Americana: The Champ of Champlain

Not many people are aware that Nessie, the serpentine monster that is said to inhabit Scotland's Loch Ness, has an American cousin cruising the depths of Lake Champlain between Vermont and New York. Champ, as the lake monster is called, was first reported in 1609 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain. Since then there have been some 100 purported sightings of the serpent, which is said to measure anywhere from 10 ft. to 45 ft. and to have a horse-shaped head bearing two tiny horns. Over the centuries, Champ has managed to take care of himself quite well. Now two local governments are moving to ensure that no harm comes to the creature in his dotage. Last October the town trustees of Port Henry, N.Y., declared the adjacent waters of Lake Champlain "off limits to anyone who would in any way harm, harass or destroy" Champ, and Vermont legislators are thinking of designating the monster an endangered species.

The lawmakers do not enjoy unanimous support, however. One Clifford Rollins of Rutland, Vt, claiming to be weary of the "hocus pocus" surrounding the monster, is offering a $500 bounty to anyone "who can deliver me Champ's hide, dead or alive." So far, no one has tried to collect.