The Storsjö Monster
In a deep lake in central Sweden, people report a long creature with humps, and for 19 years it was officially a protected species.
What was reported
Storsjön, 'the Great Lake', in the province of Jämtland, has a long tradition of a large creature, often described with a long neck, humps and a dog-like head. A local legend from the 1600s tells of trolls who created it. Hundreds of sightings have been reported since the 19th century.
In 1894, a company was set up to catch it, with specially made traps, without success. In 1986, the county government declared the creature a protected species, a status that was removed in 2005.
Explanations offered
No body, bones or clear photographs have been found. Suggested explanations include large fish, swimming elk or deer, floating logs and waves. The monster is a beloved local symbol, and a camera project has watched the lake for it.
- When
- Reported since the 1600s
- Where
- Storsjön, Jämtland, Sweden
- Witnesses
- Hundreds of residents and visitors
- Status
- Unconfirmed
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