature, referred to as "Old Hiaschuckoluk" (a Chinook jargon term meaning "big water snake"), is a giant conger eel. Scientists from the University of Washington and the British Columbia museum offered a cautious perspective, suggesting that while conger eels can be long and the ocean contains uncatalogued monsters, they would need to see the creature to confirm. A. Davis claimed to have seen an 80-foot monster, but later described it as being 40 feet long, with a camel-faced appearance, and noted it was scratching its back on the rocks. He described it as having "three distinct bends" and reiterated his belief it was a large eel.

Further Details on Ogopogo and Hiaschuckoluk The article notes that seven recent witnesses described the serpent as 80 feet long, dwarfing the famed Ogopogo of Okanogan Lake. Ogopogo sightings, numbering around 100, came from diverse sources including fishermen, miners, legislators, Girl Scouts, and Indian guides. The theory that these creatures are conger eels is supported by the fact that seven-foot conger eels are commonly caught and preserved. The conger eel is described as having an undershot jaw and bulldog teeth, and its face might be mistaken for a sheep's. This leads to a classification of British Columbia sea serpents into "Ogopogo ovis" (sheep-headed) and "Ogopogo camelis" (camel-headed).

"Robbed of 'Caddy' Fame" (Victoria, B.C., Times Colonist, February 4, 1937) Charles F. Eagles, in a letter to the editor, claimed to have discovered the monster in Cadboro Bay on October 14, 1933, and copyrighted the sketch and title "Cadborosaurus." He stated he wrote "The Story of Caddy" and gave permission to The Daily Colonist to use the material. Eagles, a local realtor and insurance man, was also a cousin of John Barrymore and a qualified medical practitioner. He died in 1939 at age 66. The article questions Eagles' claim to originality for the name "Cadborosaurus," suggesting editor Archie Wills may have chosen it after soliciting public suggestions.

"Caddy and Mr. Eagles" (Victoria, B.C., Times Colonist, February 6, 1937) In a letter to the editor, G. Taylor inquired about the copyright of the names "Cadborosaurus" and "Caddy." The Copyright Office in Ottawa stated that the Canadian Copyright Act does not provide for such registration. Eagles disagreed, arguing that as a "new word," it could be copyrighted.

"Who First Saw Sea-Serpent?" (Victoria, B.C., Times Colonist, February 26, 1937) Charles F. Eagles asserted in another letter that Cadborosaurus was first seen by Major and Mrs. Langley on October 1, 1933, and that W. H. Kemp's 1932 sighting was merely a "huge sea-serpent with a flowing mane."

"Says Serpent Not Conger Eel" (Victoria, B.C., Daily Times, October 17, 1933) F. W. Kemp, an early witness, stated that the creature seen off Chatham Island was unlike a conger eel. He noted that conger eels are not typically found in the Pacific but rather in European waters. Kemp described the creature's movement as more like a "huge lizard" than a fish, with a serrated back, reinforcing the idea of a prehistoric creature.

"Cadborosaurus is Sighted Again by Island Residents" (Victoria, B.C., Daily Times, October 17, 1933) Three duck hunters—Don Bellamy, George Neil, and Harry Olson—reported seeing Cadborosaurus near Chemainus. They described it as lying on the water and undulating away, leaving a wake resembling a speed boat.

"Another Interesting Experience" (from Jack Nord of Oyster River) Jack Nord recounted seeing a sea serpent while returning from Cape Mudge to Menzies Bay. He estimated the creature to be 100 to 110 feet long, with a body about two and a half feet in diameter. Its head was described as large as a draught horse's, resembling a camel's, with fangs six to eight inches long. Its eyes were reddish to green, and it had whiskers and a mane. A fin on its back was about three feet high. The shooting by his companion, Pete, did not seem to bother the creature.

"Widespread Search for Cadborosaurus" (Victoria, B.C., Daily Times, October 19, 1933) R. M. Elliott of Port Renfrew reported firing a 30-30 rifle at Cadborosaurus. While working on a telegraph line, he observed an object about 200 yards offshore moving at three knots. He described an eight-foot neck, about two feet in diameter, resembling a giraffe's head and neck, with a reptilian body formation. After firing, the creature increased its speed and thrashed the water. Elliott estimated the sighting lasted about three-quarters of an hour.

"'Caddy' Visited Vancouver Inlet" (Victoria, B.C., Daily Times, October 20, 1933) Mrs. Edith Clark reported seeing a sea monster near Vancouver on August 6, which she initially mistook for blackfish. She described a head like a big seal followed by three distinct humps, estimating its length to be about three times that of a rowboat.

"Scientists, Historians Delve in Serpent Lore" (Victoria, B.C., Daily Times, October 21, 1933) J. P. Howe reported seeing a huge monster with a large head and a very long body in Parksville Bay fourteen years prior.

"Coast Liner's Officers View 'Sea Serpent'" (Seattle, Washington, Daily Times, October 22, 1933) Captain W. N. Prengel and First Officer A. E. Richards of the Grace Line's "Santa Lucia" reported seeing a sea serpent in the Strait of San Juan de Fuca. Richards described it as lying on the water, lifting its head to look at the ship. The face was like a sea cow's, about thirty-six inches broad and four and a half feet long. The serpent was about ninety feet long, grayish, with a body one to eighteen inches in diameter and a "vicious tail." Richards noted its body seemed more "eely" than "seal-like."

"Famed Sea Serpent Viewed by Hunter" (La Grande, Oregon, Observer, December 6, 1933) This article references a sighting by a young duck hunter, Cyril B. Andrews, who reported seeing the "amy cadborosaurus" from only 10 feet away. Andrews described the creature's coils rising six feet above the water, its head like a horse's without ears or nostrils, and its eyes in the front of a flat head. He estimated the head to be three feet long and two feet wide. The creature's breath came in "short, sharp pants." Its length was estimated at 40 feet, with a body thickness of two and a half to three feet, tapering to the tail. The skin was described as brownish-grey and smooth, with no spikes or fins. Andrews also mentioned that eleven other persons, including a justice of the peace, saw the creature.

"Battle of Sea-Serpent and Gulls Seen by Trio" (Albany, Oregon, Democrat Herald, January 10, 1934) Three Oak Bay residents—Charles and Earl Marsh, and J. W. Chilton—reported witnessing a female sea serpent, christened "Pender," battle a flock of seagulls. They described a brown-black head rising from the water, followed by the serpent devouring some of the gulls. "Pender" was believed to be the female of "Amy," the male of the species scientists temporarily named "Cadborosaurus." "Amy" was described as having a comb on its head, while "Pender" lacked a serrated back and ornamented head.

"Sea-Serpent Stock Gyres and Gimbles in the Mart" (Detroit, Michigan, Free Press, January 10, 1934) This brief mention connects "Amy, the monster of Cadboro Bay," to the ongoing reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring theme throughout these reports is the persistent reporting of large, unidentified marine creatures along the Pacific coast, particularly in British Columbia. The articles present a range of eyewitness accounts, from brief glimpses to detailed descriptions, often highlighting the creature's serpentine or eel-like nature, but also its unusual features like camel-like heads or horse-like features. There is a clear effort to document these sightings, with multiple newspapers contributing. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting the accounts as they are received, with some articles attempting to provide scientific or logical explanations (e.g., conger eels) while others lean into the mystery and the possibility of unknown species. The introduction of the name "Cadborosaurus" and the discussion around its copyright suggest a growing public and media interest in categorizing and understanding these phenomena.

Title: The A.U.F.O. Report
Issue: Vol. 5, No. 3
Date: March, 1936
Publisher: The A.U.F.O. Report
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The A.U.F.O. Report is dedicated to numerous accounts of sea serpent sightings along the Pacific Northwest coast, primarily focusing on the period between 1934 and 1936. The cover headline, "SEA SERPENTS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST," sets the theme for the articles within, which compile eyewitness testimonies and descriptions of these mysterious marine creatures.

Detailed Sightings and Descriptions

The magazine presents a chronological collection of reports, highlighting specific incidents and the individuals who witnessed them.

Early 1934 Sightings:

• Gonzales Point, Canada: Del Marsh, a Victoria pharmacist, along with his brother Early and a student named J. W. Chilton, reported witnessing a sea serpent eating a seagull. Marsh described the creature as having a head like a camel, with coils visible above the water, estimating its length at over 30 feet. The serpent's back was described as blackish brown and not serrated.
• Gabriola Island, B.C., February 22, 1934: "Amy," a sea serpent, was sighted by Jerry Hynek, F. F. Smith, and Jim Yarda. They reported hearing a hissing noise as the creature swam close to shore at an estimated speed of 10 knots. Smith described the serpent as having a horse-shaped head and a neck about 20 inches thick, appearing like a monster eel with reddish-brown spots.
• Ross Bay, B.C., March 3, 1934: R. R. Fletcher reported seeing a sea serpent while trolling. He described its head as shark-shaped, with the head and neck extended for at least four feet, and the neck being about 18 inches in diameter.

Mid-1934 Sightings and the Emergence of 'Caddy':

• Victoria, B.C., August 28, 1934: Waterfront residents reported that "Caddy," a 50-foot monster sea serpent, had returned to British Columbia waters, possibly with a mate. This sighting was compared to previous reports, suggesting 'Caddy' had been in southern waters and had its "engines overhauled." One eyewitness described it covering 500 yards in three seconds, leaving a broad, frothy wake, with its neck rising 12 feet. A potential mate, "Penda," was described as 30 feet long, solid brown, with a smooth back, unlike 'Caddy's' washboard-like serrations.
• Patricia Bay, North Saanich, September 11, 1934: Miss May Williams reported a commotion in the water involving a giant snake-like monster battling black ducks. She estimated the creature to be 70 to 80 feet long, with a head like a giant snake, and coils separated by about 10 feet. The exposed coils were five to six feet long and two to three feet thick. The color was dark.

1935 Sightings:

• Barkley Sound, B.C., April 5, 1935: A sea serpent, possibly Victoria's "Caddy," was seen by three fishermen. Jack Patterson initially mistook it for a cedar tree. An Indian also reported a sighting. A Swedish fisherman chased it for an hour, sketching its head, which resembled a horse with a camel-like upper lip. The body was described as snake-like with large flapper fins, and the total length was judged to be about thirty feet. It was observed to be slate grey.
• Vancouver Island, April 16, 1935: Capt. Fred Hovick and his crew of six men aboard the schooner Bolinda reported sighting a "queer looking object of marine life." They described it as ashen gray with a round head like a man and very small eyes, estimating its length at 12 to 15 feet. They attempted to capture it but it disappeared.
• Victoria, B.C., April 27, 1935: Major J. A. P. Crompton, a trained naturalist, sighted "Caddy" silhouetted against the sunset. He described a disturbance in the water followed by the appearance of 'Caddy' with its neck and three humps. The neck was estimated to be six feet above the water and two and a half feet thick. The humps were three and a half feet long. 'Caddy' was traveling at 16 miles per hour, creating a wash like a speed boat.
• Quatsino, April 27, 1935: The MacMillan family and men from Harvey Hansen's camp reported seeing 'Caddy,' described as about thirty feet long with two distinct humps.
• Taylor's Beach, Metchosin, January 6, 1936: C. L. Harrison, city prosecutor, and George H. Deane, inspector of city schools, reported seeing an unusual sea mammal, possibly Cadborosaurus. They saw a hunched portion of the body out of the water, moving at a speed similar to a killer whale. Harrison stated it was something he had never seen before, unlike a snake, and possibly a large animal with a hump about two feet out of the water.

1936 Sightings:

• Ross Bay, April 16, 1936: Five people, including Mr. and Mrs. William White and Mrs. L. K. Poyntz, reported seeing "Caddy." Mr. White described its head as goat-like with a beard. The creature moved like a snake, with three humps appearing and disappearing. Mrs. White confirmed seeing it come up with spray flying from its head and tail.
• Ross Bay, April 24, 1936: Mr. and Mrs. Tom Robertson reported seeing Cadborosaurus swim across Ross Bay. They noted scaly fins on its coils and saw the serpent's long neck emerge to snap at a duck. Mr. Robertson, a hard-rock miner, stated he had never seen anything like it.
• Victoria, B.C., April 17, 1936: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur P. Dawe and Joe Smith had a view of "Caddy." Mr. Dawe, with twelve years of sailing experience, described it as extraordinary, with a camel's head and three distinct undulations, diving and blowing like a whale but not being a black fish, porpoise, or sea lion.

Scientific and Speculative Explanations

The article briefly touches upon potential explanations for the increased sightings. Scientists from British Columbia and Washington state noted unusually hot weather and warm currents off the Pacific coast, which had lured tuna fish north. Some speculated that sea serpents might have followed a similar pattern, though these scientists were not quoted directly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the persistent reporting of large, unidentified marine creatures along the Pacific Northwest coast, particularly in British Columbia. The magazine adopts a stance of documenting these eyewitness accounts, presenting them as credible reports of phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The detailed descriptions, consistent naming of specific creatures like 'Caddy,' and the range of witnesses (fishermen, residents, officials, naturalists) lend weight to the collected evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting evidence for the existence of these unknown sea animals, encouraging further investigation and belief in the possibility of such creatures.

This document compiles numerous reports from The Times Colonist newspaper, detailing sightings of a mysterious sea creature known as Cadborosaurus, or 'Caddy,' in the waters of British Columbia, primarily between 1936 and 1943. The reports span various locations including Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimo, and the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Eyewitness Accounts and Descriptions

Early Sightings (1936-1937)

The earliest report, dated July 14, 1936, features Captain Alex Stewart of the Ss. Kingsley, who sighted 'Caddy' near Tatoosh in the Straits of Juan de Fuca. He described the creature as being about half a mile distant, with its head rising ten feet above the surface and its body trailing about ninety feet astern. His third mate spotted it first.

On August 21, 1936, Mrs. I. W. Rogers reported seeing Cadborosaurus with a companion off the Dallas Road waterfront in Victoria. She watched them for ten minutes, noting their horse-shaped heads and that they appeared to be cruising idly. She was quite positive of her identification, despite admitting she couldn't judge their lengths.

Another sighting occurred on September 14, 1936, when Mrs. E. Harker observed Cadborosaurus from her home on Olympia Avenue, claiming to see fins on its back.

Captain M. A. Corfield, master of the Nanaimo tugboat Solander, described a serpent seen off Nanaimo on January 9, 1937. He estimated it to be thirty feet long, light grey, with a hide similar to an alligator and a small flabby fin running the length of its back. It appeared four times before disappearing into Osborne Bay.

An interesting report from February 8, 1937, mentions a retired naval officer who claimed to have seen similar monsters at least two dozen times while cruising in the Dutch East Indies near Borneo.

On April 30, 1937, the crew of the Vancouver Barge Transportation Company's tug Etta Mac described Cadborosaurus as a 'friendly, homely thing,' striped brown and yellow, with a warm and friendly eye. They saw it off Gabriola Island, noting it had a mouth full of teeth and a body eighteen inches thick.

Four residents reported seeing 'the head and part of the body' of Caddy off the Jordan River road on May 4, 1937, describing it as resembling a 'glorified green garter snake.'

Alfred Rumney reported seeing the serpent off Saxe Point, Esquimalt, on September 2, 1937. He described it as a 'big monster' with three coils, one of which was about two feet six in diameter.

On December 17, 1937, Mr. and Mrs. George Carroll watched 'Caddy' playing with a log in Mill Bay, noting its long neck and two fins at the back of its head.

Later Sightings and Discoveries (1937-1943)

A report from July 10, 1937, from the Queen Charlotte Islands, detailed the discovery of a 'baby caddy' found in the stomach of a whale. C. H. Rhodes, an engineer on a whaling vessel, described this infant sea reptile as being between six and seven feet long, with a square, horse-like head, dragon-like flippers, and a long snake-like body terminating in a fringed tail. Whaling company officials were non-committal but indicated it would be sent to a museum.

On July 23, 1938, Albert Ward and his father, along with Mr. and Mrs. H. B. McLean, reported seeing a sea serpent speeding about Deep Cove. Albert Ward described it as being between 30 and 40 feet long, resembling a great eel, and leaving a silver streak.

Dorothy Burniston and George Wragg claimed to have seen a sea serpent in Burrard Inlet on August 12, 1938. Burniston estimated its length at 50 feet, while Wragg said '20 feet.' They described seeing humps sticking out of the water, resembling cartoons of Caddy.

E. C. Jamieson, who runs the Terminus Grocery at Foul Bay, reported a sighting on March 10, 1939. He described the creature as 20 to 30 yards long, with a head and about five black, round bumps showing. He initially thought it was a school of dolphins but noted the bumps were too regular.

An expedition was being organized by the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Prince Rupert in July 1939 to hunt the sea monster.

On June 27, 1940, Miss Vivian Knight reported seeing the marine monster in English Bay, Vancouver. She described a large, horrendous head, a sharp fin on the body, and a gray color. The head was up the entire time, while the body came up once quickly.

Walter Pratley sighted what he believed to be Caddy on October 12, 1940, between Shoal Bay and Trial Island. He described a sea animal with a long neck and a bulky head, with a partly submerged body and a distinct hump.

Sergeant C. D. Peterson, his wife, and son reported seeing Cadborosaurus on March 31, 1941, near Victoria harbor. Peterson described the creature as 30 feet long with a head like a horse.

T. Liston, a cod fisherman, reported seeing 'Caddy' on June 23, 1941, in the Gulf of Georgia. He described it as 'shaped like a seal, but with a much longer neck,' about 20 feet long and six or seven feet in diameter, with a two-foot fin on its back.

On February 3, 1942, a report from Courtenay mentioned the latest sighting of Cadborosaurus.

H. J. Hatt of Comox reported seeing a creature on Balmoral Beach on April 1, 1942, describing a hump sticking out of the water and a head like prehistoric monsters with a thin neck. He estimated the creature moved at about 20 miles an hour.

An entry from Morris (1972) noted a sighting off Estevan Point in April 1942, during which fishermen mistook the creature for a secret Canadian weapon when a Japanese submarine shelled the area.

Dorothy Kynnersley of Victoria reported seeing Caddy around Satellite Cove multiple times, describing it as having kind, intelligent eyes and being playful. She stated, 'I have seen Caddy at least seven times through binoculars, but close too, with excellent, undilated eyesight—and this I am ready to swear to.'

Explanations and Speculation

An article dated January 13, 1937, presents explanations for 'Caddy' sightings. Percy Barnhart, curator of the biological collection at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, asserted that sea serpents like Caddy are nothing more than oarfish. However, Dr. W. A. Clemens of the Dominion Biological Station disagreed, suggesting a school of sea lions was more likely.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these articles is the persistent reporting of a large, unidentified sea creature in British Columbia waters, colloquially known as 'Caddy' or Cadborosaurus. The articles primarily present eyewitness accounts, often from credible sources like ship captains, fishermen, and local residents. While some scientific explanations are offered, the sheer volume and consistency of the reports suggest an ongoing mystery. The tone of the articles is largely reportorial, presenting the sightings as news items without explicitly endorsing or dismissing the existence of the creature, though the sensational headline "EXTRA! SERPENT OF SEA SIGHTED IN VICTORIA AREA" indicates a degree of public fascination and media interest.

This document compiles numerous newspaper clippings and anecdotal reports detailing sightings of a mysterious sea creature, popularly known as "Caddy" or Cadborosaurus, primarily off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, between the early 1940s and mid-1950s. The reports are largely drawn from local newspapers such as The Times Colonist and The Sun.

Early Sightings and Descriptions The earliest detailed account is from May 21, 1943, in the Times Colonist, reporting on a controversy over "ramming Caddy." Ernest (Lucky) Lee, a fishing guide, described sighting a "monster" about 7 in the evening in Mackenzie Bay. He estimated it to be about 35 feet long, with two or three humps, an oval fin, a bottle-like neck, and a head resembling a horse. He noted a white mark on its head, suggesting it was wounded, and that it appeared inanimate. Lee denied deliberately seeking to capture it, stating they encountered it unexpectedly while fishing off McCurdy Point. He described it swimming in circles and unable to keep its head underwater for long.

Later, on December 19, 1945, the Times Colonist reported "Caddy Reappears" with a sighting by young Tom Plimley and his mother at Cordova Bay. They described it as camel-colored, with a head similar to drawings of Cadborosaurus, a long neck, and a broad hump. Mrs. Plimley noted that not all of it was visible when it surfaced, but it left a long mark in the water.

Further Encounters and Investigations A report from February 8, 1950, referencing the Sidney Review, detailed a sighting by K. Stuart Wakefield and his family in Deep Cove. They initially mistook the creature for a partly submerged log, but it began to move and revealed itself to be larger than a whale and shaped like an immense snake.

On March 1, 1950, the Times Colonist reported the "Saanich coast sea-monster has re-appeared," with sightings near Deep Cove and Sidney. Joe Mason, a Sidney businessman, observed the creature from his beachfront home.

By April 19, 1950, the Times Colonist reported that "North Saanich Ogopogo does exist," with two ladies, Mrs. Dan Butler and Mrs. H. Bradley, testifying to a recent appearance. They watched it swimming lazily for 10 minutes, describing it as 40 to 50 feet long, brown, with a small head resembling a giraffe. They noted it was unhurried and headed southward.

An article from January 31, 1950, in the Times Colonist, titled "'Caddy' in Home Waters," recounted Albie Davies' experience on Dallas Road beach. He saw a head and neck emerge, snapping at gulls, and described the head as resembling a camel's. It was dark, but lacked the reported humps. The creature disappeared and reappeared several times.

Naming and Public Reaction Frank Kelley's article in The Sun on May 6, 1950, titled "So You Don't Believe Me?" noted that "Caddy" had been appearing frequently. Sightings were reported near Deep Cove, Saanich Inlet, the Strait of Fuca, and Tofino. Kelley highlighted the case of Chief Justice James T. Brown, who, with his wife and daughter, described a "monstrous serpent," 30 to 35 feet long and dark in color.

The article also touched upon the origin of the name "Caddy." It was revealed that J. A. Kemp first told the story to Sandham Graves, editor of the Colonist. Major W. H. Langley, identified as the barrister and amateur sailor mentioned in the initial report, shared his story with the Daily Times in late 1932. Bruce McKelvie, managing editor of the Colonist, named the creature "Amy" after Aimee McPherson, while Archie Wills, city editor of the evening journal, solicited public suggestions for a name. R. L. Pocock, telegraph editor of the Colonist, suggested "cadborosaurus," combining "Cadboro" (the bay where it was seen) with "saurus" (for genus), and also "Cady" in honor of local golf caddies.

Continued Sightings and Official Skepticism Reports continued into 1951. On January 15, the Times Colonist reported "20 Report Seeing Caddy" in the Victoria area and Saanich Inlet. On January 16, "Two Fishermen Report Striking Caddy in Inlet" detailed Edmund Duffin and Ralph Day's encounter in Saanich Inlet, where they saw two dirty brown humps and their boat was struck by something submerged.

On February 2, 1951, the Times Colonist reported "Sights Caddy in Gorge Inlet," with James Fairall seeing a creature with a four-foot neck and a snake-like head, about 20 feet long. Later that day, another report from Vancouver stated that Reg Palmer and Bruce Mitchell saw "Caddy" in English Bay with a horse's head and big, saucer-shaped eyes.

By April 15, 1952, the Times Colonist published "Experts Squash Vancouver Claim Elephant Seal Famed Sea Serpent" by Humphry Davy. This article reported that a sea animal killed on the West Coast had been identified as an elephant seal, effectively debunking claims that it was "Caddy." Dr. Clifford Carl, director of the Provincial Museum, described the 14-foot animal as nothing more than an elephant seal.

Despite this, sightings persisted. On February 14, 1953, the Times Colonist reported "Wide-Eyed Audience Watches Caddy Frolic" at Qualicum Bay, with R. D. Cockburn describing a snake-like shape with three humps and a dog-shaped head with protrusions, or horns. He noted the creature reared up, its head and neck resembling a giraffe's.

On January 9, 1954, the Times Colonist reported "Snap, But Don't Get Snapped" by Don Ingham, detailing Mr. and Mrs. Noel Thomas seeing the monster in the bay, swimming after ducks with a long neck. Mr. Thomas described its head as camel-like, its movement like a snake, and its neck similar in color to a light Jersey cow. He estimated it was 50 to 60 yards away. Thomas Liston, a commercial fisherman, later estimated a sighting in Sansum Narrows to be about 22 feet in overall length.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes throughout these reports are the consistent descriptions of a large, serpentine marine creature with distinct features like humps and a long neck, often with a head described as horse-like or camel-like. The geographical focus is predominantly the coastal waters of Vancouver Island and the surrounding areas. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the inclusion of expert opinions and the "Experts Squash Vancouver Claim" article, leans towards skepticism, suggesting that many sightings were likely misidentifications of known marine life, particularly elephant seals. However, the extensive collection of eyewitness accounts highlights the enduring public fascination with the mystery of "Caddy."

This document is a compilation of newspaper clippings, primarily from The Times Colonist, detailing numerous sightings of a purported sea serpent, commonly referred to as 'Caddy' or Cadborosaurus, in the waters off British Columbia, Canada. The reports span from November 1954 to October 1969, presenting a chronological collection of eyewitness accounts.

Caddy Ogles Two City Fishermen (November 22, 1954) Fishermen Jack Daley and Jack Salsbury reported seeing 'Caddy' off Albert Head. Daley described the creature's head as initially appearing shark-like, about two to three feet wide, and later resembling a frog's head. The animal was approximately 150 feet away when it went under, and was described as fawn-colored and very sleek.

Shiny Sea Serpent Wows Non-Drinking Expert Fisherman (January 3, 1955) Thomas and Marion Smith, a drug store clerk and his wife, reported a sighting at 2 p.m. in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, five miles from Sooke. Using strong German binoculars, they observed the creature about 100 feet away. They described it as having a head like a boxer dog with what appeared to be horns or horse-like ears. The body was about 18 inches thick and undulated in a serpentine manner, appearing jet black and shiny. They noted the water was calm and free of other marine life that could cause confusion. Thomas Smith affirmed there was "absolutely no argument" about what they saw.

Caddy Holds Old-Home Week at Cordova Bay (February 8, 1955) At least four residents of Cordova Bay reported seeing a marine beast. Mrs. Margaret Corrigan described it as being about 60 feet offshore, at least 20 feet long, and yellowish-green or pale olive in color. It had a sleek neck and little horns. The creature rolled up to the surface, possibly in pursuit of ducks, and was described as enormous, too big to be a sea lion.

Caddy Cavorts for Wood Cutters on Beach (February 24, 1955) Two men cutting wood near the Oak Bay Beach Hotel saw 'Caddy' twice. They described it as having a big head, a stubby face, no ears, large shoulders, and no hair. It surfaced, looked around, dived, and resurfaced multiple times within about 250 feet of the hotel.

From Green (1983), first published in the Sidney Review (February 8, 1956) A creature was seen in the water off Madrona Drive by several individuals, including a newspaperman. The observers, including ex-naval officers Mr. Dalton and Mr. Campbell, agreed the sight was unique. The object lay in calm water about 200 yards offshore, moved frequently, and sometimes thrust its head high out of the water. Its head turned north and south, and the object moved 10 feet northward then 20 feet southward. Puffs of vapor were observed, suggesting breathing. Notably, the creature submerged completely for several minutes when airliners flew overhead, indicating it might be allergic to airplanes.

Caddy Beautiful, Says Visitor (March 8, 1956) Mrs. McHale, traveling from Vancouver on the Princess Louise, sighted an "animal" she believed to be Caddy on February 28. She saw it surface three times. She described its head as being like a seal's, with whiskers around its chin, and its body as shiny and glistening. She concluded, "He was just beautiful."

Cadborosaurus Romps for Victoria Artist (July 20, 1956) Artist Mort Graham claimed to have seen Caddy while fishing off Trial Island. It surfaced for about five minutes and then swam seaward, not resembling known marine life like porpoises, seals, or sea lions.

Caddy Makes Return to Mark Centenary (February 13, 1958) Four carpenters working on a house at the foot of Monarch Place, Gordon Head, saw Caddy twice. One described its head as pig-like, while the other three said it was more like a horse. All agreed it was orange in color.

Caddy Seen Twice Over Weekend (April 15, 1958) Arnold Webb, secretary manager of the Chamber of Commerce, and his 7-year-old daughter Holly, saw Caddy off Northwest Bay, south of Parksville. Webb, a former naval lieutenant, expressed extreme seriousness about his sighting, describing a slender neck followed by two coils. He planned to organize a committee to investigate reports.

Kenneth Webb (unrelated), age 15, saw Caddy off Fiddle Reef, appearing as a deep swirl in the water.

Serpentine, It's Quite Baffling (May 2, 1958) Three fishermen in a dinghy near Qualicum reported seeing a "serpent of sorts" about two miles offshore. They described it as 75 feet long, with a square head nine feet long, pointed fangs, and shiny brown skin with darker spots. The creature approached their boat with its mouth open, prompting the fishermen to flee.

Six-Humped Mystery Beast Seen in Bay (May 5, 1958) Three fishermen in McKenzie Bay reported seeing a strange animal. They described it as "a great big thing" with a head that seemed to be pushing water. Behind the head were six humps, described as being like the undulations of a snake, but vertical. Douglas Couper later confirmed seeing a similar creature, 50 feet long with four or five humps, making "whooshing noises."

This Caddy Really Caddy, Two Victoria Men Certain (May 7, 1958) Two fishermen in a separate boat confirmed witnessing the same creature as the Finlayson Arm incident. Douglas Couper described it as 50 feet long with four or five humps and making "whooshing noises."

Woman Sights Caddy Off Ten Mile Point (May 9, 1958) Mrs. Stanley Mitchell observed a creature from her bedroom window, describing a long series of dark-grey coils looping out of the water, churning it up. She could not see a head or tail, only coils. She estimated it might be 100 feet long. Her daughter, Mrs. John Newton, went to the beach for a closer look. Mrs. Mitchell stated, "This must be Caddy." It eventually moved seaward.

Morris (1972) - 1959 Sighting In 1959, Caddy was spotted by an entire family fishing near Race Rocks. They observed Caddy's jagged dorsal crest swimming through the water at very great speed from a distance of 100 yards.

On Boxing Day, 1960 A Sidney couple saw Caddy about a half-mile from town, heading southwards with its head raised eight feet above the water. Their attention was drawn by clouds of gulls diving at it.

From Green (1983), first published in the Sidney Review (February 8, 1961) John Walker saw Caddy about 400 yards from the beach. Initially mistaking it for a log, he realized it was active. Walker described it as about 20 feet long, dark brown, with a hump on its back.

March 29, 1961 Mrs. A. R. Stacey of Sidney witnessed a strange monster in the water from her living room. She sketched 'Caddy' in three positions. She noticed it drifted against the tide and saw a head rise from the water, followed by a seagull settling on its long neck. The bird then disappeared, and the creature looked backwards.

Caddy's Kissin' Cousin Frolics Up-Island (February 9, 1962) Mr. and Mrs. Alan Maclean of Painter's Lodge watched a strange animal in the Campbell River. It swam in a circle less than 100 yards from shore. They described it as 16 to 18 feet long, dirty ivory color with red streaks, a turtle-like head, and a huge hump. They found it had a "rather pleasant, friendly face."

Kangaroo-Like Sea Monster Sighted Again (May 11, 1962) Five men working at a paper mill's company dock reported seeing the Campbell River sea monster in Duncan Bay. Terry Temple described it as 16-20 feet long, with two humps behind its head. The head was described as kangaroo-like, with ears, and light tan in color. The Klamahto band referred to the creature as Wunzeesbaleese, noting its ability to thrust its head in and out of the water.

Sea Serpent Sighted by Couple at Lantzville (December 17, 1962) W. G. Clark spotted a sea serpent in front of his Lantzville home. His wife filmed it with an 8mm movie camera. He described it as about 100 yards from shore, 20 feet long, brownish in color with a round, ball-like head. The CBC borrowed the film, but the creature was too far away to be clearly seen.

Monster on View Again (December 31, 1962) Mrs. Robert Guy and Mrs. K. B. Holland saw a sea serpent off Lantzville. They described a large hump emerging from the water behind the object's head and neck, with an undulating motion. The head was camel-like, dark brown, with "exaggerated" lips.

Caddy Returns to ‘Sit' for Times Artist (February 15, 1963) Mr. and Mrs. Dave Welham of Saltair reported seeing Caddy less than 100 feet from their home. They described a ten-foot section as an S curve or undulation running back from a stubby head. The neck was eight to ten inches thick, tapering to a heavier body. It appeared uniform grey and did not shine.

‘I Saw Strangest Sight' (March 1, 1963) Mrs. R. A. Stewart thought she saw Caddy near Gabriola Island. She described a large brown-headed animal with huge, wide-open jaws that terrified her. It vanished quickly.

All 25 Feet of Caddy Loops Along (March 7, 1963) Mrs. Tom Conrad watched a 25-foot-long sea serpent in the Campbell River. It had a long snake-like body with a peculiar head, more bulged at the top than a snake's. She observed six or eight loops in a straight line behind the triangular head. The creature was locally named Klamahtosaurus.

Monster 'Hissed' (March 29, 1963) Mrs. J. C. Durrant saw the Campbell River sea monster, described as about 25 feet long, looking like a dragon and making a hissing noise.

Caddy Hoax Exposed in Boathouse Lair (May 30, 1963) A floating "monster" made of driftwood, tires, and rubber tubes was discovered near Mill Bay, apparently created for a fishing derby.

Caddy Seen Again? (October 7, 1966) Two fishermen between Galiano and Mayne islands saw a large head, shaped like a horse's, rear out of the water, blowing spray. It held a large salmon crosswise in its mouth.

William Hagelund's Book (1987) Author William Hagelund claimed in his book "Whalers No More" to have captured a small aquatic animal in 1968, which Bousfield and LeBlond (1995) supported as a new genus of living marine reptile. Woodley, Naish, and McCormick (2011) disagreed, suggesting it fit a bay pipefish, though Bousfield and LeBlond (2011) dismissed this. Woodley et al. (2012) pointed out issues with that dismissal.

Caddy's Kiddy Spotted in Cadboro (October 8, 1969) The last reported sighting of Cadborosaurus was August 30, 1967, with three offspring. On October 8, 1969, Mrs. W. S. Foster spotted what looked like one of Caddy's offspring in Cadboro Bay, 20 feet offshore. Neighbors also witnessed it. Frances Waring, a long-time resident, had never seen anything like it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring theme throughout these reports is the consistent, albeit varied, sightings of a large, unidentified marine creature in the waters of British Columbia. The editorial stance, as presented through the compilation of these newspaper articles, appears to be one of documenting these phenomena without explicit endorsement or dismissal, allowing the eyewitness accounts to speak for themselves. The sheer volume and duration of the reports suggest a persistent local legend or a genuine, recurring mystery. Descriptions often focus on the creature's head shape, body form (serpentine, humped, coiled), color, and size, with occasional notes on its behavior, such as its reaction to aircraft or its method of movement. The reports also highlight the difficulty in definitively identifying the creature, with witnesses often ruling out known marine animals like seals, sea lions, whales, porpoises, and blackfish.

This issue, presented by COACHWHIPBOOKS.COM, focuses on "MYSTERY CREATURES OF CHINA" as its cover headline, with the subtitle "THE COMPLETE CRYPTOZOOLOGICAL GUIDE." The content, however, predominantly features a compilation of sea serpent sightings, particularly concerning the 'Caddy' or Cadborosaurus, primarily from British Columbia and Alaska, spanning from the early 20th century to the early 21st century. It also includes a review of the book "Mystery Creatures of China" by David C. Xu.

Cadborosaurus Sightings and Reports

The magazine details numerous eyewitness accounts of the Cadborosaurus, often referred to as 'Caddy'.

Early 20th Century Accounts

An account from 1928, reported by Territorial Fish Commissioner A. J. Sprague, describes a monster in Alaska's waters that was approximately 300 feet long and four feet in diameter, with a greenish-blue color and a gliding motion. Sprague fired shots at the creature, which then reared its head and disappeared.

Another report from 1912, recounted by Mrs. Hildegaard Forbes, describes a creature about 40 feet long, snake-like with a head raised and mane-like seaweed.

A 1938 report from the steamship Aleutian describes a mammal never before seen by officers, with skin like a whale but the head and shoulders of an elephant, and a tail perpendicular to the body.

Mid to Late 20th Century Sightings

In 1970, Glenn Bertie, 14, reported seeing a 20-foot finned serpent with a head like a giant cobra in Foul Bay, Victoria, B.C.

In 1981, Rudy and Wally Ewert saw a serpent-like animal surface for about five seconds off Beechey Head, described as greyish-brown with visible ribs and a hump.

Reports from 1985 include Colin Cole of Roberts Creek seeing something with a 1.8-meter neck and a 12 to 14-foot body, and a kayaker near Point Grey seeing a long-necked animal with a deer-like head.

In January 1984, a fisherman kayaking off Spanish Banks reported a 20-foot-long animal with unusual features like giraffe horns and floppy ears.

In 1991, Terry Osland reported seeing a creature larger than a killer whale at Ardmore Point, with a rounded tail and small feet.

In 1995, lawyer David Harris and friends sailing in Howe Sound saw a creature with a long neck and rounded head. Ivor Cooke reported seeing a horse-like head on a short neck with two humps in Esquimalt.

In 1996, two teenage rugby players from Wales reported seeing a 15-meter eel-like creature off Ten Mile Point with prominent spines.

Late 20th and Early 21st Century Sightings

In 1995, two female kayakers reported seeing humps in the water off Albert Head.

In 1998, three boaters off Isabella Point saw two humps with fins.

In 2011, fisherman Kelly Nash shot inconclusive video of a 'sea serpent' in Nushagak Bay, Alaska.

Other Related Reports and Speculation

Ed Bousfield wondered if the lack of sightings was due to fear of ridicule or extirpation. Dr. Paul LeBlond speculated that multiple types of creatures might be reported as sea monsters and stated he neither believes nor disbelieves.

Book Review: Mystery Creatures of China

The issue includes a review of "Mystery Creatures of China" by David C. Xu. The book is described as an enthralling introduction to cryptozoological folklore from China, covering sighting reports and folkloric animals from historical times to the present day. The review suggests it should be a template for similar books worldwide and deserves a spot in every cryptozoological library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the persistent reporting of unidentified large marine animals, particularly the Cadborosaurus, across various decades and locations. The magazine presents these accounts as eyewitness testimonies, often with detailed descriptions of the creatures' appearance and behavior. While not explicitly taking a stance of belief or disbelief, the compilation of these diverse reports suggests an interest in the phenomenon of sea monsters and cryptids. The inclusion of scientific references and the mention of investigators like Dr. Paul LeBlond indicate an attempt to engage with the subject matter seriously, even if within the realm of cryptozoology.

This document appears to be a collection of excerpts or summaries related to cryptozoological topics, likely from a publication or website associated with Coachwhip Books. The primary focus is on 'Strange Creatures Seldom Seen' by John Warms, which explores mystery animals in Manitoba and beyond. The content is structured as a series of short articles, each detailing a specific unexplained phenomenon or creature report.

Strange Creatures Seldom Seen by John Warms

This section introduces John Warms' book, highlighting its detailed look at cryptozoological sightings in Manitoba, Canada. It mentions Sasquatch, lake monsters, flying creatures, and giant beavers as subjects covered. Warms is noted for his active field work in attempting to gather evidence for the existence of these creatures.

BioFortean Miscellany by Chad Arment

This section, authored by Chad Arment, presents several distinct cases:

Everglades "Devil-Worm"

In 1949, a former RAF pilot discovered an abandoned village in the Everglades. Local accounts mentioned a 'devil worm' that Seminole guides had shown to Robert L. Ripley in 1927. The author expresses skepticism about the 'devil worm' and notes that Maurice Hale, who made the claim, also identified an unusual snake as a 'balboa' with a tail light, suggesting Hale might have been prone to tall tales.

The Apricot Embryo

In July 1939, a 16-year-old fruit picker in Hemet, California, found a bird embryo inside an apricot. Ornithologists estimated the embryo to be about two weeks old and likely of the sparrow species. Botanists noted the apricot's natural growth without a seed pit was unlikely, and a zoologist suspected a fake. The author suggests it might have been a prank.

OOP Ape?

This account from Schenectady, New York, in 1933, describes an 87-year-old caretaker, Nick Dentz, who heard scratching and moaning sounds. He shot at a face that appeared at his window, believing it to be a 'ghost' or ape. Sheriff Gardner investigated and found a furred body outside, described as possibly a chimpanzee or baboon.

A Canadian Oryx

Reports from 1966 describe persistent sightings of an African-type antelope (oryx-like) in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, between the Stikine River and Atlin Lake. Provincial authorities were skeptical, but the reports had been ongoing for years. Suggestions included misidentification of goats or illusions caused by atmospheric conditions and stunted trees.

Giant Vampire Bats

Reports from Oaxaca, Mexico, describe blood-sucking bats with a 20-inch wingspan terrorizing inhabitants. Six children reportedly died in one night from blood loss. The bats are described as entering bedrooms noiselessly and sucking blood painlessly. The common vampire bat has a 7-8 inch wingspan, while an extinct species had a wingspan of almost 20 inches. The author suggests this might be a newspaper hoax or mistaken belief, rather than evidence of a surviving giant vampire bat.

H. C. Raven's Giant Lizard

Henry ('Harry') Cushier Raven, a museum worker, was reported in 1918 to have encountered a 'giant lizard' in Borneo. However, his field notes, digitized by the Smithsonian, indicate he visited a museum in Batavia and saw a mounted Komodo dragon collected near Flores Island. The author concludes that Raven did not encounter a giant monitor lizard in the wild, and the news report was likely a misinterpretation or embellishment.

Popcorn Fish Redux

This section discusses reports of a 'popcorn fish' from the headwaters of the Yukon's Peel River, noted for head lumps resembling popcorn. University of British Columbia scientists did not find similar specimens. It was suggested the lumps might be growths on ordinary sculpin or suckers, possibly parasitic. Another possibility is that the growths were natural tubercles on fish like the lake chub during spawning season.

Tennessee Black Panther

Larry Wood recounts a story from 1884 about his grandmother encountering a black panther ('painter') near Clifty, Tennessee. The animal chased her home, circled the cabin all night, and was later treed and shot by her father. The description includes a huge head, giant paws, yellow eyes, and a sleek black pelt. The author notes that wildlife officials do not accept melanistic cougar sightings, and suggests a black leopard might be a more plausible explanation for such accounts.

The Acapulco Tracks

In 1932, explorer Willits J. Hole discovered large, three-toed footprints on the sands of Acapulco, Mexico. These were described as fresh impressions, not fossil tracks. The tracks suggested an animal larger than any known to science, which had emerged from the water, walked along the beach, and returned to the ocean.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are cryptozoology, unexplained animal sightings, folklore, and historical accounts of mysterious creatures. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts with a degree of critical analysis, often suggesting potential explanations such as misidentification, hoaxes, or natural phenomena, while still acknowledging the intriguing nature of the reports. The document aims to inform readers about various unexplained phenomena and encourage further investigation or consideration of these mysteries.

This document is an excerpt from the book "In Witch-Bound Africa" (1923) by Frank H. Melland, focusing on the legend of the Kongamato, a creature described as a flying reptile.

The Kongamato: A Pterodactyl Legend

The author, Frank H. Melland, recounts his unexpected encounter with information about the "kongamato" while in Rhodesia. Initially hearing about a charm used against it, he inquired about its nature. The response was that it was a bird, but more accurately, a lizard with membranous wings like a bat. Melland notes that he was not actively seeking information on prehistoric animals at the time.

Rhodesia and its surrounding areas have a reputation for "brontosaurus yarns," with previous reports from Lake Bangweulu (circa 1909) and Katanga (1919) being discredited by Melland. His reasons for discrediting the earlier reports were the lack of native knowledge or tradition of such animals in inhabited areas and the absence of their spoor. However, the Kongamato legend appears to overcome these objections, as it is known to the natives and its spoor may not be easily found.

Further inquiries revealed details about the Kongamato: a wing-spread of 4 to 7 feet, a general color of red, skin instead of feathers, and possibly teeth in its beak, though certainty on the latter points was lacking as no one had seen one up close and lived to tell the tale.

Melland sent for books containing pictures of pterodactyls, and native informants, including a headman named Kanyinga from the Jiundu country, immediately identified them as Kongamato. This suggests a strong resemblance between the native descriptions and the known appearance of pterodactyls.

The natives assert that this flying reptile still exists. Melland considers there to be presumptive evidence of its existence within human memory, even in comparatively recent times. He draws parallels to other creatures like the hippopotamus and crocodile, which have survived from ancient eras, questioning the scientific possibility of a Mesozoic reptile surviving today but acknowledging that such survival is not impossible.

The evidence supporting the pterodactyl-like nature of the Kongamato is the natives' accurate and unprompted descriptions, and their agreement on its appearance. Negative support comes from their inability to identify other prehistoric monsters shown to them.

Conversely, evidence against it includes the natives' refusal to lead him to one, produce a dead specimen, or even a part of one. They claim that few people see a Kongamato and live, that it is invulnerable to missiles, and immortal, thus leaving no remains.

The natives do not view the Kongamato as an unnatural entity like a "mulombe," but rather as a fearsome creature akin to a man-eating lion or rogue elephant, only worse. Some report seeing it, while others only feel its presence, but all seem to know its characteristics.

The latest reported incident of Kongamato activity was in 1911, when two men and two women were allegedly killed by one in the Mutanda River near Lufumatunga village. Skeptics point out that the river was in flood at the time, and no witnesses were present. Melland suggests this may serve as evidence of the Kongamato's perceived powers, though he admits he does not believe in those supernatural powers himself. However, he does believe that such a reptile exists or has existed recently.

He notes that the sight of such an unusual and fearsome creature would naturally lead to beliefs in supernatural powers.

Chief Kapiji Mpanga Mwandwe recounted that in 1897, the late Mr. George Grey was understood to have shot a Kongamato near Fort Jameson, but Melland expresses doubt about this, as he never heard of it and believes Grey would have recorded such an event.

Further attributes of the Kongamato were sent to Melland by C.H.H. These include instances where a boat slows down and becomes stationary, with the paddler knowing a Kongamato has caught hold of it from underneath, suggesting amphibious qualities. Another attribute is that when a Kongamato eats a person, it only consumes the two little toes, two little fingers, earlobes, and nostrils. Melland states he cannot confirm if anyone has ever found remains mutilated in this manner.

Melland describes the Jiundu swamp as a likely habitat for the Kongamato, characterizing it as a fifty-square-mile swamp formed by an inland delta, with the Jiundu River spreading into numerous channels. Much of the water vanishes underground, and the swamp is covered in dense vegetation, including tall trees and tangled undergrowth.

The soil is moist loam and decaying vegetation, with channels reminiscent of peat hags on a highland moor. The area is of limestone formation with plentiful outcrops. Melland likens it to a haunted forest and an ideal home for a Kongamato.

Historically, the swamp was an asylum for outlaws, including murderers, thieves, and tax-defaulters, who lived there securely from the government. Efforts to apprehend them were unsuccessful, with uniformed men being shot at by unseen outlaws. Six years prior to the writing, the swamps were inhabited by these outlaws, but they had since left for villages. A road has been cut through the swamp, making passage easier, except during the rains.

Melland concludes by questioning whether the winged reptile has the swamp-forest all to itself, or if it too is merely a story.

Other Content

The document also includes advertisements or listings for several books related to cryptozoology:

• "The Encyclopaedia of New and Rediscovered Animals" by Dr. Karl P.N. Shuker.
• "The Historical Bigfoot" Second Edition by Chad Arment.
• "Varmints" by Chad Arment.
• "Missionaries and Monsters" by William J. Gibbons.
• "Boss Snakes" by Chad Arment.
• "Mokele-Mbembe: Mystery Beast of the Congo Basin" by William J. Gibbons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the exploration of a cryptid, the Kongamato, through anecdotal evidence, native folklore, and comparisons to known prehistoric creatures. The author, Frank H. Melland, adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach, discrediting earlier reports based on logical inconsistencies but finding some merit in the Kongamato legend due to its prevalence among natives and the detailed descriptions provided. He expresses personal disbelief in the supernatural powers attributed to the creature but maintains a belief in its potential existence or recent past existence. The editorial stance leans towards investigating unexplained phenomena with a critical but curious eye, acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge in zoology and paleontology.