Lake Champlain Monster - Champ

Lake Champlain, straddling the border of Vermont and New York, has been home to reports of a large, unknown creature for centuries. Known as “Champ,” the creature gained international attention in 1977 when Sandra Mansi photographed what appears to be a plesiosaur-like animal. Hundreds of sightings continue to be reported.

The Lake

Lake Champlain:

• 125 miles long
• Up to 400 feet deep
• Vermont/New York border
• Cold, deep water
• Ancient lake

Early History

Reports date to:

• Samuel de Champlain, 1609
• Native American legends
• 19th century sightings
• Continuous reports
• Long tradition

The Mansi Photograph

July 5, 1977:

• Sandra Mansi
• On vacation
• Saw creature
• Took photograph
• Famous image

The Photo Shows

In the image:

• Long neck
• Small head
• Breaking water surface
• Dark coloration
• Plesiosaur-like

Analysis

Experts examined:

• Original negative lost
• Prints studied
• Distance estimated
• No conclusive finding
• Debates continue

Sandra Mansi

The witness:

• No Champ interest prior
• Reliable reputation
• Maintained account
• Passed polygraph
• Credible witness

Common Descriptions

Witnesses report:

• Long neck
• Horse-like head
• Dark gray/brown
• Multiple humps
• Various sizes

Sighting Numbers

Over the years:

• Hundreds reported
• Some mass sightings
• Various locations
• All seasons
• Ongoing

Scientific Interest

Researchers have:

• Used sonar
• Underwater cameras
• Surface monitoring
• Found anomalies
• No conclusive proof

Dennis Hall

Dedicated researcher:

• Decades of study
• Multiple sightings
• Videotaped anomalies
• Database maintained
• Leading expert

Legal Protection

Both Vermont and New York:

• Passed resolutions
• Protecting Champ
• From harassment
• If it exists
• Symbolic gesture

Echolocation Study

2003 research:

• Fauna Communications
• Recorded sounds
• Similar to beluga/orca
• Unknown source
• Intriguing data

Tourism

Champ has become:

• Regional attraction
• Festivals held
• Merchandise sold
• Tourist draw
• Economic benefit

Possible Explanations

Theories include:

• Surviving plesiosaur
• Giant sturgeon
• Unknown species
• Misidentifications
• Hoaxes

Significance

Champ is significant for:

• Mansi photograph
• Centuries of sightings
• Legal recognition
• Scientific interest
• Cultural impact

Legacy

Lake Champlain’s Champ ranks alongside Nessie as one of the world’s most famous lake monsters. The combination of the Mansi photograph, hundreds of sightings, and ongoing research ensures that the search for Champ continues.