Hunting the Loch Ness Monster - 18th September 2023

The largest search for the Loch Ness Monster in 50 years occurred in Scotland recently. Experts and amateur cryptozoologists came to probe the loch for evidence of the creature.

Advanced devices aided Nessie believers in their hunt as they used hydrophones to test for large mammal sounds, sonar to map the bottom of the loch and thermal imaging drones to scan for heat signatures. Less high tech strategies were employed by nearly 300 volunteers walking the shores as well as watching livestreams of the loch online.

Days before the hunt began, locals reported hearing weird sounds, four distinctive 'gloops', but unfortunately their recording equipment wasn't plugged in. Head of Loch Ness Exploration Alan McKenna speculated that these "may well be gas escaping from the bottom of the loch, it could be an animal of course, it could be the elusive Loch Ness monster."

McKenna also announced there had been a series of potential sightings over the weekend, although they must review the evidence before assuming its validity.

Since Aldie Mackay's sighting of the monster 90 years ago, tourists and monster hunters have been drawn to Scotland with studies estimating the legend contributes $51 million to the Scottish economy annually.

Even though the search resulted in no concrete proof, Nessie believers remain motivated. For volunteer Malcolm Begg, the legend is a diplodocus, a Jurassic aquatic dinosaur, but his daughter, 8 year old Alba, has a different theory. "I think she has babies and she's looking after them right now. So, that's why she's hiding from us."

As for McKenna, Nessie's more than an animal. Nessie's about exploring the outdoors, having fun and believing in something more than what we see. He also believes in collecting evidence and reviewing it thoroughly. After all, you just never know.