Steller’s Sea Ape

On August 10, 1741, German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller observed an unknown marine creature near the Shumagin Islands during Vitus Bering’s second expedition. Steller, a credible scientist, described an animal that matches no known species.

The Observer

Steller was the naturalist on Bering’s historic expedition and is famous for describing Steller’s sea cow, now extinct, and other northern Pacific species. His scientific credibility was unquestionable.

The Description

Steller observed the creature for two hours. He described it as about five feet long, with a dog-like head, pointed erect ears, and a body that tapered to a forked tail. It had thick, reddish fur and whiskers.

The Behavior

The creature appeared playful, cavorting near the ship. It seemed curious about the vessel. Steller noted it matched no animal he knew, including sea lions and seals.

The Mystery

Despite Steller’s detailed description, no known animal matches the sea ape. Suggestions include sea otters, fur seals, or an unknown species. Nothing explains all of his observations.

Assessment

Steller’s sea ape represents a sighting by a credible scientific observer of an animal that has never been identified. The North Pacific may have harbored species now extinct, or something unknown still lives in those cold waters.