Champ continues to be the subject of potentially promising research.

The work of Tom Manley and his colleagues at Middlebury College has involved mapping Lake Champlain using side scan sonar. While their primary objective is not Champ-related, they have yet to find evidence of the creature.

Of equal interest is the research conducted by Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, who, using sophisticated listening devices, has reported detecting the presence of a creature echolocating in the lake. Also called called bio-sonar, echolocation is the way that certain creature move about and find their food. Muggenthaler says that the only two creatures capable of making such sounds that she and her colleagues recorded, are dolphins and whales – neither of which reside in the lake. So what is it?  She plans to do more research with Winooski-based Champ expert Scott Mardis, in hopes of gathering sufficient data with which to publich a scientific paper on the subject.  Fascinating stuff.

With each passing year, more and more people are attracted to the lake as the human population on both sides, swells. This should also increase the likelihood of getting a good photograph or video, or someone spotting a carcass washed ashore.  If Champ lives, one can expect with all of the hand-held mobile phones out there, someone will get a decent picture – IF.

A good photo, or more conclusive results from Dr. Muggenthaler, could generate more funding for Champ research, but ultimately, for the type of proof requied by the scientific community, nothing short of a body will do.

Robert