Helena Independent, Helena, Montana

September 24, 1880

Strange Sea Serpent.

San Francisco, September 22. – A Victoria dispatch says: A genuine sea serpent six feet in length with an orthodox mane, head shaped like a panther and the tail whittled down to a sharp point, was brought in by the Indians who caught it in deep water in the Straits of Deharo.

Its appearance creates intense interest amongst the savants and old fishermen who can not place the monster. The serpent has been photographed and the body will be preserved in spirits and sent to Ottawa for classification.

What do you think ever happened to the photo of this catch? What a great research project for a British Columbian researcher.

Thanks to Jerome Clark for this archival report.