For hundreds of years the strange creature reported in Lake Okanagan has mystified residents and travelers. Most researchers consider the creature to be a Basilosaurus or Zeuglodon- a beast that was thought to have died out about two million years ago. Roy P. Mackal, working with about two hundred reports collected by Mary Moon, has created a description of the creature. In most ways, his description fits that of most water based creatures- a Loch Ness Monster-like beast.
The name Ogopogo originates from a music song and has been adapted to the creature. Most reports are of logs that seem to come to life and swim away.