Preserving the Relationship Between Mythical Creatures and Humanity
The Creature Files – Episode Thirteen: "Getting to Know Nessie"
SHOW NOTES:
Sightings Desk: Bigfoot Video Footage in Idaho
Creature Feature: Loch Ness Monster
Special Guest: Ken Gerhard
Although sightings of a strange creature in Loch Ness have been traced back to the sixth century, the modern legend began in 1933 when a journalist and water bailiff (a sort of lake policeman) reported seeing a dragon-like monster in the famed body of water. Of course, since that initial report, the legend of the loch ness “monster” has spread far and wide, fueling stories in books, movies, and imaginations around the world. There have been more than 1100 recorded sightings of Nessie to date with the earliest dating back to 565AD. Sightings of the Loch Ness monster in 2021 have already reached the number recorded in 2020 after two more incidents were added to the official register.
The creature, itself, is described as resembling a plesiosaur, an aquatic dinosaur with a long neck and four flippers. In addition to the hundreds of first-hand accounts, there are dozens of alleged photos and videos of the creature and many searches have been undertaken in the lake to find Nessie. However, according to human historians and scientists, there has been no definitive proof or confirmation of the creature’s existence. But that isn’t for a lack of looking. There is even a live webcam of Loch Ness where you can take on your own search for the mysterious creature. In fact, many of the sightings taking place today are from individuals who are watching the loch through the webcam. A sort of crowd sourcing of sightings.
The real interesting discussion regarding Nessie is not in the sightings or the alleged pictures, but in the sonar data. And that brings us to this episode’s guest. Ken Gerhard is a widely recognized cryptozoologist and field investigator for The Centre for Fortean Zoology, as well as a fellow of the Pangea Institute and consultant for several research organizations. He has traveled the world searching for evidence of mysterious animals and legendary beasts including Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Chupacabra, enigmatic winged creatures and werewolves. In addition to co-hosting the History Channel TV series "Missing in Alaska," he has appeared in episodes of the television series "Monster Quest" and is featured in the History Channel special "The Real Wolfman," as well as other series including "Ancient Aliens," "True Monsters," "Unexplained Files," "Legend Hunters," "Paranatural," "Weird or What?" with William Shatner, and more. He currently lectures and exhibits at various conferences and events across the United States. He has traveled to twenty-six different countries on six continents and has visited virtually all of the United States.
His new book is "The Essential Guide to the Loch Ness Monster & Other Aquatic Cryptids." It includes the most accurate and indispensable information that's been gathered with regard to the Loch Ness Monster - the best evidence supporting its existence, consensus expert opinions up to this point, the most compelling encounters, and really everything you need to know about the subject in order to become Nessie knowledgeable.
