In the spirit of the 2010 Winter Olympics, perhaps we should visit another Canadian cryptid?  As it happens, I did in 1975, in B.C., at least.

(Photo: Loren Coleman © 1975)

Billings, Montana

Billings Gazette

July 1, 1934

Sea Serpent Is Objective Of Mounties

Edmonton, Alta., June 30. – (UP) – Royal Canadian mounted police are on the spot. 

Extolled for their ability “to get their man,” the mounties have been assigned the task of catching an Ogopogo – Sea Serpent to you. Since nobody, since the days of ancient mariners, has succeeded in hog-tieing an Ogopogo, it appears the mounties are in for a lot of work, if their reputation is to remain unblemished.

The latest source of annoyance for the world’s most famous policemen first poked its ugly head above the waters of Battle river near Rosalind, 77 miles southeast of Edmonton.

Described as “about the diameter of a stovepipe, 25 to 30 feet long, grey in color, with a slimy, tapering head,” the monster has been seen at points eight miles apart, at four different times by four different witnesses, all reputable folk.

The witnesses, three coal mine operators and a farmer, say the monster swims at a speed of about 15 miles an hour, lashing the water into foam as it moves.

The Ogopogo was reported to Royal Canadian Mounted police and crowds of more than 100 have gathered from time to time on the river bank in hope of catching the Ogopogo.

William Shurrett, farmer, apparently had the best view of the critter.  He said, “I was crossing a bridge and I saw waves like those made by a stream launch approaching.

“Then I saw a sea serpent coming through the shallow water.  There was no mistake about it.  It had an ugly head with a tapering neck and was about 30 feet long.  There was a bulge in its middle, as if it had just eaten a big meal.”

Thanks to Jerome Clark for sharing this archival news item.