Cryptozoology Review - Vol 2 No 2 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 2
Date: Autumn 1997
Publisher: Ben S. Roesch

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review presents a new, more magazine-like format with 11x17 inch pages, folded and stapled. The editor, Ben S. Roesch, apologizes for the lateness of the issue due to personal commitments and a Canada Post strike. Subscription prices have been adjusted accordingly.

Editor's Page

Ben S. Roesch, the Editor/Publisher, introduces the new format and updated subscription prices. He encourages readers to submit articles, reviews, and news. He also notes that the 'Compendium of Cryptids' is shorter in this issue and that some stories will be detailed in the next edition. The cover art is an early drawing of the Stronsay beast from 1808.

Staff and Publication Details

The editorial staff includes Associate Editor John Moore, Contributing Editors Bufo Calvin, Loren Coleman, Darren Naish, and Gordon Rutter. Correspondents are Dr. Peter Darben and Paul Cropper, both from Australia. Artists include Darren Naish and Russ Fletcher, with Robert Tuck Jr. serving as Editorial Consultant. The publication is copyrighted, and reproduction requires permission.

Letters and Exchange

Glowing Mamlambo

Darren Naish from Southampton, England, writes in response to Ben S. Roesch's discussion of the mamlambo. Naish suggests that the reported green glow might be due to bioluminescent diatoms on the creature's skin or in the water, similar to the Fransicana or La Plata river dolphin. The Editor concurs that diatoms are a possibility but notes the lack of known freshwater luminescent diatoms, leaving the mystery of the mamlambo's glow unresolved.

Lake Van

Chris Orrick from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, provides geological and biological information about Lake Van in Turkey, noting its volcanic origin, salty and carbonated waters, and limited aquatic life. He suggests that volcanic eruptions causing surface foaming and bubbling could explain some reports of unusual activity, leaving the interpretation of a video to the reader.

Exchange

This section features listings for other publications. 'Exotic Zoology,' a bimonthly newsletter, is described as an 8-page magazine format publication with news of new and rediscovered species. 'Strange Magazine' is described as a professionally produced magazine dealing with forteana and cryptozoology content.

A Compendium of Cryptids

This section, compiled by Ben S. Roesch, presents various recent cryptozoological news and discoveries:

Notes of Various New and Rediscovered Species

• Truong Son Muntjac: A new deer-like species, also known as 'soi cacoong,' has been discovered in Vietnam. It is small, black, with short antlers, and inhabits the dense forests of the Truong Son mountains. Researchers believe a live specimen will be obtained soon. The expedition also found four new plant species.
• Madagascar Red Owl: The endemic Madagascar red owl (Tyto soumagnei), thought extinct since the 1930s, has been rediscovered in the Zahamena Reserve by biologists from Madagascar and Conservation International.
• New Lifeforms in Canary Islands Caves: Workmen discovered water-filled caves in the Canary Islands containing numerous new lifeforms, including new crustaceans and small copepods. While one report claimed over 16,000 new species, this is considered a major exaggeration.

Recent Cryptozoology News

• Yeti Encounter: On July 25, 1997, mountaineer Reinhold Messner reportedly encountered three Yetis in the Himalayas and claims to have pictures and film, which will be released in an upcoming book.
• Onza Sighting: In 1986, a rancher in Sinaloa, Mexico, shot what he believed to be the legendary onza, a mysterious big cat reported in the Sierra Madre Occidental region for over 300 years. Recent DNA testing suggests it may have been a puma.
• Beast of Gévaudan: French scientists have reportedly identified the Beast of Gévaudan, allegedly shot in the 1700s, as a striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena). The stuffed remains were stored in the Museum of Natural History in Paris. The mystery remains as to how a hyena could have been living in France at that time.
• Nueva Tacna Creature: On August 14, 1997, 300 inhabitants of Nueva Tacna, Peru, witnessed a huge snake-like creature (described as a boa constrictor) tear through a forest, uprooting trees and creating a 500m trench before disappearing into the Napo River. Eyewitnesses described it as 40m long, 5m wide, with antennae and large ears. Peruvian officials blamed construction machines or ayahuasca, but witnesses remain convinced. The report is compared to the Brazilian minhocão.
• Wanganui Sea Creature: An unidentifiable rotting 'sea creature' washed ashore at Wanganui, New Zealand, in early October 1997. Photos show a creature about 8-10 ft long with paddle-like tentacles. Marine biologists suggest it is the remains of a decomposed sperm whale.

A Review of Alleged Sea Serpent Carcasses Worldwide (Part One -- 1648-1880)

By Ben S. Roesch

This article examines alleged sea serpent carcasses, arguing that most are mundane creatures like basking sharks, whales, or oarfish. The author aims to examine every reported carcass in the literature.

A Beached Sea Serpent or a Beached Whale? (1648)

An old Spanish manuscript from around 1650 describes a 'dreadful monster' that washed ashore at Santa Maria del Mar, Oaxaca, Mexico, in 1648. The carcass was 15 varas (41.70 ft) long, with a red pelt, ears, three pairs of legs, and a pillar-like tail. It was examined by a physician. While the details suggest a whale identity, the reddish skin is noted as strange. The source, Harold T. Wilkins' 'Secret Cities of Old South America,' is noted as unreliable.

Three Giant Squids in 16th Century Norway? (1720, and two before 1753)

Erik Pontoppidan, Bishop of Bergen, is cited as the source for three alleged sea serpent carcasses in Norway. In 1720, a 'Sea-Snake' was found in a creek at Kobbervueg, leaving behind a soft, slimy skin. Another 'Sea-Snake' carcass washed ashore at Amunds Vaagen before 1753, emitting a terrible smell. A third carcass was found at Karmen Island, also with a strong smell. The author suggests these could be giant squids (Architeuthis spp.), noting that the skin could be a squid's mantle and the smell consistent with decomposing cephalopods. However, the cultural motif of smelly Norwegian sea monsters is also considered.

The Stronsay Beast (Fall, 1808)

One of the most famous accounts is the Stronsay beast, which washed ashore in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, in the fall of 1808. John Peace discovered the carcass, which was measured at 55 ft (17 m) long, serpentine, with a small head, long neck, mane, and three pairs of legs. The skull and vertebrae were collected and examined by Patrick Neill and Dr. John Barclay. Sir Everard Home identified the vertebrae as resembling those of a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). The article explains how a decomposing basking shark, with its gills and jaw rotting off, fins decaying, and skin fraying, can create the illusion of a plesiosaurian form, with a long neck, small head, and fin-like appendages that can be mistaken for legs or flippers. The article concludes that the Stronsay beast was a decomposing basking shark.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the examination of alleged cryptid carcasses and the scientific analysis of their true identities, often revealing them to be known animals or natural phenomena. The editorial stance, as presented by Ben S. Roesch, is one of critical inquiry, seeking to debunk sensational claims with scientific evidence while remaining open to genuine mysteries within the field of cryptozoology. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and publication of well-researched articles and news within the cryptozoological community.

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 2
Date: Autumn 1997

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review delves into historical accounts of alleged sea monsters, critically examining the evidence to identify the creatures involved. The articles focus on debunking sensational claims and providing scientific explanations based on known marine biology.

The Stronsay Beast

The issue begins by analyzing the Stronsay beast, a carcass found in 1808. While initially a mystery, the author argues that it was most likely a basking shark (*Cetorhinus maximus*). The primary discrepancy lies in its reported length of approximately 17 meters, exceeding the known maximum lengths for basking sharks (around 9.8 meters, with unverified reports up to 15 meters) and even whale sharks (*Rhincodon typus*) (maximum verified 12.1 meters, with reports up to 18 meters). The author dismisses the whale shark as a candidate due to geographical restrictions (tropical seas) and distinct skull morphology. The possibility of a new, giant shark species is also considered but deemed less likely than a particularly large basking shark. The author suggests that decomposition of the carcass, particularly the lower caudal lobe rotting away, could have led to an illusory increase in length. This decomposition could also affect the rigidity of the upper lobe, causing vertebrae to align and straighten the tail, thus increasing perceived length. Furthermore, the measurement method, taken from snout to the tip of the tail (including the upper lobe) rather than to the fork of the tail, could also contribute to an inflated measurement. The texture of the skin, described as rough towards the head and smooth towards the tail, is discussed. While typical sharks have dermal denticles pointing towards the tail, making them rough when rubbed against the grain, basking sharks have haphazardly arranged denticles. However, the author notes that frayed tissues from decomposition might have created the described sensation, and that mucous on a fresh basking shark could make the skin feel smooth regardless of the rubbing direction. Ultimately, the basking shark is presented as the most plausible candidate for the Stronsay beast, acknowledging that it would have been a gigantic specimen.

The Scoliophis Misadventure

This section details an event in 1817 off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, where a humped, snake-like sea serpent was reported. The Linnean Society of New England investigated, hoping to find evidence of the creature's existence, perhaps by finding eggs. Their search proved fruitless. Later, a 3-foot long blackish snake with bumps was found by boys and presented to the Society. They identified it as a young sea serpent, naming it *Scoliophis atlanticus*, despite noting its similarity to the common North American black racer (*Coluber constrictor*). However, ichthyologist Charles Alexandre Lesueur examined the specimen and concluded it was merely a deformed individual of the black racer, thus resolving the mystery.

The Raritan Bay Basking Shark

In June 1822, a large sea-monster was caught in Raritan Bay, New Jersey, and exhibited as the "Leviathan or Wonderful Sea-Serpent." Charles-Alexandre Lesueur identified it as a basking shark. The creature was reportedly 30 feet long and 18 feet in circumference, shot and harpooned. It possessed six rows of teeth, which is consistent with basking sharks, although their teeth are typically small and modified for straining plankton. The author concludes that this "sea-serpent" was indeed a basking shark.

An Oarfish at the Firth of Forth

Around 1848, a fishing smack named *Sovereign of Hull* caught a "huge serpentine fish" in the Firth of Forth. The fish was so long that it extended beyond the vessel's stem and stern. The fishermen had previously encountered an even larger specimen. This fish was described as 4 to 9 inches thick with a dorsal fin 7 to 8 inches high. It was identified as an oarfish (*Regalecus glesne*). The author notes that adult oarfish are typically silvery and pale, while juveniles are brown. The possibility of the larger specimen being a juvenile of a hitherto undiscovered, gigantic species related to the oarfish is considered, but the evidence is insufficient. The account also mentions a 40-ton smack, which is used to estimate the oarfish's size, with some debate about the accuracy of the weight-to-length conversion.

The Worm and the Sea Serpent

In 1849, a bizarre creature, described as a young sea serpent, was brought to a museum in Usan, Scotland. It was over 20 feet long, less than an inch in circumference, dark brown, and contracted when handled. Edward Newman, reprinting the account in *The Zoologist*, suggested it was a specimen of *Gordius marinus*, a nemertean worm. Oudemans and Heuvelmans agreed, identifying it as *Lineus longissimus*, which can reach lengths of 5-10 meters. The description, including its color, muscular contractions, and mucus secretion, aligns well with *L. longissimus*. Thus, the "young sea serpent" was identified as a nemertine worm.

The Cullercoats "Sea-Serpent"

On March 26, 1849, an animal caught off Cullercoats, Northumberland, England, was labeled a "sea-serpent" by the press. However, two naturalists, Albany Hancock and Dr. Dennis Embleton, examined it and concluded it was a new species of oarfish. The author states that there is only one recognized species of oarfish, *Regalecus glesne*, and therefore Hancock and Embleton's proposed new species was likely never recognized. This case is presented as another instance of an oarfish being mistaken for a sea serpent.

The Monongahela's Monster

This section discusses an account from January 1852, involving the whaling ship *Monongahela* in the central Pacific. The ship's captain, Charles Seabury, reported harpooning a "huge serpentine creature" over 50 feet in diameter. The description of the animal is highly detailed and includes mammalian traits such as blubber and blowholes, alongside reptilian features like recurved teeth. The author, citing Bernard Heuvelmans, unequivocally dismisses this account as a hoax. The supposed anatomy is deemed irreconcilable with any known species, and the narrative, including the ship's alleged journey, is considered ridiculous. The author strongly believes it to be an elaborately fabricated hoax.

Yet Another Oarfish as "Sea-Serpent" in Bermuda

In January 1860, Captain Hawtaigne reported a "strange sea-monster" captured in Bermuda, which he identified as a "sea serpent." The animal was 16 feet 7 inches long, tapering like a snake, with a flattish oval shape. It was bright and silvery, with rough, warty skin, a bull-dog-like head, large eyes, and various fins. This description is identified as a near-perfect match for an oarfish. Naturalist J. Mathew Jones corroborated this identification, despite Edward Newman initially considering it a new species. The author notes that this proposed taxon was later synonymized with *Regalecus glesne*.

The Beaver Carcass

On August 2, 1863, the commander of the schooner *Beaver*, Captain Boyles, reported an alleged sea serpent carcass on the coast of China. The description included a length of approximately 25 meters, a snake-like head, three rows of soft, movable teeth, and a strange gridiron-shaped structure in the throat. The author, after consulting with marine expert Richard Ellis, concludes that the carcass was most likely a mysticete, or baleen whale, with its flukes cut off. Evidence supporting this identification includes the mention of "bones" being sawn up (consistent with whale anatomy), the presence of "many tons of barnacles" (common on whales), the description of the skin as "tough" but smooth (unlike the rough skin of sharks), the creature beaching itself (typical of whales), the "soft teeth" and "gridiron-shaped" structures resembling baleen, and the size (25 meters) being consistent with large mysticetes. The color description (blue) also aligns better with mysticetes than with known plankton-feeding sharks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, the recurring theme is the critical examination of cryptozoological claims, particularly those involving "sea serpents." The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a preference for scientific identification of known species. The authors consistently seek to demystify alleged monsters by identifying them as known marine animals such as basking sharks, whale sharks, oarfish, nemertine worms, and baleen whales. The process involves analyzing physical descriptions, geographical locations, and historical context to arrive at the most plausible explanation, often debunking earlier misidentifications or sensationalized reports. The magazine emphasizes the importance of accurate observation and scientific rigor in understanding marine mysteries.

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 2
Date: Autumn 1997
Publisher: The Cryptozoology Review

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review delves into historical accounts of mysterious creatures, primarily focusing on alleged sea serpent sightings and the identification of unknown marine life, alongside a discussion on unrecognized British mustelids.

Sea Serpent Accounts and Marine Mysteries

The issue meticulously examines several historical cases, often referencing Bernard Heuvelmans' work "In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents." It begins with the St. Margaret's Bay carcass (before 1864), for which no definitive record or citation was found, suggesting it was likely a whale or basking shark.

Two instances involving oarfish are detailed: one caught off Northumberland, England, around 1875, measuring 13 ft 6 inches, and another from Tasmania in 1878, measuring 14 ft. Both were initially described in the New York Times as "young sea serpents" but are identified as oarfish.

A significant case discussed is the alleged sea serpent sighting and killing in Oban, Scotland, in April 1877. The New York Times reported a creature 101 feet long with detailed descriptions. However, the author, agreeing with Heuvelmans and Oudemans, concludes this account is a hoax due to its exaggerated and ludicrous details, likening it to the "Monongahela case."

The "Chalcedony's 'Sea Serpent'" incident on June 5, 1880, off Monhegan Island, Maine, describes a dead creature spotted by Captain M.D. Ingalls. While Ingalls believed it was a great sea serpent, the author, following Heuvelmans' suggestion, posits it was likely a dead whale, possibly a humpback, whose flukes had detached.

Captain Hanna's Mysterious Fish, encountered in August 1880 off New Harbor, Maine, is another focal point. Captain S.W. Hanna caught a 25 ft long, eel-like fish. The article, authored by Darren Naish, argues that this fish was likely a new species of bony fish, not a shark, based on its rayed fins, fin placement, and lack of pelvic fins, contrasting it with shark anatomy and comparing it to the frilled shark and other lamproid families.

Finally, "A Strange Creature from British Columbia" (September 22, 1880) recounts a 6-foot creature captured near Victoria. Descriptions of a panther-like head, orthodox mane, and sharp tail lead the author to suggest it was likely an oarfish or a lamproid like the king-of-the-salmon, possibly brought to Canadian waters by an El Niño event.

Further Notes on Unrecognized British Mustelids

Darren Naish contributes a separate section examining two potential unrecognized or supposed-extinct small mustelids in Britain. The first is the "British Beech Martens." Naish discusses the historical belief that beech martens (Martes foina) were native to Britain, citing Jonathan Downes' work. He explores several explanations for this belief, including naturalists mistaking variations in the native pine marten (Martes martes) for a separate species, seasonal coat changes, or misidentification of faded taxiderm specimens. Naish concludes that distinguishing between the two species is difficult, often relying on throat "bib" color rather than overall coat color, and that definitive proof of beech martens being native is lacking.

The second topic is the "Stockbridge Stoats." Naish examines taxiderm specimens that have been publicized as potentially new or unknown species. He personally inspected four such specimens and concludes they are simply stoats (Mustela erminea) in their winter (ermine) phase, noting their size, shape, color, and characteristic black-tipped tails align with this identification.

Summary Listing and Acknowledgements

A comprehensive "Summary Listing" provides a chronological overview of various reported sightings and captures, including dates, locations, witness details, lengths, and probable identities, spanning from 1648 to 1880. The article concludes with acknowledgements, thanking individuals like Richard Martin, John Moore, Richard Ellis, and Darren Naish for their contributions, and dedicating the work to Bernard Heuvelmans for his foundational research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of cryptozoological claims, applying scientific rigor and zoological knowledge to identify or debunk alleged mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, favoring explanations based on known species or natural phenomena (like oarfish, whales, or misidentifications) over the acceptance of unknown creatures, while still acknowledging the possibility of undiscovered species, as in the case of Captain Hanna's fish. The publication emphasizes detailed research, referencing scientific literature and expert opinions to support its conclusions.

The Cryptozoology Review, Vol. 2 No. 2, Autumn 1997, is a publication dedicated to exploring unexplained phenomena and creatures.

The Stockbridge Stoats

The primary focus of this issue is the "Stockbridge Stoats," two specimens of ermine-phase stoats that were displayed in a local florist's window in Stockbridge, England. The article notes that these specimens were not figured in a previous publication by Downes. Recent research indicates that the specimens in a butcher's window, also in Stockbridge, do not belong to a shop worker but to a local taxidermist. The author and Downes are attempting to contact this taxidermist to ascertain the origin of these stoats.

The article highlights the rarity of ermine-phase stoats in southern England, suggesting that they are either very rare or entirely unknown in that region. Most sources indicate that stoats turn white in the northern parts of their range. However, a study by Hewson and Watson (18) in 1979 noted that while stoats in north-east Scotland typically turned white in winter, those in south-west Scotland were often pied, and in north-east England, few changed color. This observation implies that finding ermine-phase stoats in southern England would be exceptionally rare. Therefore, if the "Stockbridge Stoats" are indeed of local origin, they represent a significant zoological curiosity worthy of further investigation.

References and Notes

The issue includes an extensive list of 18 references and notes, primarily citing works on British mammals, cryptozoology, and zoology. Key references include:

• Downes, J. (1996). *The Smaller Mystery Carnivores of the Westcountry*.
• Naish, D.W. (1997). "Southwest England's Small Carnivorans: A case of ferreting through the literature." (A review in The Cryptozoology Review).
• Burton, M. (1976). *A Guide to the Mammals of Britain and Europe*.
• Nowak, R.M. and Paradiso, J.L. (1983). *Walker's Mammals of the World*.
• Matthews, L.H. (1989). *British Mammals*.
• Hewson, R. and Watson, A. (1979). "Winter whitening of Stoats (Mustela erminea) in Scotland and north-east England." *Journal of Zoology*.

Reference (17) is a citation for "John Robinson: High Class Family Butcher."

Contributors

This issue features contributions from:

• Darren Naish: Described as an independent zoological researcher with a degree in geology from the University of Southampton. His published work spans dinosaurs, New Zealand fauna, cetaceans, and cryptozoology. He also advises on the vertebrate fossil record.
• Ben S. Roesch: A grade 12 student from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with a strong interest in cryptozoology. His other interests include marine biology (sharks), animal predatory behavior, and general zoology. He also enjoys punk rock, mountain biking, skateboarding, and surfing.

How to Contact Us

Correspondence, manuscripts, and other submissions should be directed to the editor, Ben S. Roesch, at the following address:

Ben S. Roesch
Editor, The Cryptozoology Review
166 Pinewood Ave.
Toronto ON
Canada M6C2V5

Contact details include a phone number (416) 653-4955 and an email address: [email protected].

Coming Soon

The "Coming Soon" section previews upcoming articles for The Cryptozoology Review (TCR), including:

• "Enigmatic beaked whales" by Darren Naish.
• Further installments of a review of sea serpent carcasses by Ben S. Roesch.
• A review of the piasa by John Moore.
• An article discussing the case against the survival of *Carcharodon megalodon* by Ben S. Roesch.

The next issue is scheduled to be released in February.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics within cryptozoology, focusing on animals that are rare, unconfirmed, or subject to folklore and mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, encouraging research and the examination of evidence, as seen in the detailed inquiry into the Stockbridge Stoats. The publication also aims to foster a community of researchers and enthusiasts, as indicated by the contributor profiles and contact information provided.