Cadborosaurus: about "Caddy" the Canadian sea serpent
Cadborosaurus isn’t the first water cryptid that would spring to mind (hello Nessie), but tales of this creature and others like him abound all over the globe.
Let’s learn more about the
cryptids that supposedly live in seas and lakes.
What is Cadborosaurus?
The Cadborosaurus is a mysterious sea serpent said to roam the waters off the coast of British Columbia, Canada.
This legend traces its roots to the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, particularly the coastal regions of British Columbia.
Tales of a serpentine creature lurking in the deep waters have been passed down through generations, with sightings dating back to the late 19th century.
Named after Cadboro Bay, where sightings were first reported, Caddy has become an integral part of local folklore and continues to intrigue researchers and enthusiasts alike.
What does the Cadborosaurus look like?
Descriptions of Cadborosaurus vary, but common features include a long, serpent-like body, a horse-like head and sometimes flippers or limbs.
Witnesses have reported seeing Caddy gliding gracefully through the waves, its sinuous form undulating beneath the surface.
Despite numerous sightings and occasional photographic evidence, conclusive proof of Cadborosaurus’ existence remains elusive, fueling speculation and debate.
Which let’s face it, is pretty standard in the area of Cryptozoology…
Does Cadborosaurus resemble the Loch Ness monster?
Cadborosaurus and the Loch Ness Monster (“Nessie”) share some similarities in that they are both cryptids associated with large bodies of water.
The main difference comes in appearance. While both creatures are described as serpent-like, their specific physical characteristics differ.
Cadborosaurus is often described as having a horse-like head and sometimes flippers or limbs, whereas Nessie is typically described as having a long neck and one or more humps protruding from the water.
The other main difference is in location and cultural folklore context. Cadborosaurus is primarily associated with the Pacific Ocean, particularly off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, and is linked to indigenous traditions of the region.
While Nessie is associated with Loch Ness in Scotland, is deeply embedded in Scottish folklore and has become a significant part of Scotland's cultural identity.
What other water cryptids are there?
Some of the lesser known water cryptids include:
Lariosauro of Lake Como
Lariosauro is a cryptid rumored to inhabit Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.
Like all cryptids, descriptions of Lariosauro vary, but it is generally depicted as a large, lizard-like creature with a serpentine body.
Some accounts suggest it has scales covering its body, while others describe a smoother skin texture. The creature is often portrayed as possessing a long tail, similar to that of a traditional sea serpent and it may have features reminiscent of other reptilian creatures.
Encounters with Lariosauro are said to date back centuries, with reports of sightings by fishermen, sailors and locals who claim to have glimpsed the creature gliding silently through the lake's depths.
Selma: the Norwegian lake monster
The Norwegian sea cryptid “Selma” is a legendary creature reportedly sighted in the Seljord Lake, located in the Telemark region of Norway.
Descriptions of Selma vary, but it is often described as a large, serpentine creature resembling a sea serpent or lake monster.
Similar to other cryptids around the world, sightings of Selma date back centuries, with reports from fishermen, sailors and locals who claim to have seen the creature swimming in the lake's waters. Some descriptions suggest that Selma has a horse-like head and a long, sinuous body, much like Caddy. While others describe it as having a more reptilian appearance.
The legend of Selma is deeply ingrained in the folklore of the Telemark region, where stories of encounters with the creature have been passed down through generations.
Champ: The Mystery of Lake Champlain
Venturing back Stateside to the shores of Lake Champlain, we have Champ, a legendary lake monster said to inhabit the waters between New York, Vermont and Quebec, Canada.
With a long, serpent-like body and reported sightings dating back centuries, Champ bears a striking resemblance to both Cadborosaurus and Nessie.
Ogopogo: Guardian of Okanagan Lake
Heading back to the west, we find Ogopogo, the mysterious lake monster said to dwell in the depths of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, Canada.
Similar to its counterparts, Ogopogo is described as a long, serpentine creature with sightings dating back to the early 19th century.
Are sea cryptids really just other sea creatures?
Cryptozoologists and researchers continue to investigate reports of Cadborosaurus and other sea serpent cryptids, but skepticism persists due to the lack of concrete evidence.
Some explanations for sightings include misidentifications of known marine animals, such as seals, otters, or oarfish, as well as hoaxes and exaggerations.
These are often the same explanations given to all
cryptid categories.
Is Big Blue a real cryptid?
Although by nature cryptids aren't known to be "real", this one is definitely make believe.
Big Blue is a cryptid that is primarily associated with an episode of the television series The X-Files titled "Quagmire," which aired during the show's third season. In the episode, Big Blue is portrayed as a mysterious lake monster rumored to inhabit a fictional lake in Georgia, United States.
The creature's legend is based on folklore within the episode's universe, drawing inspiration from real-world lake monster legends discussed above, such as Champ, Nessie and Ogopogo.
However, unlike those cryptids that are based on apparently real sightings, Big Blue is a 100% fictional creation specifically for the show.
It was designed to fit within the narrative of the episode and the overarching themes of The X-Files, which often blend supernatural or paranormal phenomena with investigative drama.
While Big Blue itself may not be a real cryptid, the episode highlights the enduring human fascination with lake monsters and other unknown entities that may hang out in the world's bodies of water.
It also serves as an example of how popular culture can draw inspiration from existing cryptids and folklore to create new myths and legends.
"Don't go back in the water..."
So there you have it. While Nessie might have forged into the modern consciousness as the poster child of water cryptids. There are many such creatures lurking in tall tales and stories from all over the world.
And i'm here for all of them.
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