Skip to content

PHOTO: Harrison’s own Ogopogo?

Serpentine cryptids haven’t been documented in Harrison since the 1930s
23418623_web1_201126-AHO-OgopogoPhoto-Ogopogo_1
Richard Probert captured what could be a distant cousin to the beloved Ogopogo, taken at Harrison Lake. Historically, serpent-like cryptids in Canada aren’t known to have tentacles springing out the front. Whle it’s likely a fallen tree, the dragon-like silhouette captured Probert’s imagination. (Contributed Photo/Richard Probert)

Ogopogo or no-gopogo?

Inspired by the editorial “Tales from the Crypt(id) Keeper” in the Observer’s Oct. 29 edition, local photographer and cryptid spotter Richard Probert submitted a photo he snapped of a shadowy figure emerging from the waters of Harrison Lake.

Although quite possibly a fallen tree or branch, the figure’s resemblance to the famed serpentine creature Ogopogo can’t be denied, from its horse-like head to its snake-like body. It’s unclear, however, if there have been any serpent sightings to date have included what appear to be tentacles extending a few feet in front of the head.

WATCH: Sasquatch stomps in the rain

RELATED: Have you heard the legend of Shuswaggi, the Shuswap Lake monster?

According to Probert, local historian Belle Randall – author of the book “Healing Waters” first published in 1981 – stated that a sea serpent was spotted back in 1934 in Harrison Lake. Six years earlier, a sea monster was reported near Port Douglas at the north end of Harrison Lake.

Past the early 20th century, reported sightings of water serpents in the area were virtually silent.

Though there’s likely a more mundane explanation to the shadows in Probert’s picture than an actual cryptid, if it tells us anything, it’s that the legends are alive and well.


Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
news@ahobserver.com


Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.



About the Author: Adam Louis

Read more