Loch Ness Monster vs Ogopogo: what's the difference?
Nessie and Ogopogo are the world's two most famous lake monsters, one in a Scottish loch and one in a deep lake in British Columbia. Both are described as long, dark animals with humps, but the details differ.
Side by side
Loch Ness MonsterOgopogo
Also calledNessie, NiseagN'ha-a-itk, Naitaka, Lake demon
WhereLoch Ness, Scottish HighlandsOkanagan Lake, British Columbia
First reportedSt Columba's encounter with a "water beast" in 565 AD; the modern legend from 1933Syilx (Okanagan) traditions of N'ha-a-itk; settler reports from the 1870s
Size20 to 40 ft (estimated)40 to 50 ft
HabitatDeep, cold freshwater lochDeep glacial lake
SignsLong neck and small head above the water; One or more humps; Large, unexplained wakes on calm daysSeveral humps in a line; A horse- or goat-like head; Dark green or black skin
Famous cases37
Witness stories00
The big differences
- Where: Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, compared with Okanagan Lake in BC's Okanagan Valley.
- Look: Nessie is usually a long neck and small head, like a plesiosaur. Ogopogo is more serpent-like: several humps in a line and a horse- or goat-like head.
- Size: Nessie estimates run 20 to 40 feet. Ogopogo is often said to be 40 to 50 feet.
- History: Nessie goes back to St Columba's 'water beast' in 565 AD, but the modern legend began in 1933. Ogopogo grew from Syilx (Okanagan) traditions of N'ha-a-itk and settler reports from the 1870s.
Could they be the same thing?
They're separate legends, but they share explanations offered by sceptics: boat wakes, swimming deer or moose, floating logs and standing waves on calm days. A 2018 DNA survey of Loch Ness found lots of eel DNA and no reptile DNA.
Which one did you see?
Probably Loch Ness Monster if…
- Scotland
- Long neck rising out of the water
- Small head
Probably Ogopogo if…
- British Columbia
- Row of humps, serpent-like
- Head like a horse or goat
Seen something like this? Report your encounter All about Loch Ness Monster All about Ogopogo