In Search of Ogopogo: Sacred Creature of the Okanagan Waters

Patrick Colgan is Director of Research and Natural Lands at the Royal
Botanical Gardens.

Cryptozoology remains a popular genre—hence this latest book from
Kelowna resident Arlene Gaal. The text covers folk history, details of
numerous “sightings,” local excitement, the impact of tourists on
the Okanagan area, and accounts of beasties in other localities.
Accompanying illustrations depict colorful imaginations of creatures,
earnest searchers, and blurry waterscapes. The result is a rare blend of
paleontology and hoopla.

Unfortunately, both evidence and reason are lacking in this volume.
There’s no evidential carcass or rational account of how a population
of these beasties could thrive. But sustaining the myth is good for
business.