Cryptozoology Review - Vol 2 No 3 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 3
Date: Winter-Spring 1998
Publisher: Ben S. Roesch

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review, expanded to four more pages than usual, features a significant amount of material, including an informative "Compendium of Cryptids," the first part of a review on the cryptozoology of the moa by Darren Naish, and the second part of Ben S. Roesch's series on alleged sea serpent carcasses. The cover is noted as being more professional, printed on colored card stock. The editor, Ben S. Roesch, solicits reader feedback on a potential $2 (Can.) price increase to maintain these enhanced features.

Contents

• The issue includes:
• The Editor's Page (p. 2)
• Letters (p. 3)
• A Compendium of Cryptids (p. 4)
• Cryptozoology of the Moa: A Review (Part One) by Darren Naish (p. 15)
• A Review of Alleged Sea Serpent Carcasses Worldwide (Part Two -- 1881-1891) by Ben S. Roesch (p. 25)
• End Page (p. 36)

Editor's Page

Ben S. Roesch welcomes readers to the expanded issue, highlighting the substantial content including a "Compendium of Cryptids," Darren Naish's review of moa cryptozoology, and his own continuation of the sea serpent carcass series. He notes the improved cover quality and asks for reader input on a potential subscription price increase to cover these enhancements. The editorial staff is listed, including Associate Editor John Moore, Contributing Editors Bufo Calvin, Loren Coleman, Darren Naish, and Gordon Rutter, Correspondents Dr. Peter Darben and Paul Cropper (both from Australia), Artists Darren Naish and Russ Fletcher, and Editorial Consultants Robert Tuck Jr. The issue is copyrighted 1998 by The Cryptozoology Review. The cover illustration is by Darren Naish, depicting several different species of moa.

Subscription rates are provided: $12.00 (Canadian) in Canada, $14.00 (air mail) in the US (or $11.00 US), and $16.00 (air mail) internationally. Sample copies and back issues are $4.00 (Canadian) in Canada and $6.00 elsewhere. Payment methods include personal checks, money orders, or well-concealed cash. The publication is open to subscription exchanges with other cryptozoological publications of similar price. Contributions of writing, art, and editing are welcomed, with unsolicited manuscripts and artwork accepted. Contributors receive copies as payment (two for an article, one for a review). The publication is non-profit, and all content is copyrighted, with permission generally granted for reprinting upon request.

Letters

Lost Pets and Cryptozoology

Steven Henry of Nottingham, England, questions the definition of cryptozoology, citing Loren Coleman's definition as the "search for hidden animals." He uses the example of a large black cat on Bodmin Moor, often considered cryptozoological, versus a found cockatiel. Henry argues that while escaped pets are common, the distinction between a lost pet and a cryptid lies in the rarity of the animal and the community's surprise. He hopes cryptozoology will remain inclusive, welcoming anything deemed interesting by the community, and expresses a preference for focusing on "hidden animals" rather than "hidden life" to avoid including creatures like Leprechauns or Gnomes.

Ben S. Roesch responds, differentiating Henry's cockatiel example from the Bodmin beast, which could be an unknown felid species. He clarifies that "hidden life" would encompass plants and bacteria, falling under "cryptobiology" rather than "cryptozoology." He also suggests that if leprechauns and gnomes were real, they would be classified as animals and thus fall under cryptozoology.

Sasquatch as "Death"

Robert Damon Schneck of Dana Point, California, presents a historical anecdote linking Sasquatch to the serial killer Charlie Starkweather. Starkweather, in his autobiography, described a vision of "Death" as a half-human, half-bear creature with no neck, arms, or ears. Schneck notes that six months after Starkweather's murder spree, newspaper stories emerged about large footprints found at a road construction site in Bluff Creek, California.

A Compendium of Cryptids

Reinhold Messner and the Yeti

Ben S. Roesch reports on mountaineer Reinhold Messner's claims of having sighted the yeti four times and possessing photographs and an alleged yeti skeleton. Messner's first sighting was in 1986 in Eastern Tibet, followed by the purchase of a skeleton in Ladakh in June 1996. He claims to have photographed a yeti mother and child, with the child having red fur and the mother black fur. He also claims to have filmed a sleeping yeti. Roesch emphasizes the need for scientific inspection of the skeleton and other evidence, noting that Messner plans to release his findings in a book and establish a yeti museum. Messner theorizes that yetis are shy, nocturnal, feed on yaks and sheep, and communicate by whistling, with an estimated population of a thousand in the Himalayas. British mountaineer Chris Bonington suggests that the remote, forested valleys could explain the scarcity of sightings and provide food and shelter.

Karl Shuker speculates that Messner's sightings might suggest that different yeti types (red, black, smaller red) are actually different life stages of the same species, with red individuals being young and black ones adults. This idea is considered unprecedented for primates. Roesch notes that if verified, Messner's claims could lead to the identification of the first "super-star monster."

More Tasmanian Tigers

Reports of thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) sightings continue globally. Denis Millar of New South Wales reported seeing a fox-sized creature with a kangaroo-like head and striped tail in 1997, which was speculated to be a thylacine, though Millar noted it lacked stripes and was smaller than depicted in old photos. Similar reports from the Jayawijaya region of Irian Jaya describe dog-like creatures with light brown fur and dark stripes, blamed for livestock deaths. Local people are fearful, and the government has offered a reward for a thylacine capture. The World Wildlife Fund has also received reports of "wild dogs" in the Abenaho district. While the WWF has no definitive evidence of thylacines in Irian Jaya, they are investigating. Reports of strange dog-like creatures have been ongoing for years in central Irian Jaya, and dog-like paw prints resembling a thylacine were found in 1993. Australian wildlife expert Tim Flannery remains skeptical of thylacine existence in Irian Jaya, despite fossil evidence suggesting they lived in the region thousands of years ago. Investigations are delayed due to regional instability and past hostage situations.

A Mystery Carcass off Kuwait

Mohammad Yousef Obaid reported finding a strange, 1.5 m (5 ft) long carcass off the Kuwaiti shoreline in August 1997. The creature had a human-like resemblance, with a distinct skull, eyes, ears, mouth, spinal cord, and pelvis. Obaid identified it as possibly a Chinese dragon or the devil. The remains, which turned black within a week, were stored in a freezer. Obaid's attempts to gain interest from research centers were unsuccessful. The carcass was later identified by marine biologist Richard Martin as likely a cow-nose ray (Rhinoptera neglecta), based on its cartilaginous nature, jaw anatomy, nasal capsules, and indented rostrum. This case is noted as the first time a ray has been identified as the cause of an alleged sea serpent carcass.

Another "Sea Serpent" Carcass

On December 25, 1996, a 26 ft (8 m) long, eel-like skeleton with a turtle-like head washed ashore in the Philippines. It lacked ribs and had a blowhole-like opening and fins. Initial guesses ranged from a primitive "eel-like fish" to a plesiosaur. The author suggests the remains were likely those of a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), explaining the eel-like appearance of rotting bodies, the turtle-like skull, and the presence of foramens (mistaken for a blowhole). The carcass's features, including the skull and vertebrae, are considered diagnostic of a shark.

The Beast of Bodmin is Caught on Film

The author expresses a strong belief in the existence of big cats, specifically pumas, in southwest England, citing numerous sightings, tracks, and livestock killings as evidence. The premise is that these are "out of place animals" rather than true cryptids, possibly released in the 1970s due to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. A 1994 government inquiry found no evidence, but a new inquiry was initiated in late 1997 following new evidence, including bite marks, DNA analysis of droppings, and photographs. One photograph, taken by an anonymous man in Cornwall, shows what is believed to be an adult female puma and its cub. The photographer regularly sees the puma and has a long-range panoramic photo that will not be released to protect the location. British big cat experts generally find the photo convincing, though location and photographer identity are key. The author concludes that the evidence supports the existence of pumas on the moors.

"The International Conference on the Relict Hominoid"

A conference held in Moscow in October 1997 brought together Russian scientists, American anthropologist Grover Krantz, and Canadian sasquatch researcher John Green to discuss unknown hominoid research. The conference coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Patterson film. Dmitri Donskoy, an 87-year-old professor, stated his conviction that the film is genuine. Conference organizer Dmitri Bayanov proposed listing the Patterson film in the Guinness Book of World Records and giving the sasquatch the scientific name "Homo troglodytes pattersoni." He also suggested establishing a Porshnev World Institute of Hominology. The article notes that the former Soviet Union once actively backed hominoid research due to numerous sightings, but interest waned after a fruitless expedition in 1958.

Notes of Various New and Rediscovered Species

• Brazil: Dutch primatologist Marc van Roosmalen discovered several new mammals near the Madeira and Amazon rivers, including four new monkey species (one reddish-orange, one greyish with orange legs), and is preparing to describe a new dwarf porcupine. He also claims to have seen new species of tapir and jaguar.
• Campbell Islands, New Zealand: A new species of snipe was discovered by a team from the New Zealand Department of Conservation while searching for the Campbell Island teal.
• India: The forest owlet (Athene blewitti), unseen since 1884, has been rediscovered in Maharashtra province by a team led by Pamela C. Rasmussen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Cryptozoology Review consistently explores reports of unknown animals, often termed "cryptids," ranging from large land mammals like the yeti and big cats to marine creatures like sea serpents and the thylacine. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach, critically examining evidence, identifying potential misidentifications (e.g., rays as sea serpents, basking sharks as monsters), and encouraging scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears to favor the inclusion of interesting phenomena within the realm of cryptozoology, as long as they are supported by some form of evidence, while also maintaining a critical perspective on sensational claims. The publication actively solicits contributions and engages with its readership on definitional and evidential matters within the field.

The Cryptozoology Review, Vol. 2 No. 3, Winter-Spring 1998, is a magazine dedicated to the exploration of cryptids and unexplained phenomena. This issue features a variety of news items and an in-depth review.

Cryptozoology News

Mystery Birds of India An article details a rare owl discovered in India, described as being 8 inches high with characteristic bands on its wings and underside, large eyes, a big beak, and outsized feet and talons. This owl is considered one of the three "mystery birds" of India, alongside the pink-headed duck and the Himalayan Mountain quail.

New Frog Species in Africa Martin Pickersgill, a British frog enthusiast, has discovered five new species of frog in central Africa, including a small one with red legs, which he named "Christine Watson" in honor of his girlfriend. Pickersgill is also planning an expedition to South Africa in search of the tokoloshe, a mythical hominoid said to be 3-4 ft tall and possess the strength of 10 men.

New Ant Species in Hong Kong A new species of ant, belonging to the genus Acropyga, has been identified on Green Island, Hong Kong. This ant is 4 mm long with unusually small eyes. Dr. John Fellowes of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden made the discovery during a survey to investigate environmental damage on the island.

The Coupira of the Amazon According to French ethnologist Dr. François-Xavier Pelletier, a mysterious giant monkey called the coupira may inhabit the Brazilian Amazon. Locals describe it as about 1.2 m high, very hairy, with a mane, a flattened nose, a large mouth, and large feet with crooked toes. Pelletier has led expeditions in search of the creature and believes he knows its location.

Globster Carcasses Following a report in the previous issue about a "globster"-like mass found in New Zealand, another similar carcass washed ashore in Tasmania, Australia, in January 1998. This mass was over 5 m long, 2 m wide, and estimated to weigh 3-4 tonnes. It was blubbery, smelly, and hairy, with "flipper-like arms." Scientists from CSIRO confirmed it to be whale blubber and plan DNA testing.

Chrysaora achlyos Jellyfish An enormous new species of jellyfish, Chrysaora achlyos, was described from the eastern Pacific in August 1997. It has a dark purple to black bell up to 1 m in diameter and long, delicate tentacles up to 6 m long.

Kokako Survival in New Zealand Recent evidence from New Zealand's South Island suggests that the South Island kokako, a bird species thought to be extinct, may still survive in the Grey and Maruia valleys. Evidence includes kokako-like calls, unusual scratch markings, a greyish-blue feather, and fleeting sightings.

Orang Pendek Hoax Newspapers reported a photograph of the orang pendek, a mystery primate from Sumatra, but further investigations by Loren Coleman revealed that the photos were fakes. No actual sightings of the orang pendek have been made in over a year and a half.

Seljord Lake Expedition An international group of researchers is planning an expedition to search Seljord Lake in Norway for a large new species of eel, potentially a 'sea serpent'.

Jaguarundi Sightings in Alabama Dozens of people in Mobile and Bladwin counties, Alabama, USA, have reported seeing a cat-like creature, possibly a jaguarundi. However, no hard evidence has been found.

Deep Sea Worms During a dive in the Japan Trench, a marine biologist observed about a dozen strange worms swimming by. One was photographed and determined to be a new species of polychaete worm, 15 cm long and 1.9 cm thick.

Cryptozoology of the Moa: A Review (Part One)

This extensive article by Darren Naish examines the cryptozoology of the moa, a group of large-bodied flightless birds endemic to New Zealand. The review covers:

Traditional Views on Moa Extinction

The article discusses the widely accepted view that the Maori hunted, killed, and ate moa, with abundant evidence from midden sites and butchered remains. It highlights the intensive and unmanaged nature of this hunting. The article also touches on other potential factors contributing to moa extinction, such as habitat destruction, avian diseases, and predation by introduced species like the Polynesian rat (Kiore).

Moa Populations and Extinction Time

Moa populations were likely not very high and the birds were vulnerable to hunting. The article suggests that larger species may have been preyed upon first, and that moa with restricted distribution were more vulnerable. It emphasizes that survival of any moa species beyond the moa-hunting period of Maori culture is unlikely, with the upland moa (M. didinus) being the most optimistic candidate for survival.

Conflicting Views on Moa Life Appearance

The article critiques "traditional" life restorations of extinct animals, stating they are often incorrect due to misinterpretation or lack of evidence. It notes that sufficient data from moa remains allows for a near 100% accurate restoration. Moa feathers were loose, elongate, and often double-shafted, with most being brown or reddish. They had a shaggy plumage resembling long, soft fur. The traditional view depicts them as ostrich-like with thinly feathered necks and legs.

An "alternative" view suggests moa had brilliantly colored plumage, booted legs, a well-feathered, thick neck, and a tall crest. This view is contrasted with Maori rock art, which depicts moa in the traditional style. The article discusses pitted areas on the cranium of Pachyornis australis that suggest a crest. Evidence from mummified moa, like the little bush moa, does not confirm the "alternative" view regarding feathered legs.

The article questions the reliability of Maori testimony regarding moa, noting that much of it was collected decades after the fact and often from second-hand sources. It also mentions that some Maori traditions describe moa as piscivorous, which is questioned by ornithologists.

William Colenso is identified as a potential source for the "alternative" moa descriptions, but his account is considered brief and inaccurate. The article concludes that "alternative" moa are not portrayed in Maori cave art, and there is no evidence from paleontology or archaeology to support these restorations.

Moa Posture

The article also discusses moa posture, contrasting the traditional view of erect-necked, ostrich-like birds with the possibility of a more horizontal, emu- or cassowary-like posture. It suggests that moa may have adopted a horizontal posture for general movement but reared up for high-browsing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on new discoveries and ongoing investigations into cryptids and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific inquiry, critically evaluating evidence, and distinguishing between credible data and speculation or hoaxes, as seen in the orang pendek case and the discussion of moa appearance. There is a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts and scientific analysis, while acknowledging the ongoing mysteries in the field of cryptozoology.

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review, Volume 2, Number 3, from Winter-Spring 1998, features articles on alleged moa sightings and sea serpent carcasses. The magazine is published by The Cryptozoology Review and is written in English.

Moa Sightings and Zoological Reality

The review critically examines purported moa sightings, positing that the majority describe birds that were extremely tall and erect-necked. This description is presented as being at odds with the presumed predominantly horizontal posture of moa, based on skeletal mounts and restorations. The author argues that, in combination with evidence for moa mass death and extinction, these sightings are unlikely to represent encounters with genuine zoological entities.

An exception to this general dismissal is the 1993 account by Freaney, Waby, and Rafferty. They described a moa that was 2 meters tall, with its body about 1 meter off the ground and its neck extending another meter. Notably, they claimed the bird was feathered almost down to the knee joint. While their description partially aligns with an "alternative" moa, the review points out an inconsistency: Freaney described the neck as long and thin in an interview, contradicting the thick neck suggested by a photograph.

The issue also mentions other accounts of smaller, longer-bodied moa, such as those by Alice McKenzie, a 1963 sighting in northwest Nelson described as "about a yard long and a yard high," and a 1928 encounter by Jules Berg with three birds. These sightings are suggested to represent a different phenomenon than the super-tall, erect-necked descriptions and are considered potentially more realistic, possibly describing smaller emeids like *Megalapteryx*. However, the review notes that these recent sightings are ironically the most unlikely.

Did Moa Have Spurs?

This section addresses the question of whether moa possessed tarsal spurs, a topic relevant to the identity of the cryptozoological entity known as the "roaroa." The review clarifies that the term "spur" in ornithological parlance refers to an excrescence on the leg, specifically the tarsometatarsus. It is noted that kiwis do not have tarsal spurs. The author discusses the assertion by Shuker that small moas did have spurs, but upon investigation, including examination of photographs of moa feet and published descriptions, no spurs were found. It is revealed that Shuker's reference to "moa spurs" actually pertains to the moa hallux, an etymological error that has caused confusion.

The text also references an observation by Rochfort that a "roaroa" had spurs on its feet. This observation is deemed equally applicable to either a kiwi or a moa, as both have feet equipped with a claw-bearing hallux. Kiwis are known to use their claws as weapons, and it is suggested that moa may have done the same, leaving the identity of the "kicking roaroa" unresolved.

A 1863 nocturnal moa sighting by Rees reportedly produced physical evidence in the form of trackways. These were described as large and avian, with the mark of a "spur." The review clarifies that any structure leaving a mark behind a bird's foot pad would technically be a hallux, not a spur.

A Review of Alleged Sea Serpent Carcasses Worldwide (Part Two -- 1881-1896)

This article by Ben S. Roesch continues a series examining alleged sea serpent carcasses, covering reports from 1881 to 1921. The first part covered reports from 1648 to 1880.

A Fossil "Sea Serpent" (early December, 1881)

A New York Times article from December 14, 1881, reported the discovery of two "sea serpents" in the Marl Pits near Marlboro, New Jersey. These were described as reptilian beasts resembling plesiosaurs or mosasaurs and were "somewhat decomposed." The location, about 15 km from the Atlantic Ocean, and the composition of the Marl Pits (marl, a calcareous soil) suggest that these findings likely date from the Cretaceous period. The discovery of mosasaur fossils in these pits could easily account for the "sea serpents."

An Oarfish near Otago (March, 1883)

An oarfish (*Regalecus glesne*) washed ashore in March 1883 near Moeraki, Otago, New Zealand, was initially mistaken for a sea serpent. It measured 12.5 feet (3.8m) long.

A Whale in Queensland? (March, 1883)

In March 1883, a carcass washed ashore in Queensland, Australia, described as a "trunked sea serpent" approximately 40 feet (12 m) long with an enormous snout. The review suggests this was likely a decomposed whale, possibly a humpback, whose skin and blubber decomposed and peeled off, creating the appearance of a "trunk."

A Reptilian Sea Serpent (early September, 1883)

On September 15, 1883, the New York Times reported on a creature found near the California Market in San Francisco. This "marine reptile" was 3 feet (1 m) long, copper-colored with dark brown spots, and had sharp teeth but no fangs. It was described as vicious and died the day after capture. Marine biologist Richard Martin suggested it might have been a California moray eel (*Gymnothorax mordax*), a theory supported by the description of its size, shape, teeth, capture locality, and behavior.

The Enigmatic Con Rit (1883)

This section details a bizarre alleged sea serpent carcass that reportedly washed ashore at Hongay in Vietnam's Along Bay in 1883. The report, originally from Dr. A. Krempf in 1921, describes an animal seen by a 56-year-old coxswain named Tran Van Con. The carcass was in an advanced state of putrefaction, with the head missing. The body was estimated to be 60 feet (18 m) long and 3 feet (0.9 m) wide, composed of successive segments, each 2 feet (0.6 m) long and 3 feet (0.9 m) wide, with appendages. The teguments were described as dark brown on the dorsal surface and light yellow on the ventral surface, and rang like sheet-metal when struck. The stench was so powerful that locals avoided it, and it was towed out to sea.

The animal was named "con rit," meaning "millipede," by the informant, suggesting an arthropod. Krempf later verified the story in 1924 by questioning other Chinese fishermen, who provided similar descriptions. The review discusses possible identities, rejecting the idea of a sea scorpion (eurypterid) due to their extinction and morphological dissimilarity. A giant crustacean is considered a more probable, though still unlikely, identification due to the segmented nature and armor-like teguments. Shuker (1995) argued that a giant crustacean is the only possible identity for the "con rit" and suggested that some "many-finned" sea serpent sightings might be of such creatures.

The article notes that the "con rit's" immense length is a major problem, far exceeding any known modern or fossil crustacean. The largest known crustacean, the giant spider crab (*Macrocheira kaempferi*), has a leg span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a body of only 45 cm (1.5 ft) long. The review concludes that while a giant aquatic crustacean is not entirely beyond the realm of possibility, it is still a difficult explanation for the "con rit's" size.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of cryptozoological claims, particularly concerning the moa and sea serpents. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards anecdotal evidence that contradicts established zoological knowledge, while remaining open to investigating anomalies and unexplained phenomena. The review emphasizes the importance of scientific evidence and logical deduction in identifying creatures, often attributing sightings to misidentification of known animals or fossil remains. There is a clear effort to distinguish between scientifically plausible explanations and speculative theories, though the publication clearly caters to an audience interested in the unexplained.

The Cryptozoology Review, Vol. 2 No. 3, published Winter-Spring 1998, is a magazine dedicated to the study of unexplained animal phenomena. This issue focuses on alleged sea serpent carcasses from the late 19th century, critically examining various cases and proposing potential identifications.

The 'Con Rit' Mystery

The issue delves into the enigma of the 'con rit', a carcass found in Vietnam. The article dismisses the possibility of it being a giant crustacean due to its narrow body shape and the impracticality of such a large creature surviving in its hypothesized habitat. The theory of it being an armored archaeocete (an ancient whale with bony plates) is also rejected, as this concept has been disproven. Another proposed explanation, that it was a whale backbone that had lost its associated structures, is discounted because the description lacks neural arches or spinous processes, which are typically robust. The most plausible, though still unlikely, explanation presented is that it was the caudal vertebrae of an oarfish. However, this is also problematic due to the asymmetry of oarfish vertebrae and their smaller size compared to the reported 'con rit' length.

The New River Inlet Carcass (1885)

This section details a carcass discovered in Florida in the spring of 1885. The Rev. Mr. Gordon found a 42-foot long vertebrate with a slender neck and two flippers. Initially thought to be a cetacean, its features were also suggestive of saurians. The carcass was in a state of decomposition. Bernard Heuvelmans suggested it was likely a rotting shark. The article further considers it might have been a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) or a whale shark, noting that while the basking shark's range might not typically extend to that specific area, the carcass could have drifted. The identity is ultimately listed as a probable basking shark or whale shark.

The Cape May Carcass (November, 1887)

This carcass is mentioned as being on Heuvelmans' list of sea serpent carcasses, but the article provides no details about it, only a reference to an article in an unspecified November 1887 issue of the Boston Courier. The author was unable to obtain this source, leaving the identity of this carcass as a literal unknown.

The Coffin Bay Hoax (early November, 1891)

The case of the Coffin Bay 'sea serpent' is presented as a humorous misadventure. The story originated from a garbled telegram that mistakenly reported the Bishop of Adelaide as dead, along with a sea serpent. While the telegram was intended to convey that the Bishop found a dead 60-foot sea serpent, the initial report caused confusion. Although initially recorded as a hoax, a later report from the Times suggests the Bishop did indeed find a dead sea serpent. However, given the Bishop's denial of the story's truth, the article concludes that this report was likely influenced by the initial telegram and news story, or it was a whale carcass. The identity is listed as possibly a hoax or a whale.

A Basking Shark in the Orkneys (1894)

Heuvelmans includes this carcass in his list, stating it was identified as a basking shark. The article concurs with this identification.

The Crescent City Catches a Sea Serpent (August, 1896)

This incident involved a fishing steamer named the Crescent City capturing a sea serpent in Florida. The creature measured 49 feet long and 6 feet in circumference, described as eel-shaped with a shark-like head and a finned tail. It was caught with a shark hook and eventually shot. Heuvelmans considered it a large, unknown eel-like shark. However, the article suggests it could have been a large shark such as a whale shark or basking shark, though this might not fully explain its eel-like shape. The comparison to Captain Hanna's fish is noted as speculation.

Summary Listing

The magazine concludes with a summary table of various alleged sea serpent carcasses, including their date, location, witness(es), length, and probable identity. This includes cases from Marlboro (New Jersey), Moeraki (New Zealand), Queensland (Australia), San Francisco (California), Hongay (Vietnam), New River Inlet (Florida), Cape May (New Jersey), Coffin Bay (Australia), Kirkwall (Scotland), and Carabelle (Florida).

Contributors and Contact Information

The issue acknowledges contributors Darren Naish and Ben S. Roesch. Naish is an independent zoological researcher with a degree in geology, specializing in dinosaurs, fauna of New Zealand, cetaceans, and cryptozoology. Roesch is a student interested in cryptozoology, marine biology, and animal behavior. Contact information for the editor, Ben S. Roesch, is provided, along with a preview of upcoming articles, including further installments on sea serpent carcasses, the piasa, and the survival of Carcharodon megalodon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of alleged sea serpent carcasses, often debunking sensational claims and proposing more scientifically plausible explanations, such as known species of sharks or whales, or even hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, relying on scientific literature and expert analysis to evaluate cryptozoological claims. The magazine aims to provide a thorough review of historical cases, acknowledging the limitations of available evidence while striving for rational explanations.