Flying Snake - No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Flying Snake
Subtitle: A Journal of Cryptozoology, Folklore and Forteana
Issue: Volume 1, Issue 3
Date: May 2012
Price: £3
Publisher: Flying Snake Press
Country of Publication: UK

Editorial Content

This issue of Flying Snake magazine, dated May 2012, presents a diverse collection of articles focusing on cryptozoology, folklore, and fortean phenomena. The cover features a striking image of an Arctic fox, hinting at the theme of unusual animal sightings.

Dr Devo's Diary

The issue opens with 'Dr Devo's Diary,' which serves as an editorial introduction. The author reflects on the magazine's one-year anniversary and expresses gratitude for feedback. He mentions the potential availability of the magazine on Kindle and discusses the challenges of cryptozoological research. A planned article on a Loch Ness Monster sighting was withdrawn by the witness. The diary entry also highlights the inclusion of more 'Fortean' subjects than usual, such as an apparition of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus on a caravan roof, and teases future content including 'telling the time from cat's eyes' and the 'tragic story of Ota Benga.'

Fortean Foxes

The main article, 'Fortean Foxes' by Richard Muirhead, explores documented instances of foxes exhibiting unusual characteristics in Britain. The author defines 'Fortean Foxes' as those with odd coloration, size, or behavior. The article details several cases:

• Blue Fox: A record from the 1870s or 1880s from Co. Durham, Britain, and a mention of a blue fox killed in the West Country. Karl Shuker suggests these might be from fur farms.
• Arctic Fox in Dorset (April 1983): A light-colored fox was seen alive on a farm in Dorset and later found dead. Its description notes pale fawn and grey fur, dark guard hair tips, a dark grey face, long fur, small rounded ears, and a generally small, long-haired appearance distinct from a Red Fox.
• Platinum Fox on Dartmoor (March 2010): Shaun Histed-Todd reported seeing a creature resembling a young fox with a bushy white-tipped tail, dark-silvery-grey coat, large ears, and a black raccoon-like facial mask. This was identified as a platinum fox.
• Fox Fascination: An account from William Corliss's 'Incredible Life' describes a man who could 'fascinate' foxes with a call, causing one to approach him.
• Foxes Gathering: An instance where 30-40 foxes gathered after a man stopped chanting, then fled when the 'spell was broken.'
• Fox Seeking Sanctuary: A fox being chased by a hunt sought refuge in a garden and later escaped, after which wild foxgloves grew in that spot.
• Fox in Thame (June 1978): A young fox lost its way and took refuge in the cellar of a pub called 'The Fox.'
• Fox Stealing Golf Ball (August 1981): A fox basking on a golf course grabbed a golf ball, which had 'R. Fox and Sons' written on it, and ran off with it.
• Five-legged Fox Attack (July 2002): A five-legged fox attacked Jason Lloyd in his kitchen in Audenshaw, Manchester, before being killed by him.
• Fox Fascination (1861): Philip Gosse mentions a case from 'The Romance of Natural History' where a fox caused poultry to fall from a tree by running beneath it, before seizing a victim.
• Black Fox in Southern England (circa 1980s): A rare black fox was filmed over 20 years prior to 2010, but subsequent searches by the Springwatch team have yielded no further sightings.
• Dead Foxes on Roads (February 2012): A forum post from Dover, Kent, noted an unusual number of dead foxes found together on roads, with a similar occurrence noted for badgers.
• White Foxes: Several accounts of white foxes are detailed:
• A pure white fox killed in West Somerset in 1887.
• Reports from Northumberland in 1949 about albino foxes, including one killed in 1937 near the River Coquet, and a white vixen with normal cubs found that same year. Another white fox was seen later that season, and a keeper reported seeing a white fox in 1947.
• A Mail on Sunday article from 1987 about 'little white foxes,' detailing two white cubs, one shot and the other killed.
• David Bellamy is quoted stating that albino or white-skinned specimens of wild creatures are very rare unless specially bred.
• Roger Burrows' 'A Complete Study of The Red Fox' (1988) mentions white foxes from Dartmoor and Whaddon Chase, and notes Russian authors mentioning blue and silver foxes.
• A white fox sighting near the Wirral in May 2006, described as white with a peachy color.
• Communications in September 2007 discussed black and other colored foxes.

Other Articles and Features

• Two Types of Hedgehog: A brief mention of this topic.
• Archive China and Hong Kong Cryptozoology: An article by Richard Muirhead covering cryptozoology in these regions.
• Communist China.....and a “strange animal with horns that was not an ox”: An article exploring this topic.
• A Living Mammoth in Mississippi, in 1818: An account of a mammoth sighting.
• A Dog-Headed Sea Monster: A brief mention of this topic.
• A Vision of the Virgin Mary...On The Roof of A Caravan: An article detailing this apparition.
• Natasha: The Monkey That Walked Upright: An article by Zvi Ron.
• British Ball Lightning Reports 2009-2011: A report by Sam Hall/TORRO.
• Carl's Cogitations: Great Snakes of The World Part One: The first part of an essay by Carl.
• More Flying Lizard Reports From Australia and Beyond: An article on flying lizard sightings.
• The Uncertain Fate of Steller's Sea Cow: An article by Richard George.
• Notes and Queries: A section for reader contributions.
• Jocko Homo Devo: A featured item.
• Book Reviews: Reviews of relevant books.
• Letters: Reader correspondence.

Publication Details and Contact Information

Flying Snake magazine is available from Richard Muirhead, Flying Snake Press, 112 High St, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 7QQ, UK. The website is http://homepage.ntlworld.com/richmuirhead/cryptozoology/. The telephone number is 01625 869048. Mike Hardcastle serves as Sub-Editor from NSW, Australia, and Zvi Ron is a correspondent. Carl Marshall is a Zoological Consultant. The magazine is priced at £3 per issue, with a £9 per annum subscription for PDF via e-mail. Payments can be made via PayPal on the website or through http://www.flyingsnakepress.co.uk. Cheques and postal orders from within the UK should be made out to Richard Muirhead. Cheques from outside the UK are not accepted at this time.

Credits

Carl Marshall is credited for the photo of the Arctic fox on the cover, and Mike is thanked for drawings in the China and Hong Kong cryptozoology essay. Mailbox, Macclesfield, is thanked for printing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, forteana, and folklore, with a particular emphasis on unusual animal sightings and phenomena. The editorial stance, as suggested by the 'Dr Devo's Diary,' appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, encouraging reader participation and exploring a wide range of unexplained events. The magazine aims to cover 'obscurer cryptozoology,' suggesting a focus on less mainstream or well-known cases.

This issue of Fortean Times, identified by page number 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, focuses on a variety of unusual animal sightings and cryptozoological reports from both Britain and China.

British Animal Sightings

The issue begins with reports of unusual foxes in Britain. On September 22nd, John in Coventry reported seeing a scrawny black fox, noting it was darker than a typical fox. 'C C' provided further instances of black foxes, including one seen on September 21st, 2007, near Carmarthen Bay with a distinct black stripe down its back and shoulders, and also mentioned seeing three silver foxes in Carmarthen over the past four years. On September 18th, 2008, a newspaper website reported the sighting of a black fox on the outskirts of Chorley, Lancashire, by Mr. Hehir, who recalled old village tales of foxes being 'black as night'.

Moving to the spring of 2012, the magazine highlights reports of much larger than normal foxes in Britain. The Sunday Times on March 4th, 2012, published photographs of foxes nearly three times the average size. Two giant foxes, one in Aberdeenshire and another in Kent (weighing over 30lb, breaking the previous 26lb record from late 2010), are mentioned. A mother in northwest London described seeing a fox fleeing a neighbor's garden with a cat. Jonathan Reynolds, a senior research scientist at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, commented that a 35lb fox would have been unthinkable years ago and suggested urban areas might be providing better feeding opportunities. Carl Marshall observed a very large fox in Warwickshire in early 2012 and intended to collect hair samples.

The issue also touches upon historical accounts of large, unusual canids. The 'Country Man of Winter 1957' reported huntsmen in Sussex spotting a 'gigantic grey wolf-like creature'. A reply from Doris W. Metcalf mentioned seeing large grey wolf-like animals in the Wiltshire-Dorset border area before World War II, which she believed were remnants of ancient wolf-fox crossbreeding. She described seeing one near Jevington that was mistaken for a large Alsatian dog, and another near Glenleigh Manor.

A significant section is dedicated to a 'mystery animal' encountered in Knightwick, Worcestershire. Jo Morris and her mother, Rachel, described a creature that appeared to be a cross between a wild boar and a fox cub. Jo detailed its appearance: the size of a half-grown fox cub, with a long Roman nose like a wild boar's, smallish ears, mottled brown skin, a hunched back likened to a hyena's, and a long, thin tail. They ruled out a coypu, which is native to South America.

Cryptozoology from China

The magazine then shifts focus to cryptozoological reports from China. An article titled 'Archive China and Hong Kong Cryptozoology' by Richard Muirhead discusses an 'odd bird' reported in The Straits Times in July 1887. This creature, named 'Hupao', was described as having a red head like a turkey, green feathers, a goat-like body with black wool, no tongue, and eating bananas without chewing. It was exhibited in Canton for ten cash.

Another report from Kwangtung (Guangdong) in 1893 describes a bird with a human being's head. This creature, standing three feet high, had a human head and a body covered in long hair. The local people were alarmed, fearing it was dangerous, but the person who captured it profited from it. The bird was described as 'modest' and avoided public gaze.

An illustration by Mike Hardcastle depicts this 'China's Bird with a "Human Head"'. The author speculates it might have been a juvenile ostrich, noting the vague human-like appearance of an ostrich's head.

Further speculation suggests the bird might have been an ostrich that washed ashore in Kwangtung after a shipwreck of Admiral Zheng He's "treasure ships" in the early 1420s. The text references Gavin Menzies' book '1421 The Year China Discovered The World' which lists exotic items from treasure ships, including 'camel-birds [ostriches]'.

An illustration by Mike Hardcastle also depicts 'A Chinese spider with a human-like face' from February 1935. The accompanying text indicates the story of this spider would be on the following page.

A spider with a human face was reportedly discovered in Chumatien, Honan, China. Its body is small, but its head is large and pale white with black eyebrows and nose, and white lips. Its feet are dark brown. A Chinese man found it in his home and sent it to the People's Education Institution.

Under the heading 'CHINA'S MONSTER', the magazine discusses a 'Loch Ness' type monster in Kwangtung Province, which is suggested to be a 'Gigantic Python'. Reports from Toy-Shan indicate that a huge serpent had killed 42 villagers and terrorized the population. The serpent was eventually shot dead, and the individual responsible received a reward. Various conjectures exist, with some believing it to be a giant python occasionally found in remoter districts.

Finally, a 'STRANGE ANIMAL AT CANTON ZOO' is mentioned, described as a unique creature brought from the Taishan district mountains. It has the head of a cat, the body of a horse, and weighs over 100lb.

Other Reports

The issue also includes a brief report on a 'MAN KILLED BY SHARK AT HONG KONG'. Police-sergeant H.W Jackson was fatally mauled by a shark while bathing at Tweed Beach. It is believed the shark may have followed a ship into the area.

References

The issue concludes with extensive lists of references for the articles, including various publications, emails, and websites, spanning from historical natural history texts to contemporary online sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of unusual and unexplained animal sightings, often referred to as cryptids, and the exploration of folklore and eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these reports without immediate dismissal, allowing readers to consider the evidence and possibilities, consistent with the Fortean Times' focus on the unusual and unexplained.

This issue of Muirhead's Mysteries presents a collection of intriguing historical accounts and unexplained phenomena, spanning cryptozoology, political commentary, and unusual animal behavior. The magazine explores diverse topics, from ancient political factions in China to historical sightings of large, unknown creatures and a peculiar incident involving a monkey.

Communist China, the "Gang of Four" and a "strange animal with horns that was not an ox."

The article begins by referencing the author's blog on cryptozoology and introduces an obscure discovery from a Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) monitoring report dated January 18th, 1978. This report discussed "Communist China, the 'Gang of Four' and a 'strange animal with horns that was not an ox.'" The author notes the combination of mystery animal speculation with Chinese Communist intrigue and their custom of using the animal kingdom in their struggles. The "Quakers" mentioned are not the Christian movement but a term used in the context of Chinese politics. The "Gang of Four" refers to four radical political figures—Jiang Qing (Mao Zedong's fourth wife), Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen—who played a dominant role during the Cultural Revolution and were later arrested and blamed for its excesses. The FBIS report, originating from the Liberation Army Daily, discussed "Quakers" among the Gang of Four. An old scientist in Peking humorously declared that the "gang of four" bred a strange animal with horns that was not an ox, but had bristles and no horns, unlike a porcupine. These "strange creatures," the followers of the Gang of Four, were described as dashing, exciting, and obsessed with power, acting "crazy drunk" and causing "quakes," hence the term "quakers." Their actions were linked to a "revisionist line" and "counter revolutionary ultra rightist revisionist line." The article also mentions Deng Xiao-ping's pragmatic saying, "It doesn't matter if the cat is black or white as long as it catches the mice," illustrating China's approach to prosperity regardless of political ideology. This highlights China's history of combining animal mysteries with significant political events.

A Living Mammoth in Mississippi, 1818

This section presents a historical account from The Weekly Recorder (Ohio), published on April 17th, 1818. It includes a letter to Dr. Mitchell from a gentleman in New York, who had been sojourning in the wilds of upper Mississippi. The letter describes the "re-appearance of the mammoth" and the "great commotions among the wild animals," drawing a parallel to the recent appearance of a great serpent on the Atlantic shores. The report suggests that the present age is fruitful in curiosities. Dale Drinnon is cited as mentioning Ivan Sanderson's work on surviving mastodons in the Eastern US in the 1700s. The article also references a letter published in the National Aegis (Massachusetts) on June 3rd, 1818, from Dr. Samuel Mitchell, who spoke of a "quadruped so famed for its size, and which has long since been considered as extinct." Indian accounts of sightings on the Big Prairie, near the Redwood River, are mentioned. The text also touches upon Gavin Menzies' proposition that the Chinese sailed around the world after 1421 and brought animals to various regions, including elephants to the Mississippi and Missouri areas. A reference is made to "Mr Stanley" being captured and taken by elephant over mountains west of Missouri. Further details include mentions of a "Hippopotamus from Africa to China" (Beijing Museum - Western Han c. 208 BC) and African Bronze rhinoceros sculptures from the Western Han period. The existence of a Mo=Tapir is also noted, along with a legend of a rhino found on a Pacific beach, being transported back to China but stranded due to a shipwreck. The section concludes by mentioning a legend popular in Oregon historical circles about a rhino on a Pacific beach being transported to China but lost due to a shipwreck.

A Dog-Headed Sea Monster off Boneventura, South America, June 1721

This account is sourced from a Newsbank database of American newspapers, specifically The Boston News-Letter, dated June 26th to June 29th, 1721. Bonaventura is identified as a major sea port of Colombia. The report, originating from Paris on April 7th, 1721, details a "Strange Account of a Sea Monster" seen on August 18th, 1720, in the Gulph of South America, near Boneventura. The monster is described as having a "Head like a Water Spaniel with an indifferent wide Mouth, broad flat Teeth, fiery Eyes like those of an enrag'd Person, lank Hair, a large flat Nose, Hands, Arms, Shoulders, and all Motions like those of a Man, a brown Skin, full Breasts, like those of a Nurse." It was estimated to be about 8 Foot high and resembled a horse in its sexual characteristics. The creature was observed within arms length of a French Ship for two hours. The Captain ordered his men to strike it with a harping iron, but it escaped by diving. It later reappeared, snatched a line, and swam away like a man. It approached the ship again, raising itself so high that its knees were visible. The author notes that the monster did something for "Decencies sake" that was left unexpressed. The Duke Regent of Paris ordered a draught of the monster to be deposited in the Historical Records of Paris. The monster is also compared to one killed in 1717 on the Shelves of Boulogne by Mr. Caron.

A VISION OF THE VIRGIN MARY AND CHILD ON THE ROOF OF A CARAVAN, ISLE OF WIGHT, EARLY 1980s

This section describes an image that appeared on the roof of a caravan occupied by hermits on the Isle of Wight in the early 1980s. The author's mother knew two hermits who lived in a caravan near Wolverton Manor. They passed on a piece of paper with the image, which the author did not see personally. The notelet accompanying the image stated: "Just another portrait of Mary? Not quite- This one appeared and stayed for two months on the ceiling of an island hermitage soon after it was established. As it began to fade a need to draw it was felt so as to preserve the image and that the blessing might be shared..." A Google Earth image of Wolverton Manor, Shorwell, Newport, UK, is provided for geographical context.

NATASHA: THE MONKEY THAT WALKED UPRIGHT

This article focuses on Natasha, a black macaque monkey at the Safari Park in Ramat Gan, Israel, who gained international attention for walking exclusively on her hind legs with a "ramrod straight" posture. This unusual behavior began after she nearly died from a severe stomach ailment, which affected four monkeys at the zoo. Veterinarian Yigal Horowitz treated the monkeys, noting that Natasha was close to death. After intensive treatment, the monkeys recovered, but Natasha began walking upright. None of the other monkeys displayed similar post-illness behaviors. Horowitz speculated that the upright walking might be due to brain damage or other residual damage to the nervous system. The story was widely reported, accompanied by photographs and inspiring headlines like "Missing Link?" and "Monkey Apes Humans," leading to discussions about evolution and political commentary. However, the zoo later reported that Natasha walked upright for only four days before returning to normal macaque movements. She has since given birth multiple times and lives a normal life. The article suggests that severe illness can cause temporary damage in monkeys, potentially explaining unusual sightings of apelike hominids, which might be regular simians recovering from ailments. It also highlights how anomalous phenomena are often reported, with splashy initial reports gaining wide attention while follow-up reports, like Natasha's brief period of upright walking, receive less coverage, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, historical anomalies, and the intersection of the unusual with political or social events. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting intriguing historical accounts and unusual occurrences, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities and the nature of evidence. There is a clear interest in cryptozoology, historical mysteries, and the reporting of strange events, with an emphasis on critical examination and the need for follow-up information, as demonstrated in the Natasha case. The magazine seems to aim at exploring the fringes of accepted knowledge and historical records, inviting speculation and further research into these captivating subjects.

This issue of the magazine, titled "BRITISH BALL LIGHTNING REPORTS 2009-2011", is a compilation of reports and discussions related to ball lightning and similar phenomena, primarily from the years 2009 to 2011. It is published by the British-based TORRO Forum (Tornado Research Organisation), with contributions from Sam Hall and the TORRO Forum itself. The content focuses on meteorological events, particularly ball lightning and Globular Light Emitting Objects (GLOs), presenting witness accounts and analyses.

Ball Lightning and GLO Sightings (2009-2011)

The magazine details several specific incidents:

Hastings, East Sussex (November 26, 2009)

During a severe thunderstorm at approximately 02:10 GMT, a house in Hastings was struck. The roof was slightly damaged, with an opening found in the tiles and lining, allowing water into the house. A female resident reported hearing an explosion and the sound of a large vehicle, then saw a clear globe of light about the size of a football. Inside this globe, a miniature tornado appeared to be revolving. The object, described as a GLO, moved "slowly and erratically" and vanished without sound. The GLO was noted to be like a clear glass ball, not fiery or lightning-like.

Maidstone, Kent (March 7, 2010)

On Sunday, March 7, 2010, around 8:15 PM, Jane Davey reported seeing a small white ball in the sky, which she stated was definitely not a plane. As it passed over her house, a power cut occurred, affecting her road and beyond. Power was restored after 20 seconds, but internet and cable TV remained off all evening. Her cat, Sidney, was spooked for the rest of the evening.

Comments on this sighting include Stephen Saunders noting it sounded like a possible GLO/ball lightning event that could have caused electricity and telecoms outages. Danielle also reported experiencing a power cut around the same time in Maidstone. Lindsay Hawthorne mentioned her mother seeing about 10 orange flying objects in the sky on the same night in Blyth, Northumberland.

Colne, Lancs (August 18, 2010)

This incident, described as "Ball lightning (?)", was observed in Barnoldswick, Colne, Lancashire. The sky was dark and fairly clear, with no thunder or rain showers at the time. Barbara Davison reported the sighting. Jonathan W confirmed the location and asked about weather conditions. Barbara Davison later described the object as an "orange/yellow ball which seemed to be inside a black circle (balloon)" with white streaks following behind it like a meteor. It travelled horizontally to the ground and disappeared behind houses after about 15 seconds, without any explosion. Matthew Harris mentioned seeing numerous "Chinese Lanterns" by the coast in Lancs that week. Peter van Doorn commented that it was not possible to draw a conclusion other than it was a literal UFO, possibly of artificial origin, or a small hot air or fire balloon, or an unknown natural phenomenon, rather than BL or GLO.

Unexplained lights sighting - St Anns Chapel, Cornwall (May 6, 2011)

On May 6, 2011, around 18:40 BST, two white lights/objects were observed in the sky, estimated to be over Saltash, Cornwall, approximately 12 miles away. The lights/objects appeared to be about 1000 feet off the ground and were circling each other for about 30 seconds. One of the lights/objects then split away and accelerated at a phenomenal speed horizontally in a westerly direction before being lost from view in grey cloud, having travelled over 10 miles. The other light had disappeared when the observers looked back. The witness's father, experienced with fighter jets, noted the acceleration must have been significant to be seen from such a distance. This sighting occurred as a 'spanish plume' rain area was hitting the region.

In a discussion about this sighting, Nicola Parsons reported a similar experience with a huge clap of thunder around 23:00, seeing something in the southwest that could have been a small meteor or cloud-to-cloud lightning. John Pask clarified that the objects his parents saw circled each other before one accelerated, and he wondered if it could be cloud-to-cloud lightning. Nicola Parsons also mentioned a neighbour seeing a similar thing near electricity pylons. Jonathan Webb noted that the timing before nightfall made non-meteorological explanations less likely, suggesting similarities to some ball lightning incidents involving aircraft.

Peter van Doorn, in a later comment, suggested that the phenomenon clearly exceeds a meteorological solution and that these lights were true UFOs, though he did not believe alien spaceships were visiting Earth. He highlighted the salient points: the objects' circling behaviour, their duration of visibility (c.30 seconds, ruling out lightning), and the phenomenal acceleration, indicating intelligent behaviour. He classified them as an unknown aerial phenomenon related to BL/GLOs, possibly super-versions of BL/GLOs. He also noted that the objects were visible to human eyes and offered an enigma as an explanation.

Peter van Doorn later clarified that the lights/objects were apparently following each other in a small circular motion over Saltash during daylight. He was investigating further sightings online and planned to check local newspapers.

Carl's Cogitations: Great Snakes of the World Part One

This section, authored by Carl Marshall, shifts focus entirely to zoology, specifically large snakes. It begins with a quote from H.P. Lovecraft about the nature of weirdness. Marshall states the article is not a definitive coverage of outsized snakes but offers examples of giant cryptozoological species and personal speculation on variations of known species. He draws on his six years as a curatorial assistant at Stratford Upon Avon Butterfly Farm, mentioning encounters with unusual species like the Brazilian Wandering Spider. He also discusses donated snakes, often brought in by the RSPCA due to owner neglect or commitment issues, or when owners are overwhelmed by the snake's growth. Marshall recounts working with a 15 ft (4.5 meters) reticulated python, noting its immense strength and aggressive nature, and poses the question of what happens when a novice owner buys such a potentially giant and aggressive pet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the investigation and reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on ball lightning and GLOs. The TORRO Forum acts as a central hub for collecting and disseminating these reports. There is a clear editorial stance favouring the serious consideration of these phenomena, with contributors and editors actively seeking explanations, whether meteorological, known aerial phenomena, or potentially unknown or extraterrestrial origins (UFOs). While some contributors lean towards UFO explanations, the publication seems to maintain an open-minded approach, presenting various perspectives and encouraging further investigation. The inclusion of the "Carl's Cogitations" section on snakes indicates a magazine that may cover a range of unusual or intriguing topics beyond its primary focus on atmospheric and aerial phenomena.

This issue of UFO Times delves into the fascinating world of giant snakes and other unusual creatures, exploring zoological facts, historical accounts, and speculative possibilities. It covers topics ranging from the immense size of anacondas and pythons to the ecological impact of invasive species and intriguing reports of 'flying lizards'. The content blends scientific discussion with elements of cryptozoology and mythology.

Giant Snakes: Anacondas and Pythons

The issue begins by discussing the challenges of owning large snakes and the potential consequences of their illegal release into the wild, citing the Burmese python in the Florida Everglades as a prime example of an invasive species causing ecological damage.

Zoology currently recognizes the green anaconda as the largest species of snake by bulk. Established zoology suggests lengths of 28-30ft (approx 9.1 meters), with some acknowledging up to 37ft (11.2 meters). However, the author personally believes the green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) could reach 50-55ft (approx 16.7 meters), and the reticulated python (Broghammerus reticulatus) could potentially reach 45-50ft (approx 15.2 meters).

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to a witness account from adventurer F.W. Up de Graff and his team in 1923. They encountered a colossal green anaconda in South America, which Up de Graff described as measuring fifty feet for certainty, and possibly nearer sixty. He detailed how the snake's body was thick as a man's waist and looped under their canoe, with its head extending ten to twelve feet beyond the bow and its tail four feet beyond the stern. The encounter was startling, with the snake vanishing with an agile swirl of water.

The article questions the possibility of such extreme lengths, noting reports of anacondas up to 150-200ft (approx 60.9 meters), but dismisses these as likely exaggerations from frightened natives and non-scientific observers. It emphasizes that snake growth is limited by age expectancy, and while anacondas live for about 30 years in captivity, their wild lifespan and maximum size are influenced by factors like prey availability and nutrition.

Anacondas are described as primarily aquatic, struggling to move their bulk on land. Their terrestrial locomotion is termed 'Rectilinear locomotion' or 'caterpillar crawl'. In water, they exhibit incredible agility. The author suggests giant anacondas likely spend more time in water for thermo-regulation and hunting, which is a positive outcome as the species is declining and facing extinction. It is noted that anacondas over 30ft are most likely female, as males do not typically reach such sizes.

The issue also touches upon the mythological significance of snakes, referencing the biblical account of the serpent in Genesis and its symbolism in ancient Canaan as the god Eshmun, associated with healing. In Belize, the Boa Constrictor is known as the 'Wowla', believed to be the mother of all snakes. The green anaconda was named 'el Matatora' (the bull killer) by Spanish explorers, raising the question of whether they witnessed it preying on bulls, given its known ability to consume large prey like capybaras, wild pigs, and jaguars.

Further discussion explores the 'Giant Anaconda' or 'Sucuriju Gigante', a type of Boid snake that might be a new species or subspecies. It is speculated to be a descendant of prehistoric snakes like Gigantophis garstini or Titanoboa cerrejonensis, though the author leans towards it being an undiscovered variety of the green anaconda. The possibility of discovering and filming such a giant snake, whether 50ft or 150ft, is presented as a significant event for natural history and cryptozoology.

The 'Camoodi', a giant horned anaconda, is also mentioned, possibly being a large green anaconda with developed wide heads and distinctive eye stripes. However, the Camoodi is typically reported at shorter lengths (around 20ft), making its classification uncertain.

Invasive Snakes in Britain

The magazine then shifts focus to the presence of snakes in Britain, addressing reports of a 'Monster in the Thames' from February 2009, which was suggested to be a digitally enhanced hoax. It also mentions a similar photo from the Amazon. A brief list of escaped snake species in Britain is provided:

• A 10ft python found loose in a garage in Croydon in 1966 (no snake discovered).
• An African rock python found in a pillow case in Newcastle in May 2012.
• A Burmese python sighted in Northamptonshire in March 2010.
• A 12ft python rescued from under a shed in Cornwall in April 2010.
• Two snakes, a corn snake and a Honduran milk snake, found in a flat in Bournemouth, believed to have escaped from a pet shop. The Honduran milk snake was killed after biting the owner's daughter.
• A 7.5ft Boa constrictor named Diva escaped in Ipswich.

A warning is issued about the Honduran milk snake's similar appearance to venomous Coral snakes, with a rhyme provided to help differentiate them: "Red to Black venom lack, Red to Yellow kills a fellow".

The article discusses the challenges for non-native snakes in Britain's climate. Tropical species need to find ways to regulate their body temperature to survive. While a report of a Burmese python surviving in a rabbit warren near Birmingham is mentioned, it is deemed unlikely due to the climate. The Aesculapian rat snake (Elephe longissima) has established a population in Wales since the 1970s, believed to have escaped from a zoo.

The Amur ratsnake (E. schrencki) is proposed as a potential survivor due to its ability to digest food and tolerate cooler temperatures, hibernating underground. However, the survival of larger snakes in Britain is considered unlikely, as they require a more continuous heat source to metabolize. The author suggests larger snakes might be found in urban environments rather than natural ones. Climate change is noted as potentially making Britain more hospitable for non-native snakes in the future, although currently, even cool-tolerant species struggle to digest food properly in cooler ambient temperatures, leading to slow death.

More Flying Lizard Reports

The final section presents reports of 'flying lizards'. One report from The Courier-Mail, Brisbane, dated February 23rd, 1934, describes a four-foot-long 'flying lizard' captured near Saltwater Creek, which exhibited small fanlike wings when aroused. Another report from the Cairns Post of September 13th, 1948, references a discovery in Moscow (via Kazakhstan Pravda) of the complete skeleton of a pterodactyl, a flying lizard, in the Tamir district. This is noted as the third such specimen found in Russia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of extreme animal sizes, the challenges of invasive species, and the intersection of zoology with cryptozoology and folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious curiosity, presenting both established scientific knowledge and more speculative or anecdotal evidence, particularly concerning giant snakes and unexplained creatures like flying lizards. There is a clear interest in pushing the boundaries of known zoology and exploring the possibility of undiscovered or legendary animals.

This document is a series of articles from a magazine, focusing primarily on the Steller's Sea Cow (Hydrodamalis gigas) and its potential survival after its supposed extinction. It also includes shorter pieces on folklore, luminous worms, and a strange train incident.

The Uncertain Fate of Steller's Sea Cow

The main article, written by Richard George, delves into the history and mystery surrounding Steller's Sea Cow. The creature was discovered and documented by naturalist Wilhelm Steller in 1741 during an expedition to Kamchatka in the Russian Far East, led by Vitus Bering. Unfortunately for the species, it was described as delicious, tasting like veal, and its fat was a valuable source of flames for heat and light without smoke or odor, making it a target for hunters in the cold climate. Officially, the last Steller's Sea Cow was killed in 1768.

The article then explores claims of later sightings, citing Michel Raynal and the Bords, who suggest numerous sightings occurred in the nineteenth century. The bulk of the evidence for survival, however, lies in later reports. In the early 1950s, a whale harpooner told Dr. S.K. Klumov about a mysterious animal he had seen several times off Kamchatka near the Commander Islands. The harpooner distinguished it from whales, describing it as massive, over 30 feet long, black, and lacking a dorsal fin.

In July 1962, further north off Cape Navarin, a group of experienced hunters and whalers reported seeing a group of animals unlike any known cetacean or pinniped. These were described as smaller, between 18 and 26 feet long, very dark, with a small head and a distinctive fringed tail. This sighting attracted significant attention in Russia, leading to an article by Dr. Klumov in the journal *Priroda*.

The article also addresses skepticism, noting that Russian zoologist V.G. Geptner believed these sightings might be misidentifications of female narwhals. The author contrasts the described animal with narwhals, pointing out differences in color (mottled grey and white vs. black) and size (females up to 13 feet vs. over 30 feet).

The Bords' final sighting date is given as 1976, referencing a report of a corpse found at Anapkinskaya Bay. However, the author suggests this stretches the facts, tracing the source to a book by John Fairley and Simon Welfare, which in turn quotes an article by Vladimir Malukovich. This article describes a sighting by Ivan Chechulin, who identified a creature on a tidal belt as a Steller's Sea Cow after being shown a picture.

Scientists later discovered a piece of bone in a local museum that appeared to be from a Steller's Sea Cow that had died about ten years prior to its discovery. The Bords conclude optimistically that early 1980s Soviet researchers were actively searching for live specimens off Kamchatka.

Another alleged sighting from 1977 is mentioned, from the Gulf of Anadyr, where a fisherman reportedly touched one. However, the author notes that in the 35 years since, the trail has gone cold, with only two alleged sightings from 2006 and 2010 on the Cryptomundo website, which are suspected to refer to smaller animals from the Pacific Northwest.

The article draws a parallel with the Short-Faced Bear (*Arctodus simus*), which was officially extinct for over 10,000 years but might still roam Kamchatka. It also mentions an ongoing scientific expedition to the Kemerovo region in western Siberia to investigate almasty sightings. The author suggests that if *Hydrodamalis gigas* survives anywhere, it is likely in the remote Gulf of Anadyr region.

Skeptics argue that such a large animal would be difficult to miss. The article also raises concerns about the reliability of the Bords' evidence transmission, suggesting that some material is quoted at multiple removes, like Russian dolls.

Finally, the article touches on Mark Pilkington's theory in *Mirage Men* that UFO accounts might be fabricated by military services to distract from secret aeronautic projects, hinting at a broader context of deception.

Notes and Queries

Richard George poses a question: "Does anybody know of Steller's Sea Cow sightings from the Russian Far East after 1977?"

The Tiny Footballers

This section recounts a strange story from Ireland, published in the folklore journal *Béaloideas* in 1939. A man living near Ballyroan, returning home from work, saw a number of tiny men kicking a football. One of them invited him to join, but he was unable to kick the ball. When he finally struck it, he fell into a dazed condition, and the tiny men disappeared. The section concludes by asking if anyone has similar stories.

Luminous Worms

This piece, found in the British Library 19th Century On-line newspaper archive, discusses luminous earthworms seen in the Thames Valley. It notes that phosphorescent annelids are not uncommon, having been described as early as 1670, and many marine worms are also luminous. Mr. Hilderic Friend suggests that occasional phosphorescent worms might be useful in indicating the location of others, as earthworms are sensitive to light.

Train Stopped by Worms

An article from *The Hong Kong Telegraph* of July 6th, 1907, reports a strange phenomenon on the Siberian Railway. A train near Pogranichnaya station suddenly stopped because the tracks were covered by a thick mass of moving worms, identified as a species of woodworms. Passengers had to walk a distance, and the train covered the remaining distance at a snail's pace. The article questions how such a large migration of worms can be explained and if similar events have been observed elsewhere, suggesting older residents in Manchuria might know.

Online Community Contributions

Girl swallows butterfly, dies

A post from the "I Hate Butterflies Online Community" reports on a nine-year-old girl in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, who died after accidentally swallowing a butterfly. Her breathing passage was suspected to be blocked, and doctors noted that a powdery substance on butterflies might cause internal organs to swell. The post also mentions that certain species of butterflies and moths can cause blindness if their wing scales are rubbed into the eyes.

Butterfly cemetery

This is a personal account by "privolavacnavytah" from January 5, 2012, describing a childhood fear of butterflies. The author recalls hiding in a place where farm equipment was stored and being terrified by the sight of thousands of dead peacock butterflies with deadly blue eyes. This experience is identified as the cause of their current fear.

Another user, "KixyBoo," responds to the "Butterfly cemetery" post on February 17, 2012, agreeing that dead butterflies can be as scary as live ones.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of cryptids and unexplained phenomena, particularly the Steller's Sea Cow, alongside folklore and unusual natural occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for credible evidence. There's a clear interest in preserving knowledge of potentially extinct or elusive species and exploring the boundaries of the known world through anecdotal evidence and historical accounts.

This document presents a collection of historical reports and anecdotes concerning unusual animal sightings and phenomena, spanning from 1883 to 1997. The content is drawn from various publications and personal accounts, highlighting mysteries and curiosities in the natural world.

A British Tree Frog in Warwickshire in 1883

The issue opens with a report originally appearing in "The Midland Naturalist" vol 6, 1883, detailing the capture of a small tree frog near Hampton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire. The correspondent, Lloyd Chadwick, notes that the frog, identified as possibly *Hyla viridis*, measured about 1½ inch long, with a beautiful bright pea-green color above and white beneath, and a yellowish line down its side. Its toes were furnished with flat, round suckers. Chadwick expresses surprise, as he had never heard of tree frogs being native to Great Britain, though they are common on the Continent. The frog exhibited activity, climbing and leaping like a squirrel, but died within a few days, possibly from lack of food or water. Chadwick preserved it and offered to show it to interested parties. He mentions that all books on English zoology state that no species of tree frog is known in Britain, making the finding difficult to account for, especially as it was found far from any likely place of escape. Darren Naish, in his "Tetrapod Zoology Book One" (2010), is cited as suggesting that colonies of the European tree frog (*Hyla arborea*) in the New Forest are also considered native.

A Pure White Swallow

A photograph and report from the "Southern Daily Echo" dated July 15, 1932, describe a pure white swallow with pink eyes and feet found at Baskett's Farm, Gurnard. The bird and its three siblings were in a nest built in a pigsty. The white swallow had flown before a photograph could be taken and was liberated after being caged overnight. A white swallow had been seen in the same neighborhood for three successive years, leading inhabitants to believe it was from the same pair of birds.

The Bird of Death

An article from "The Examiner" (Launceston, Tasmania) dated May 30, 1914, reports on a poisonous bird from Papua New Guinea, known as the 'Rpir (?) N`Doob or "Bird of Death"'. This creature is described as causing maddening pains, loss of sight, convulsions, and lockjaw in those bitten.

Fox Hybrid?

A report from "The Natural History Journal" 1888, based on an entry in Eva Christy's Diary dated April 18, 1886, describes an animal seen near Chelmsford. It was grey, appearing to be between a fox and a hare, with a longish tail tipped with white and long brown ears tipped with white. While some suggested it was a cat or a hare, the long tail ruled out the latter. The observer concluded it might have been a young vixen.

An Electric Cat

An account from the "Manchester City News" in the early 1890s describes a cat in Monte Carlo from which electric sparks are evolved in dry air. Its movements create hundreds of minute blueish sparks, making a noise similar to crackling furze. Stroking the fur increases the sparkling, producing a remarkable miniature pyrotechnic display.

The Supposed Gorilla

A report from "The Illawarra Mercury" details a scare in New Zealand in 1871 regarding a strange animal seen by Mr George Osborne, which he believed to be a gorilla. Expeditions were launched to find the creature, but without success. Strange steps and marks were noted, and an 'old man opossum' was found in a hollowed-out tree, which was cut down by searchers.

Blackbird Feeding Carp in Oxford

An extraordinary story from "The Country Man" magazine (Aug-Sept 1997) recounts an event at Christchurch College, Oxford. Mr H.M. Youd of Wheatley observed a female blackbird perched on the edge of the pool in Tom Quad, feeding large carp with insects. This spectacle continued for about three weeks, attracting students, staff, and tourists. It is presumed the blackbird mistook the carp's gaping mouths for its own hungry brood.

Pygmy Elephant in Southern Vietnam in 1794?

This section references a list of tribute given to the Chinese Emperor in 1794 by the British envoy, Lord Macartney, as reported in "The Daily Advertiser" (New York) on October 9, 1794. Under 'Cochin China' (Southern Vietnam), the list includes 'A very small elephant, 14 inches high,' suggesting a particularly exotic or special specimen.

Cryptids of 1904

"The Times of Swazieland" reported on November 5, 1904, on a roundup of mystery animals from 108 years prior. These included: a new species of jaguar, a rhinoceros in Burmah with a black hide and tufted ears (though never seen alive), a unicorn in the Himalayas, a new type of animal in New Zealand (possibly a lizard-bird or duck bill type), and mysterious footprints found in the snow of New Zealand's high mountains.

Unknown Species of Crab

A drawing by Indian naturalist Sali Palode, published with permission, depicts an unknown species of crab seen in an inland forest in Kerala state, India. A reference is made to an article in "The Saturday Telegraph magazine" of February 11, 2012, titled 'Paradise in Peril,' concerning Madagascar, where Richard Grant is quoted stating, "We saw crabs scuttling sideways in a forest many miles from the ocean."

Devo Jocko Homo

This section contains lyrics for a song titled "Devo Jocko Homo," which explores themes of evolution, human origins, and the relationship between humans and apes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the unusual, and the mysterious in the animal kingdom. The magazine presents a variety of anecdotal evidence, historical reports, and scientific observations that challenge conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a willingness to explore phenomena that fall outside the ordinary, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond established knowledge. The inclusion of diverse sources, from personal diaries to newspaper articles and scientific journals, suggests an interest in compiling a broad spectrum of intriguing natural history accounts.

This issue of 'The Steampunk Naturalist', identified by issue number 9 and dated approximately 2012, presents a collection of book reviews and personal reflections, with a focus on cryptozoology and natural history. The cover features a distinctive steampunk-themed illustration.

Book Reviews

In the Wake of Bernard Heuvelmans - An Introduction to the History and Future of Sea Serpent Classification

This review discusses Michael A. Woodley's book, published by CFZ Press in 2008. The manuscript is described as academic and readable, examining sea serpent classification from the early 'Rafinesque model' of 1819 up to Bruce Champagne's work in 2007. Woodley's approach is noted for employing a multifactor, data-driven methodology to create his own categories, including a 'plausibility method' for cryptids with limited data, such as the Mongolian death worm and the Namibian flying snake. The conclusion of Woodley's manuscript aims to re-evaluate Heuvelmans' eight cryptid identities using contemporary zoological knowledge and the plausibility method. The review highlights sections covering Heuvelmans' pinnipeds, archaeocetes, marine 'saurians', super-eels, and giant invertebrates. A specific mention is made of the 'con-rit', or many-finned sea serpent, and a case from 1883 at Hongay Beach, Vietnam, involving the oarfish, which Woodley categorizes as a super-eel. Oarfish are also noted to have appeared in Hong Kong.

Discovering Natural Israel

This review covers Michal Strutin's book, published by Jonathan David Publishers in 2001. It is lauded as one of the best books on the fauna and flora of Israel and a significant natural history book of the new century. The book is well-researched, integrating Abrahamic references, archaeology, biblical history, Josephus, and natural historians. It details the natural history from south to north, beginning with an introduction emphasizing Israel's natural wonder. The review notes the inclusion of numerous color photos, maps, and detailed boxes on specific animals like the camel and ibex. While it contains no cryptozoology, the reviewer found the survival of the crocodile until c. 1908 and the leopard interesting. A resources section includes nature reserves, parks, and related sites, along with a bibliography and index.

BioFortean Notes 2

Edited by Chad Arment and published by Coachwhip Publications in 2011, this is considered a worthy successor to volume 1. It includes articles such as 'The Broad River Sea Serpent' by John Hairr, 'Probing The 1896 St. Augustine Carcass' by Nelson Jecas and Renee Fratpietro, 'Irish Snakes', 'Wild Cats and Other Mystery Animals' by Richard Muirhead, 'Sonoran Sasquatch?', and 'The Historical Bigfoot: A Supplement' by Chad Arment. The review notes that many of these accounts rely on newspaper reports, but praises the technical detail in Jecas and Fratpietro's account of tissue sampling and the overall detail of Arment's supplement.

Letters to Flying Snake

This section features a letter from the author's cousin, Daniel Kenning, reflecting on different levels of existence within human consciousness. Kenning discusses how we perceive the existence of animals, from those we have personal evidence for (like cats) to those known through photos and stories (like koalas), and those with uncertain existence (like the Loch Ness Monster or werewolves). He explores the idea of projecting ourselves onto our surroundings to make things exist and questions the basis for the 'existence' of cryptids within human consciousness, suggesting reasons like sightings, innate fear, or human emotions. The letter also touches upon anthropomorphism in religion as a way to understand abstract entities like God.

The author then recounts sending copies of 'Flying Snake' 1 and 2 to Sir David Attenborough in January 2012 to inquire about unknown species in Madagascar. Attenborough's handwritten reply stated that Madagascar is under-researched and likely harbors many undiscovered species, which the author found encouraging. A subsequent letter to Attenborough about land crabs in Madagascar received a typed response detailing their commonality in tropics and mentioning the coconut crab and sixteen species on Christmas Island.

Another anecdote involves the author mistaking Richard Grant, the actor, for Richard Grant, the author of a Telegraph Magazine article on Madagascar's fauna. This led to a humorous recorded message from Richard E. Grant clarifying he had not written the article.

Finally, a letter from Richard George in October 2011 is included, mentioning the cryptozoology music connection and the band Flying Lizards' 1979 hit single 'Money'.

The Steampunk Naturalist - Cover and Historical Illustration

Page 6 features the title 'The Steampunk Naturalist' with the subtitle 'Mad Science and Natural History, Victorian Style', accompanied by illustrations of a trilobite and a portrait. Page 7 displays a collection of woodcut prints by Thomas Bewick, published by W. Davison in Alnwick between c. 1820-1840, depicting various subjects including 'The Rattle-Snake', 'The Sea-Orb', 'The Green Lizard', 'The Torpedo', 'Man and Ass', 'Hares', 'Robinson Crusoe shooting at Muley', and 'Black Dwarf and the ladies'. These prints are noted as being from the Trustees of the British Museum.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of natural history, cryptozoology, and scientific classification, often with a historical or Victorian-era perspective, as suggested by 'The Steampunk Naturalist' title. There is an emphasis on reviewing contemporary works that engage with historical cryptozoological research, such as Bernard Heuvelmans' work. The personal reflections and letters suggest an editorial stance that values speculative inquiry and the exploration of consciousness in relation to unexplained phenomena, while also appreciating rigorous scientific documentation of known species. The inclusion of historical prints by Thomas Bewick reinforces a connection to the tradition of natural history illustration and scholarship.