Altamaha-ha

Infobox Paranormalcreatures
Creature_Name = Altamaha-Ha


Image_Caption =
Grouping = Cryptid
Sub_Grouping =
AKA =
Country = United States
Region = Altamaha River,Georgia
Habitat = Water
First_Reported = 1700s (+ Earlier Indian Legends)
Last_Sighted =
Status = UnconfirmedThe Altamaha-ha is an aquatic cryptid reported from the myriad network of small streams and abandoned rice fields near the mouth of the Altamaha River (after which it has been named) in southeastern Georgia, United States, particularly around Darien and elsewhere in McIntosh County. Those who claim to have seen it report it to be 10 to 50 feet in length. No physical evidence has been reported.

The Altamaha-ha often described as having snake or eel-like qualities (being reported in waterways where ordinary-sized eel species are common) and is said to traverse the river and streams in an undulating fashion with 2-3 "humps." It is said to have a tail that is horizontal, rather than vertical, like that of a porpoise.

There have been many reports of such a creature in southeastern Georgia (and a smaller number of similar reports in Florida) going back to at least the 1700s. The local Tama Indian tribe has legends of a giant, snake-like creature inhabiting the waters of and near the Altamaha RiverFact|date=April 2008 that presumably pre-date English settlement of the Georgia coast.

Some have speculated that the Altamaha-ha may be an oceanic cryptid which engages in reproductive spawning in the fresh waters in and around the Altamaha River. In any event, there have been several reports of what appear to be juvenile specimens of the creature, in addition to the more numerous sightings of what are presumed to be adults.

References

* [http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/031598/fea_floydcol.shtml Prehistoric creature may live in river] , "Augusta Chronicle", March 15, 1998