Top Ten Animal Mysteries: The Loch Ness Monster
By Nicola Currie
Nicknamed ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness Monster and its existence is one of the most debated cryptozoological issues of all time. It is believed by some to be a surviving plesiosaur or ancient long-necked water reptile, others say it is nothing more than a myth created through the combination of the misidentification and fairytale.Extensive surveys using sonar and submersibles have failed to find any trace of the Nessie. Yet sightings continue to take place and research continues to be conducted. Recent findings suggest the presence of a massive underwater cavern, dubbed ‘Nessie’s Lair’, that could potentially lead to a whole network of caves, housing numerous Nessies. Many believers anticipate further research into this new development.
Of marginal interest was a real spate of sightings in the 1930’s, which were later claimed to be a local circus elephant that used to enjoy a quick dip in the loch when it was passing.
Latest sighting: May 2022, just in time to stir up interest for the tourist season, the latest blurry film was taken by an ‘amateur scientist’. (view it below)
Most likely to be: who knows. Our favourite explanation, apart from the elephant, is Maurice Burton’s assertion that the sightings could actually be the fermenting logs of Scots pines rising to the surface.
If a rotting log can’t release the gases caused by decay due to high levels of resin sealing the gas in then there will be a build up of pressure within the log. Eventually the gas pressure will rupture the resin seal at one end of the log propelling it through the water, maybe even to the surface. Have a look at that latest video – plesiosaur or tree trunk?
More nessinformation:
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