The Nessies: Giant Salamanders?

That's the issue I raise in my new Mysterious Universe article, which starts like this:

"Reports of lake monsters absolutely abound across the entire planet. Amongst the most famous ones are Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster, Ogopogo of Lake Okanagan, and Champ of Lake Champlain. The big question is: if the “things” are real, then what, exactly, are they? On the matter of the Loch Ness Monster, creature-seekers have suggested they may be relic populations of plesiosaurs, marine reptiles that are believed to have become extinct tens of millions of years ago. Other theorists suggest the creatures might be immense eels. Sturgeon have been suggested for some reports. And there is also the supernatural scenario.

"There is, however, yet another angle, too: the idea that the beasts of Loch Ness are salamanders, albeit of a very (very) large size. Salamanders are amphibians that are noted for their long tails, blunt heads, and short limbs and which – in the case of the Chinese giant salamander – can reach lengths of six feet."

Loch Ness and Giant Salamanders

It's fair to say I find it very difficult these days to get enthused about anything connected to the saga of the Loch Ness Monster, chiefly as a result of hoaxes and dwindling numbers of good sightings.

But, there is one exception...

That exception is Steve Plambeck's blog, The Loch Ness Giant Salamander.


As its title suggests, the blog (and Steve's research) offers the possibility that the Nessies are not the plesiosaurs or giant eels that many conclude them to be.

And, while some may scoff at the idea that the Nessies are over-sized salamanders, I would urge one and all to check out Steve's blog, as he does hit upon some interesting data that adds weight to his theories.

As a perfect example, check out the new post on this very matter, which Steve has just posted.

A Super-sized Salamander

Steve Plambeck has a new blog on the Loch Ness Monster that is as intriguing as it is controversial. Steve's blog is basically devoted to one theory for Nessie: that it's a giant salamander. There are only a couple of posts up so far, but check it out, as Steve has done some very thought-provoking analysis on a famous Nessie-themed photo...