For as long as we can remember, the Highlands of Scotland have reportedly housed a marine creature that defies both science and evolution. Local lore takes the story back centuries, but the current myth began in 1933 with a couple stating that they saw a massive animal crossing the road near Inverness and submerge itself underwater. Shortly after that, what now is known as the “Surgeon’s Photograph” went viral, all but confirming the truth of some mysterious monster living in Loch Ness. Over time, that snapshot was easily debunked as a hoax created using a child’s toy submarine. However, Nessie still has both believers and skeptics all over the world today. But what species could it possibly be? There are several candidates as possibilities. First, the Loch Ness Monster could be a plesiosaur, or marine reptile from when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Is it feasible that some prehistoric creature has survived this long to have its own colony in the lake? The main issue would be a food source, and there are plenty of fish swimming there. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that some ocean beast somehow found its way into these waters and was forced to adapt. Another option could be that it’s some type of eel, which this area does have. Many sightings are certainly candidates to be debunked as fake or other known animals misidentified, but we can’t all be wrong. Myths and legends do begin with some element of truth. With the loch being over 800 feet deep and murky, it is very plausible that something could be living underwater and staying undetected. Countless sweeps and dives have been performed. There’s even a live webcam available 24/7 for anyone to surveil on their own. So what is this cryptid? Or is it even a cryptid at all? Hopefully, all will surface in due time eventually.
Is a monster swimming through Scotland?
