The Crypto-Zoology of Lake Wallenpaupack

During a recent vacation to Lake Wallenpaupack, I came across several species of fauna, not normally found in textbooks or field guides. Luckily, photos were taken. So, I present my findings to help expand the body of knowledge regarding this body of water.

Pirateous Turtalus

(Buccaneer Terrapin)

Not unusually sighted, this creature has been noted in many lakes. Its presence can be found throughout the natural history of the US. It is even spoken of in Native American tales. Often, this creature is less than kind in these stories, once carrying away an entire group of braves who tried to ride one.

These days, the creatures found are far more friendly and rarely drown their passengers. This particular specimen is seen keeping an eye on eggs that it laid near a dock.

Lupe Garoux Status

(Unmoving Werewolf)

One of the more interesting creatures, this member of the Werewolf family is a master of being immobile. It remains in wolf form regardless of the phases of the moon or the time of day. Little is known of its habits. Some scientists have spent years observing just a single specimen. Of course, as it doesn't move, their studies are unfinished. Funding for such efforts is hard to come by.

Merdogs

(Lake dwelling)

Merdogs are one of the more common of the Mer-creatures in the lake environs. Some many varieties exist that a field guide was in the process of being compiled by the late Dr. Edwin Calcetine, Ph.D. Unfortunately, Dr. Calcetine tried to get a closer look at a rare MerStBernard by hopping a ride on a Buccaneer Terrapin and has not been seen since. 

These two creatures were lured close to the shore with promises of tennis balls, which few Merdogs can resist.

Lakeside Fairy

(Tiger Swallowtail variety)

Second only to the Merdogs, Lakeside Fairies are found in huge numbers and varieties. Often mistaken for butterflies, these creatures are found near lakes, inlets, tributaries and, sometimes, swimming pools. They are known to congregate along the shore, sometimes feeding on algae and other microbes that may be found there. This particular group was meeting in a effort to pool their resources to attempt to take a tennis ball from the Merdogs. There is a theory that Lakeside Fairies are jealous of the fuss that humans make over Merdogs.

Lake Serpent

(in Stealth Mode)

Yes, it does look like a Mallard.

Upon closer examination of the photo, one will find that it is, in fact, not a duck but an adaptation. Many Lake Serpents have developed a part of their head that looks like a normal lake denizen (duck, beaver, inner tube, noodle). This way, they can move about the lake without being bothered by boats and swimmers. However, this particular serpent has attracted the attention of birders.

This is only a small sample of the creatures that could be inhabiting Lake Wallenpaupack. Word has it that Mermaids have been sighted. Normally found in the ocean, examples are beginning to be seen in lakes and ponds. It is currently under study by several experts in the field. Results are pending.