Cadborosaurus (Caddy)
A sea serpent with a horse-like head has been reported off British Columbia for nearly a century. A carcass was allegedly found inside a whale. 'Caddy' remains unconfirmed.
Cadborosaurus, affectionately known as “Caddy,” is a sea serpent reported from the Pacific Northwest coast, particularly around Vancouver Island. Unlike many sea serpent legends, Caddy has a specific alleged specimen—a carcass reportedly found inside a sperm whale.
Description
According to documented sightings:
Caddy is typically described as:
- 40-70 feet long
- Snake-like body
- Horse-like or camel-like head
- Large eyes
- Short front flippers
- Possible rear flippers or fan-like tail
- Vertical undulation (like a snake, not a fish)
- Multiple humps visible when swimming
The Name
The creature was named Cadborosaurus after Cadboro Bay near Victoria, British Columbia, where early sightings occurred. “Willsi” honors newspaper editor Archie Wills.
Famous Sightings
1933: The creature was given its name after a wave of sightings.
1937 (The Naden Harbour Carcass): Workers at a whaling station found a strange creature inside a sperm whale’s stomach. They described it as:
- 10-12 feet long
- Horse-like head
- Serpentine body
- Photos were allegedly taken
1950s-Present: Sightings continue regularly from Alaska to Oregon.
The Naden Harbour Specimen
The 1937 carcass is Caddy’s most tantalizing evidence:
- Found in a whale’s stomach at Naden Harbour, BC
- Witnesses provided consistent descriptions
- Photos reportedly exist but are disputed
- The specimen was not preserved
- Scientists were not consulted
If authentic, it would confirm an unknown marine animal. But without the specimen, confirmation is impossible.
Analysis
Proposed identifications:
Unknown Species: A surviving prehistoric marine reptile or an undiscovered species.
Oarfish: These deep-sea fish can reach 30+ feet and have horse-like faces.
Basking Shark: Decomposing basking sharks can appear serpentine.
Ribbon Fish: Long, thin fish that could be misidentified.
Sea Lions in a Row: Multiple sea lions swimming can appear as humps.
Scientific Interest
Unlike many cryptids, Caddy has received some scientific attention:
- Dr. Paul LeBlond and Dr. Edward Bousfield proposed it as a new species
- They published their analysis in peer-reviewed journals
- Most scientists remain skeptical
- No specimen has been recovered for study
Modern Status
Caddy sightings continue:
- The BC Scientific Cryptozoology Club investigates reports
- Tourism embraces the legend
- New witnesses come forward regularly
- The creature remains unconfirmed
Whether unknown animal or misidentification, Caddy has become an enduring part of Pacific Northwest culture.