American Bestiary

Originally dubbed 'Slimy Slim' by the national press, it was officially renamed 'Sharlie' in a 1954 newspaper contest honoring a popular radio catchphrase 'Vas you der, Sharlie?'.

A sea serpent measuring 30 to 40 feet in length. It possesses shell-like skin, camel-like humps, a dinosaur-type head, and heavily pronounced jaws.

Thrives in the deep, alpine freshwater environment of Payette Lake near McCall, Idaho.

It acts as a stealthy aquatic predator, frequently remaining motionless to perfectly mimic a floating log before suddenly revealing its reptilian form. When swimming, it moves rapidly, continually diving and creating a wake equivalent to a small motorboat.

Predating Western settlement, Native American legends warned of an evil spirit dwelling in the lake. Modern sightings began in 1920 by timber workers and persisted regularly through 1997.