EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Explanation:   Deep in the high Cascade Mountains of Oregon lies O'Dell Lake, carved by glaciers during the last ice age.  For many years, local residents have reported sighting a strange, serpent-like form in its frigid waters.  Perhaps it is kin to "Champie" of Lake Champlain in Vermont, Ogopogo of Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, Cadborosaurus of British Columbia in Canada, Nessie of Loch Ness in Scotland, Irmo of Loch Murray in South Carolina, and others.   The creature in O'Dell Lake has likewise been nicknamed affectionately Oregon's "Dellie."

Many recent sightings of Dellie have been reported to local authorities and analyzed by leading cryptobiologists.  The picture above is an artist's composite of the sightings -- a long thin form with a regal sweeping crest on the head.  It is presumed that a population of Dellies inhabits the lake.  A local myth has it that local Native Americans had captured them for food, although the meat of Dellie never sat particularly well.   

As surveys proceed, scientists hope to uncover the mystery of Dellie, to conserve this remarkable species, and even some day to prevent its extinction through captive propagation.  

Information:  Many thanks to my local colleagues who provided data on this species, and to the anonymous artist of O'Dell Lodge who provided this week's picture, and in case you haven't realized it, this week spans the date of April First which in our silly American culture means April Fools from EPOW!