Located along the border of Quebec and Maine, about 37 miles south of Riviere-du-loup and approximately 155 miles from Quebec is Lake Pohenegamook. This frigid cold water lake has been the home of a legendary creature since the beginning of the area’s colonization around 1874.

Named Ponik in 1974 by locals during the celebrations for the centennial St Eleuthere this creature is described as being approximately 36 feet in length with a long; triple humped, serpent like body, two large flippers and a head which resembles that of a horse. Some accounts of Ponik include the addition of catfish like whisker, which have led some investigators to theorize that Ponik could possibly be an abnormally large species of catfish.

Ponik sightings remained relatively rare until 1957 when they jumped dramatically as the result of construction crews using dynamite in the creation of highway 289, which runs along the lakes shore. Sightings reportedly became so frequent that the local government began to issue special licenses which allowed individuals to hunt and trap the creature, the local press even offered up a 100 dollar reward of the capture or a photograph of Ponik.

The monster was never caught and was rumored to hide in underground caverns located at the point of the lake, near the Boucanee River. This cavern was said to travel under the nearby mountain and emptied into a lake on the opposite side where Ponik was able to retreat and live in peace.

Some scientists have suggested that gas deposits or gushing water sources at the bottom of the lake may explain Ponik sightings. Others have suggested that large pieces of submerged wood may occasionally surface for a few seconds only to sink back to the bottom due to their waterlogged weight. While others have suggested the misidentification of established animals like sturgeon, catfish and even swimming moose, whose heads, sticking above the water while swimming, do seem to fit some characteristics of Ponik’s description.

The Evidence
There is currently no physical evidence to suggest the existence of a creature like Ponik living in the waters of Lake Pohenegamook.

The Sightings
No documented sightings of Ponik could be found at this time.

The Stats – (Where applicable)

• Classification: Lake Monster
• Size: Roughly 36 feet long
• Weight: Unknown
• Diet: Unknown
• Location: Lake Pohenegamook, Canada
• Movement: Swimming
• Environment: Lake