Ogopogo

Ogopogo is a cryptid reported in Lake Okanagan, British Columbia. Like its Scottish cousin Nessie, Ogopogo has been sighted for over a century and has become a cherished part of local culture, with dedicated researchers and annual sightings.

Indigenous Tradition

The Okanagan people knew of n’ha-a-itk, a lake spirit that demanded tribute from travelers. According to tradition, those crossing the lake would throw animals into the water to ensure safe passage. This tradition predates European settlement.

Early Sightings

European reports begin in the 1870s. The creature was given its current name in 1926 after a music hall song. Since then, hundreds of sightings have been reported, with the creature typically described as a serpentine animal with humps.

The Lake

Lake Okanagan is well-suited for harboring large unknown creatures. It is over 80 miles long and reaches depths of 750 feet. The cold, deep waters could support a fish population large enough to feed a sizable predator.

Evidence

Photographs and videos of Ogopogo have been taken, though none conclusive. Some show moving objects in the water; others capture what could be boat wakes or logs. A sonar search in 2000 detected a large moving object.

Assessment

Ogopogo enjoys more consistent sightings and broader acceptance than most lake monsters. Whether a surviving prehistoric creature, a population of unknown fish, or optical illusions on a long, deep lake, something in Lake Okanagan continues to be seen.