The question of “what is the Loch Ness monster” is as legendary as the mythical creature herself.” But now? Scientists say they may have an idea about what ‘Nessie’ is…of course, IF she exists.
The prevailing theory? An eel. In what’s been called the “most extensive study ever carried out on the United Kingdom's largest body of freshwater,” 250 samples were taken with the goal of cataloging the DNA of all living species in the loch. The big winner? Eels.
"There is a very significant amount of eel DNA,” says Professor Neil Gemmell. “Eels are very plentiful in Loch Ness…our data doesn't reveal their size, but the sheer quantity of the material says that we can't discount the possibility that there may be giant eels in Loch Ness.”
Perhaps not surprisingly, this news comes as the global, two-hour special “Loch Ness Monster: New Evidence,” is set to premiere on Sunday, September 15 at 8pm on Travel Channel in the US. The documentary will explore the various hoaxes associated with the lake, as well as the new research.
Source: BBC News
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